If you're experiencing frequent pain in your feet or other parts of your body, your orthopedist may recommend wearing orthotics. These special devices can be worn on certain parts of the body to help address structural, alignment, and balance problems that often contribute to chronic pain. Orthotics may also be prescribed to treat injuries and speed the recovery process. Here are just some of the conditions that orthotics may correct.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a foot problem that occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and causes persistent pain. Whether your plantar fasciitis is caused by an injury, a structural problem, or wearing ill-fitting shoes, orthotic inserts can be placed into your footwear to alleviate pain and promote healing. Your orthopedist may even suggest that you wear specially designed orthotic shoes if the foot problems that are causing plantar fasciitis are particularly severe.

Bunions

If you've been diagnosed with bunions, orthotics can be worn to give the painful bumps on your big toes extra space so that your shoes won't apply pressure that contributes to your suffering. However, your orthopedist may still recommend surgery if your bunions are large or causing you pain that can't be relieved entirely with nonsurgical treatments.

Foot Drop

Foot drop is a condition that causes difficulties with lifting a foot while walking. If you have this condition, you may notice that the affected foot drags on the ground instead of lifting when you take a step. An AFO, or ankle-foot orthosis, may be prescribed by your orthopedist to improve your gait. This brace will be worn over your lower leg to help control movements of your foot better while stabilizing its position.

Osteoarthritis

An orthotic knee brace may be used in conjunction with medication and possible surgical treatment to help treat this common knee condition. Wearing a brace can help stabilize the knee and alleviate stress in areas where the pain is felt. The extra cushioning that many orthotic knee braces provide may help reduce pain even further.

Scoliosis

This unusual curvature of the spine can sometimes be corrected with spinal orthoses. Orthotic back braces are often prescribed to children with scoliosis but often work well for adults with the condition. Some of the most common spinal orthoses that are used to help treat scoliosis include the Boston, Milwaukee, and Charleston bending brace. A Providence brace can be worn while sleeping to help treat scoliosis when the body is inactive.

Orthotics can help treat a variety of conditions that affect certain parts of the body to improve functioning. Your orthopedist can recommend the best orthotic option for you based on your examination.