Did you know that each foot contains 26 bones? This means that one-quarter of the body's bones are found in the feet. Each foot also consists of over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, along with 30 joints. With so many moving parts in the foot, it's no wonder than many people experience foot pain and suffer with various foot conditions. Thankfully, some of these foot conditions are easily treated by orthotics. Some orthotics are custom-made shoes, while others are simply inserts that go inside the shoe.
Here are three foot conditions that orthopedists commonly treat with orthotics.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
This condition is characterized by heel pain and means that the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot is inflamed. This band of tissue is called the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes.
Abnormal gait patterns, wearing the wrong shoes, and suddenly engaging in high-stress activities, such as jogging, are all causes of plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can help to minimize stress on the plantar fascia.
2. Bunions
A bony bump on the base of the big toe is called a bunion. Wearing shoes that are too tight is one of the most common causes of bunions. This is due to the fact that tight shoes can cause some of the bones in the front of the foot to move out of place.
Certain foot shapes or structures can also increase the chances of bunions. These foot structures are hereditary and can include low arches and flat feet. Orthotics can help to restore motion to the affected joint as well as keep the foot positioned correctly so that a new bunion doesn't form. In some cases, bunions are surgically removed.
3. Metatarsalgia
The metatarsal bones are the long bones that connect the ankle to the toe. When these bones are overused, it causes the ball of the foot to become painful and inflamed and results in a condition called metatarsalgia. Common causes of this foot condition include participating in high-impact sports, foot deformities, being overweight, and stress fractures. Wearing high heels or shoes that don't fit properly also causes metatarsalgia.
When the foot has a high arch or the second toe is longer than the big toe, it is more susceptible to having metatarsalgia. People who suffer with metatarsalgia can get orthotics with a built-in metatarsal pad that reduces pressure on the ball of the foot.
For more information on how orthotics can help you, talk to an orthopedist like those at Bio Tech Prosthetics and Orthotics.
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