Do You Suffer From Heel Pain? Consider Custom Orthotics

Heel discomfort is the most common reason patients visit a podiatrist. Bearing weight and walking put stress on the sensitive tissues that make up your feet, and for many, this stress presents as heel pain. 

At A Step Up Podiatry, in Manalapan, NJ, board-certified podiatrist Sanjay Gandhi, DPM, offers a wide range of treatment options for heel pain, including custom orthotics.

Here’s how he explains to patients what custom orthotics can do to alleviate heel pain.

Common causes of heel pain

Your heel is comprised of several parts, including the calcaneus (heel bone), which serves as the rounded foundation of your foot, the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that begins at the heel and runs along the base of your foot, and your Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to the heel bone. 

Heel pain can occur from any of these components. The pain may be chronic, or it can flare suddenly, causing debilitating pain. 

It can be caused by an underlying problem or by a genetic foot shape, such as flat feet or high arches.

Among the most common underlying causes of heel pain are:

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia
• Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon
• Heel spurs: Deposits of calcium that form on the base of your heel
• Flat feet: Feet without sufficient arch support
• Bursitis: This is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints.
• Stress fractures: These are caused by repetitive strain or sudden increases in activity.

The way you walk, run, or stand can also generate or worsen heel pain. 

When these conditions develop, standard footwear can’t provide appropriate stabilization. This lack of support can exacerbate inflammation.

How custom orthotics address heel discomfort

Custom orthotics alter how physical forces act on your feet during movement. By realigning your joints and distributing your weight more evenly, custom devices reduce the strain placed on the plantar fascia and other sensitive tissues.

Creating your personalized orthotics

Dr. Gandhi begins with a physical examination of your feet and an analysis of your gait. Next, he takes a precise three-dimensional impression of your feet using advanced imaging technology.

These digital models are sent to a specialized laboratory, along with a specific prescription tailored to your clinical needs for fabrication. 

Once your orthotics arrive, Dr. Gandhi checks their fit to ensure they provide the exact support you need. This personalized approach addresses the root cause of your pain rather than just masking the symptoms.

If you're tired of dealing with foot pain, contact us today to discuss your options. Call our office at 732-446-7136 or request an appointment online.