Your feet have been hurting, and you decide to see your podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Kensington, MD. 
While you're pleased that Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank and Dr. Adam Lowry are board-certified foot and ankle surgeons, you're also relieved that your plantar fasciitis doesn't need surgery. Learn why these custom-made shoes inserts are right for you.
What are orthotics?
You've heard of over-the-counter insoles and heel cups. While they have some benefit for very mild podiatric conditions, these store-bought products lack precision fit and high-quality materials. They just won't serve the needs of diabetics, of people with sports injuries, and of patients who have malformations such as bunions and hammertoes.
A great alternative is a pair of custom-fitted and custom-crafted orthotics from your podiatrist in Kensington, MD. These comfortable inserts are molded for your individual foot shape and gait. They provide proper biomechanical balance, so you place your feet on the ground correctly, relieve pressure and friction and accommodate wounds, sores, and the discomforts associated with arthritis.
The American Podiatric Medical Association says that only your podiatrist can understand fully how your feet and ankles operate in conjunction with your daily activities and your overall health. That's why the foot doctor is your best source for correct diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle issues.
Getting orthotics
After your examination and imaging at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, you found out you have an inflammatory condition called plantar fasciitis. Affecting the band of connective tissue which stretches from the calcaneus, or heel bone, to the base of the toes, this inflammatory condition causes considerable pain. However, it responds well to many conservative treatments such as physical therapy, stretching and yes, customized orthotics.
Orthotics generally fall into three categories: rigid, to correct the motion of the foot and ankle, semi-rigid, to balance and support the foot, and soft, to cushion feet which have wounds or arthritic joints. Your foot doctor will tell you which one is right for you.
He'll take molds of your feet to ensure proper construction and fit and adjust your orthotics so they accommodate your problem and help your feet function as they should. Regarding plantar fasciitis, your orthotics will correct any overpronation, or continual movement of the foot toward the midline as you walk, and give you proper arch support.
Have happy feet
Custom-made orthotics from Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland can help. If you have additional questions about your orthotics or another foot or ankle issue, please call the office. We have 4 offices to serve you: Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington and Silver Spring, MD.