Before we talk about how orthotics can improve your health, let’s get one thing out of the way: We aren’t talking about the inserts you can buy at your local drugstore. Both Dr. Richard Nichols and Dr. Joseph Harvey at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists prescribe custom orthotics for patients who need them. These medical devices are custom fit to your body and require a prescription.
We do offer on an over-the-counter brand of orthotics that don’t require a prescription. However, purchasing them with the guidance of Drs. Nichols or Harvey is an entirely different thing than standing on a machine while you wait in line to buy your vitamins.
Now we can talk about why you might actually want custom orthotics! If you’re worried about looking like your grandpa, here are some facts that may help you reconsider.
Orthotics Correct a Problem
Your doctor wouldn’t have prescribed custom orthotics for you if you didn’t have a problem. Whether you have flat feet, joint inflammation, plantar fasciitis, or some other issue, orthotics may help.
Simply continuing to live with whatever your problem is could mean that it will worsen. It may also mean that you’ll continue to live with pain. Orthotics could help prevent the worsening of your condition.
Less Pain Is Good for Your Health
Living with pain has physical effects, and none of them are beneficial. For example, your blood pressure may be higher when you’re in pain. Chronic hypertension is a well-documented health risk.
Similarly, whatever the issue with your feet, it may well cause pain in your knees, hips, or back, meaning your pain has spread -- and the negative effects spread as well. You may not be able to sleep well, exercise, or even relax comfortably.
Orthotics can help alleviate the problem causing your pain. You may find your blood pressure becomes lower, your sleep improves, and you generally feel better when you become accustomed to wearing your orthotics.
You’ll Be Able to Do More
Your orthotics lead to less pain and better mobility, and that may allow you to do things you haven’t been able to do in quite some time. Maybe you feel guilty for not taking a walk after work? Orthotics can make that a more appealing choice.
Exercise is critical for good mental and physical health. However, if walking is painful, you probably don’t feel like exercising. Orthotics can improve your ability to exercise.
The bottom line is that orthotics don’t simply address a foot problem. Instead, they improve your overall health. If you’d like to learn more about how orthotics can help and the many styles of orthotics available to you, book an appointment at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists today.
You can schedule a consultation at either of our locations simply by calling. To book an appointment at our Grapevine office call 817-481-4000, or if you prefer our Keller office, call 817-741-4800.