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Orthotics Specialist

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS -  - Orthopedics

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS

Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, & Podiatry located in Merrillville, IN

If you regularly experience foot, leg, or back pain, and it doesn’t respond to ice, rest, or activity modification, consider custom orthotics. At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons regularly prescribe orthotics to relieve musculoskeletal pain, enhance mobility, and improve the quality of life. To make an appointment, call the practice in Merrillville, Indiana, or book a consultation online today.

Orthotics Q & A

What are orthotics?

An orthotic is a custom-crafted shoe insert or heel pad designed to support the unique curvature of your foot. The custom design provides long-term relief for chronic musculoskeletal issues like foot, back, or leg pain. If you’ve tried various treatment options but continue to suffer, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants can help.

What types of issues can orthotics help treat?

At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, the providers use orthotics to treat various issues, including:

  • Structural abnormalities
  • Ankle instability
  • Heel pain
  • Foot and ankle pain
  • Leg pain
  • Back pain
  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Flat feet
  • Hammertoes
  • Bursitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • High arches

If you play sports or lead a physically active lifestyle, orthotics can even help reduce the risk of an injury.

What are the types of orthotics?

Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants offers several types of orthotics, including:

Rigid orthotics

Rigid orthotics feature hard, inflexible materials, like plastic or carbon fiber, and fit comfortably inside close-toed shoes. These orthotics relieve aches and pains and reduce strain on your legs, thighs, and lower back.  

Accommodative orthotics

Accommodative orthotics feature soft, cushion-like materials. They relieve pain caused by pressure or overuse and provide your feet with an extra layer of protection. Accommodative orthotics are bulkier than rigid orthotics, so you might need to wear them with prescription shoes.

What does getting custom orthotics involve?

At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, getting custom orthotics takes two visits.

First orthotics visit

At your first visit, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if activities like work or exercise make it worse.

Next, your provider examines your feet and orders diagnostic imaging to rule out underlying issues like fractures or dislocated joints. If your provider determines that you can benefit from orthotics, they take 3D scans of your feet.

Afterward, your provider sends your scans to a podiatry lab that designs and manufactures a pair of custom orthotics.

Second orthotics visit

When the podiatry lab completes your custom orthotics, you return to Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants and try them on. Your provider makes adjustments as necessary and explains how to keep your orthotics in optimal condition.

To see if you’re a candidate for custom orthotics, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants. Call the office or book online today.