You may be familiar with the term ‘orthotics’ if you’ve ever experienced foot pain or seen a podiatrist who mentioned orthotics in Dallas, TX. At Treat Your Feet, we specialize in shoes and orthotics in Dallas TX that are designed to lessen pain and make walking easier. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts, prescribed by a physician – usually, but not always, a doctor of podiatric medicine – that are made to accommodate or correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern. Walking pattern changes can happen as a result of a variety of foot and leg conditions that include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Contents
Plantar fasciitis is heel pain that results from overuse of the plantar fascia, which is a band of fibrous tissue that extends from the heel and connects to the base of the toes. In addition to overuse, plantar fasciitis can happen when the arch of the foot isn’t properly supported.
Neuromas and Metatarsalgia
Neuromas that occur between the toes are a common foot complaint. Neuromas are described as pinched nerves or nerve tumors that are benign but that can cause pain, tingling, a burning sensation and numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain in the ball of the foot. It’s sometimes called a ‘stone bruise.’
IT Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band of tissue runs down the outside of each hip to below the knee and can become painful if overused or if stress is placed on it. IT band syndrome is common in runners whose feet hit the ground at odd angles, which can radiate pain and strain up the side of the leg. The structure of the foot and wearing shoes that are worn out are just two of the reasons that feet may hit the ground at angles that cause IT band pain.
Shin Splints
Shin splints or periostitis is an inflammation of the dense membrane of connective tissue that surrounds the bones. Shin splints present as pain along the shin or tibia, that can develop over the course of several weeks. It is usually considered a runner’s injury and happens for a variety of reasons including poor training, poor running technique, poor equipment or problems with the structure of the foot.
Call your family physician or podiatrist first to discuss your pain and whether or not orthotics are right for you. Once the determination is made that orthotics will help you and you live in North Texas, come see us for your orthotics in Dallas, TX.