Custom orthotics can alleviate foot, leg, and lower back pain by providing additional arch support, cushioning, and stability. Orthotics, also called orthoses, are devices that are inserted in the shoes to correct an irregular walking pattern. We offer custom orthotics at Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellefontaine, where Dr. Eric Anderson, Dr. Richard Jennings, or Dr. Melitta Simmons can help you decide if custom orthotics are right for you.

How Orthotics Help

Orthotics help correct irregular or abnormal walking patterns that can lead to pain in the feet, legs, knees, hips, and lower back. Orthotics help by providing additional stability, cushioning, and arch support. It is possible to purchase over-the-counter orthotics and they can provide some relief. However, for maximum cushioning, stability, and support, as well relief from pain, custom orthotics are best. Custom orthotics are made to fit your unique foot structure so they can correct a wider range of symptoms.

Custom orthotics help in the following ways:

• Improved alignment in the feet and lower extremities
• Reduced strain on the feet and ankles
• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Improved stability and balance
• Additional cushioning
• Better arch support

Types of Custom Orthotics

We offer three types of custom orthotics at our office in Bellefontaine. Our experienced podiatrists can recommend a custom orthotic that can best meet your needs.

• Rigid Orthotics reduce pain in the legs and lower back by correcting foot positioning when walking. Rigid custom orthotics can benefit patients with pain in the legs or lower back due to an irregular walking pattern.
• Semi-Rigid Orthotics provide stability and improve balance by correcting foot positioning and alignment. Semi-rigid custom orthotics can help athletes and patients with flat feet who need additional arch support.
• Soft Orthotics provide support, cushioning, and shock absorption, while alleviating pressure on the balls of the feet. Soft orthotics can benefit patients with arthritis in the feet and ankles, as well as patients with foot deformities or diabetes-related foot problems.

Custom orthotics might be just what you need if you are experiencing foot, leg, or lower back pain after walking or running. The podiatry professionals at our office in Bellefontaine can fit your for custom orthotics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson, Dr. Jennings, or Dr. Simmons, call Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists at (937) 599-3668 for the Bellefontaine office or at (937) 322-3346 for our Springfield location.

Exercise is an important aspect of keeping our bodies healthy and happy. That’s why it’s so important to wear the correct shoes for certain activities. Whether you’re an athlete, workout buff, or enjoy walking and hiking, you need the proper footwear. It makes the difference between enjoying your favorite activities and sitting out with an avoidable injury. Talk to your podiatrist to have your feet evaluated for your future workout needs.

• Running requires shoes with shock absorption. Your feet take on a lot of pressure and friction. Cushioning your shoes in the correct areas keeps you from feeling the pain. 
• Traction is important in sports that need quick changes in direction and sprinting, like basketball. Traction should never be too high or low. The right shoes keep you from slipping on the floor while letting you move and pivot.
• Ankle support is a must. It limits the side-to-side movement that knocks your ankle out of alignment. This kind of support keeps ankle sprains at bay. For sports like basketball, hockey, skiing, and skating, make sure that your shoes aren’t too high. Otherwise, they will dig into your Achilles tendon. You can also wear soft ankle braces.
• Arch support varies for everyone. Your podiatrist can test your foot to determine your gait. Depending on the results, your podiatrist can recommend orthotics or special shoe inserts.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet that is typically characterized by itchy, burning patches of skin between the toes that may also crack or bleed. Since untreated athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails, it’s particularly important that you treat this problem as soon as you notice it. Athlete’s foot won’t typically clear up by itself; however, home remedies and treatments may be all you need to eliminate the fungal infection.

Treating Athlete’s Foot

If you are an otherwise healthy individual who is just dealing with an unfortunate bout of athlete’s foot chances are pretty good that you’ll be able to treat the problem on your own. There are a variety of over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments that can be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to read and follow all instructions to ensure that the medication gets rid of the infection.

Along with properly treating your athlete’s foot it’s also important to keep feet as dry as possible. After all, fungus thrives best in warm, damp environments. By keeping feet dry you make it a less hospitable environment for this infection. This means wearing clean socks and shoes every day. Opt for socks with natural fibers, which are breathable and can wick away sweat. If your feet are particularly sweaty you can also apply an antifungal powder throughout the day.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you find that cracked, painful feet are making it difficult to stand or move around then this means it’s time to see a podiatrist for treatment; however, if the fungal infection isn’t impacting mobility then you may be able to treat the problem on your own with over-the-counter medications.

If you notice signs of an infection such as a swollen foot, pus draining from the foot, increased redness, or open sores it’s also important that you see a doctor right away. Antibiotics will be necessary in order to treat the infection.

If you are dealing with diabetes, nerve damage in your feet or other problems that impact the health of your feet it’s even more important that you see a podiatrist right away if you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot or other problems. Do not try to treat the infection on your own, as this could lead to more serious complications.

If you are dealing with persistent or recurring athlete’s foot it’s important that you also have a podiatrist that you can turn to for answers. While this condition may seem harmless it’s important that you don’t leave it untreated. A podiatrist can provide you with the treatment you’re looking for.