Orthotics

Consider orthotics if you have foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, such as icing and resting. At Mastracco Foot & Ankle in North Canton, Ohio, Dominick Mastracco, DPM, AACFAS, offers custom and over-the-counter orthotics to people of all ages. To see if you can benefit from orthotics for a foot or ankle problem, call the office or book an appointment online today. 

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are heel pads or inserts that slip inside your shoes. They provide support for your foot or ankle, improving your comfort, mobility, and independence.

What types of problems can orthotics treat?

At Mastracco Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mastracco uses orthotics to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Bursitis
• Flat feet
• Diabetic ulcers
• Hammertoes
• Heel spurs
• High arches
• Plantar fasciitis

You might also benefit from orthotics if you suffer a traumatic foot or ankle injury. Orthotics can provide extra support for your feet and ankles, encouraging your body’s natural healing process. 

What kinds of orthotics are available?

At Mastracco Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mastracco offers several types of orthotics, including:

Rigid orthotics

Rigid orthotics are made from plastic or other stiff materials. They fit inside your shoes and help relieve aches or pains in your calves, ankles, and feet. These orthotics work best with closed-toed, low-heeled shoes.

Flexible orthotics

Flexible orthotics are squishy and made from soft materials. They take pressure off painful areas, such as diabetic ulcers, blisters, or calluses. Flexible orthotics typically require special footwear because they’re bulky and padded.

Over-the-counter orthotics

If you have mild foot or ankle pain because of a structural abnormality, like flat feet, Dr. Mastracco might recommend over-the-counter orthotics. Over-the-counter orthotics can be found at grocery stores or pharmacies. They aren’t as tough as custom orthotics, but they typically last two or three years with proper care*.

What does getting orthotics involve?

At Mastracco Foot & Ankle, getting orthotics takes two visits about a week apart.

Dr. Mastracco reviews your medical records, discusses your symptoms, and examines your feet and ankles. He also orders X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your feet.

If he determines you can benefit from orthotics, he takes three-dimensional scans of your feet. Then, he sends your scans to a podiatry lab that creates a set of custom orthotics. When the lab finishes your orthotics, about a week later, you return to Mastracco Foot & Ankle and try them on.

If over-the-counter orthotics is the better choice, Dr. Mastracco recommends a specific type of insert to look for and explains where you can find it. 

To explore your options for orthotics, call Mastracco Foot & Ankle or book an appointment online today. 

*Individual results may vary