Orthotics Specialist
-
- Tweet
Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers
Gary M. Kazmer, DPM
Podiatrist located in Elgin, IL & Barrington, IL
Orthotics can be designed to help relieve pain and other symptoms that occur as a result of many different types of foot and ankle problems. Dr. Kazmer is a leading provider of custom orthotics in the Chicago area, with practices in Barrington and Elgin, IL, to help patients find the relief they need for greater mobility without pain.
Orthotics Q & A
What is an orthotic?
An orthotic is a special insert that's designed to be worn inside a shoe to correct an issue that's causing pain, balance problems or other issues. Orthotics also may be used to help support the foot during healing following surgery or after an accident or traumatic injury. Orthotics are made of very durable materials like leather or synthetics. They are custom made for each patient based on that person's medical issues, foot shape and other factors. Orthotics can be designed to evenly distribute weight and pressure and to cushion specific areas and prevent friction. Many orthotics can also be used to correct gait issues and to improve mobility.
What types of issues can orthotics address?
Custom orthotics can be used to provide relief for many issues, including:
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Corns and calluses
- Neuropathies and neuromas
- Arthritis
- Flatfeet and high arches
Plus, orthotics can be designed to fit inside different types of shoes, including athletic shoes and dress shoes.
Can't I just buy shoe inserts at the grocery store?
Over-the-counter shoe inserts and orthotic products available at drug stores, grocery stores and other retail locations are not designed to address the specific needs of an individual patient. Instead, they're mass produced for the general public using very general guidelines. That means when it comes to providing long-term relief and correcting serious underlying issues, they are no match for custom orthotics. Plus, off-the-shelf products can delay treatment of potentially serious conditions, and they can also make some problems worse. If you're experiencing foot pain or other symptoms affecting your feet or ankles, prescription orthotics could be the best solution.
What's involved in the fitting process for orthotics?
At Kazmer Foot & Ankle Centers, we use state-of-the-art techniques to measure your foot and evaluate how your foot and ankle respond to forces exerted during standing and walking. Based on that analysis, we can create one-of-a-kind products designed specifically for your needs.
