How Custom Orthotics Can Help With Knee, Hip, and Lower Back Pain

The lower body endures quite a bit of stress and strain throughout the day just from performing regular activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods. The constant stress and strain can lead to discomfort or pain in the knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics help alleviate the pain by providing additional cushioning, stability, and support. Dr. Gary Rogers, the board-certified podiatrist at Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL, offers custom orthotics. 

How Custom Orthotics Alleviate Pain

Custom orthotics are also known as orthoses and are devices placed inside the shoes. The orthotics are tailor-made for the unique foot structure of each patient so they fit perfectly and address individual needs, such as an irregular gait. Issues such as overpronation, flat feet, or extremely high arches can all contribute to pain in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back.

Custom orthotics provide additional cushioning, stability, and support for the feet and legs, which can minimize pain and discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics also help place the feet and ankles in the proper position so they do not roll inward or outward as much when walking, standing, or running. Placing the feet in the correct position also helps improve the alignment of the knees, hips, and lower back, which helps alleviate pain and discomfort. 

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

It is possible to purchase over-the-counter shoe inserts intended to provide additional cushioning and support, but they do not deliver the same level of benefits as custom orthotics. Over-the-counter inserts are made to fit a range of sizes so they might not fit properly. Additionally, over-the-counter inserts typically only last a few months, whereas custom orthotics are long-lasting. Finally, since over-the-counter inserts are not made to conform to your unique foot structure, they can aggravate existing problems.

The custom orthotics offered at our Wilmette, IL, podiatry office deliver numerous benefits, including:

• Custom-made to fit each patient’s unique foot structure
• Provide an optimal level of cushioning, stability, and support 
• Alleviate pain in the feet, ankles, hips, legs and lower back
• Provide extra support for the arches, heels, and ankles
• Reduce stress and strain on the feet and ankles
• Distribute weight more evenly across the feet
• Prevent foot problems from becoming worse
• Improve foot mechanics and alignment 
• Correct an abnormal or irregular gait
• Improve balance and stability
• Alleviate pressure spots

Custom orthotics help alleviate pain and discomfort in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back by correcting alignment and providing additional cushioning, stability, and support. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rogers to be fitted for custom orthotics by calling Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL, at (847) 256-4434.