To have good feet, it is essential to take care of the health of your feet. They support us, serve as our main means of locomotion, and are particularly sensitive. They deserve to be well treated and possibly supported, especially with the help of a plantar orthosis.
Orthosis Or Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is a device intended to replace a limb, an organ, or a joint. Their use dates back to ancient times, and one of the oldest prostheses found has been dated to ancient Egypt. An orthosis compensates for an absent or deficient function. It can assist a joint or a muscle and stabilize a part of the body. For example, a plantar orthosis will be used to rebalance the hyper pressure points under the foot, which can become painful and for orthotics services.
Are All Foot Orthotics The Same?
Like medication, the plantar orthosis is part of a treatment that must be calculated, dosed, and adjusted for the patient. The podiatrist is the expert who can assess how the orthosis will benefit you. There are two kinds: orthoses that surround all or part of the foot, sometimes up to the ankle, which includes orthopedic shoes, and orthoses placed under the foot. The podiatric orthosis is a sole that is inserted into a city shoe or an orthopedic shoe to prevent pathologies resulting from walking, running, illness, or surgery.
In any case, they need to be adapted to the morphology of the foot and the problem to be corrected, including the ready-to-use insoles found on the market and in pharmacies.
In Which Cases May One Need To Wear A Plantar Orthosis?
The following situations may call for the need to opt for a podiatric orthosis:
reduce pain in case of corns on the foot by absorption of the point of contact
reduce pain in the event of hallux valgus (outward deformation of the big toe, or bunion): a splint immobilizes the big toe joint and limits its deformation
provide adequate support for the foot, especially when the feet are hollow or flat, from birth or following an illness
hemiplegia following a stroke, sequelae of poliomyelitis: foot elevators will be used in patients with paralysis of the foot elevator muscles
the difference in leg height, clawed toes, calcaneal spur (bony growth in the heel): heel pads, pads, or orthopedic insoles can correct the foot statically and reduce pain
plantar fasciitis (or aponeurosis) that causes heel pain
hammertoe
What Is A Hammertoe?
A muscle imbalance in the foot can cause deformity. The joints of the toe are then contracted or inflection. This infection can be hereditary as caused by unsuitable shoes. The discomfort caused by hammertoes can be relieved by wearing a shoe of the correct length and width with a wide and deep vamp (the top of the shoes) to prevent the toes from continually rubbing against the top of the shoe.
Custom-made foot orthoses can stabilize the foot muscles. Finger orthoses (arthroplasties) will protect the pressure points on the toe.
What Are The Latest Developments In Plantar Orthotics?
Technology is everywhere, including in the field of podiatric orthotics. “Intelligent” soles begin to appear with their procession of registered patents. They promise an effect on posture and a cushioning effect.
Today, your podiatrist has a range of solutions wide enough not to let you suffer. Unfortunately, a subsidiary question remains unanswered: will he find a solution if you are on foot?