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podiatryDo You Need Orthotics?By J. Mari Adad, DPMTake the following quiz to testyour knowledge about orthotics.(1)Orthotics can be created to fita variety of different footwearincluding high heels.True False(2)Every step you take places1.5 times your body weight ofpressure on each foot.True False(3)Plantar fasciitis is the mostcommon type of heel pain thatpodiatrists treat.True False(4)Fifty-eight percent of Americanssay they’ve experienced heelpain due to ill-fitting shoes.True FalseAnswersAll four statements are true.If you suffer from heel pain, knee pain,or lower back pain, it could be caused bypoor foot function. Many times this paincan be resolved by orthotics (foot supportsworn inside shoes), which re-align the footand ankle bones to their neutral position,thereby restoring natural foot function.Only prescription orthotics canaccommodate your unique foot structureand are designed to match the contour ofyour feet precisely for the way you move.Podiatrists use orthotics to treat footproblems such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis,tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and foot,ankle, and knee pain.If orthotics are needed, your podiatricphysician will capture a three-dimensionalimage of each foot. That image, as wellas any measurements obtained, is used tocreate a set of unique foot supports thatwill improve your foot movement and leadto more comfort and mobility.There are two categories of prescriptionorthotics. Functional orthotics are designedto control abnormal motion and may beused to treat foot pain caused by abnormalmotion. They can also be used to treatinjuries such as shin splints or tendinitis,and are usually crafted from a semirigidmaterial such as plastic or graphite.Accommodative orthotics, which aresofter and meant to provide additionalcushioning and support, can be used totreat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluseson the bottom of the foot, and otheruncomfortable conditions.If you have any pain or discomfort, visita podiatrist to have your feet and anklesexamined. You may need orthotics (whichare often covered by insurance) or yourpodiatrist may suggest other treatments toimprove the comfort and function ofyour feet.Podiatry services are nowavailable in Bellevue andSeattle PRO Sports Club.Bellevue (425) 861-6254Seattle (206) 292-3826proclub.com 27