U.S. ORTHOTIC CENTER

INTRODUCTION

At the U.S. Orthotic Center, we specialize in diagnosing, correcting, and treating complex foot and ankle biomechanics. This master document outlines the most common questions patients ask about their foot and ankle conditions and explains precisely how custom orthotics solve them.

Our orthotics are made using a proprietary semi-weight-bearing suspension scanning system, detailed biomechanical evaluation, and CNC-milled or 3D-printed production for perfect accuracy.

This guide covers all major foot and ankle diagnoses including plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Achilles pain, Achilles tendinitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, neuromas, shin splints, ankle instability, ankle replacement support, Chopart injuries, Lisfranc injuries, arthritis, hallux rigidus, and CMT.

Frequently Asked Questions and How We Treat These Conditions

What conditions can your custom orthotics treat?

We treat plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Achilles pain and tendinitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, shin splints, ankle instability, post–ankle replacement mechanics, Chopart injuries, Lisfranc injuries, arthritis, hallux rigidus, and CMT-related deformities.

How long until I feel relief?

Most patients feel improvement within one to three weeks while many feel immediate relief. Full results typically develop in six to eight weeks.

Do custom orthotics prevent surgery?

Often yes. Stabilizing the foot and correcting alignment significantly reduces the progression of many orthopedic conditions.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS What is plantar fasciitis?

Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning.

Why do my heels hurt more in the morning?

The fascia tightens overnight and becomes irritated when stretched during the first steps.

METATARSALGIA What is metatarsalgia?

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot caused by forefoot overload, long metatarsals, fat pad thinning, or improper footwear.

Why does walking make it worse Dashboard?

Pressure is concentrated beneath the metatarsal heads, causing irritation.

ACHILLES TENDON PAIN Why does my Achilles hurt Dashboard?

Causes include overuse, tight calves, flat feet, high arches, improper footwear, and excessive athletic activity.

Why is Achilles pain worse during running or jumping?

The Achilles absorbs enormous force during push-off, making it prone to overload.

ACHILLES TENDINITIS What is Achilles tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon usually caused by overuse, poor mechanics, tight calves, or sudden activity changes.

What are the symptoms?

Pain, swelling, thickening of the tendon, stiffness, and pain during athletic activity.

FLAT FEET AND OVER PRONATION

Are flat feet harmful?Not always. Painful flat feet should be treated to prevent knee, hip, and back strain.

Do orthotics permanently fix flat feet?

They support proper alignment but do not change bone structure.

HIGH ARCHES - Why do high arches cause pain?

High arches provide poor shock absorption and overload the heel and forefoot.

BUNIONS - Can bunions be reversed without surgery?

No. Orthotics slow progression and reduce symptoms but cannot reverse the deformity.

MORTON’S NEUROMA - What is a neuroma?

Irritation or thickening of a nerve between the toes causing burning or tingling.

SHIN SPLINTS - Why do my shins hurt?

Over-pronation, weak calf muscles, improper shoes, or rapid training changes commonly cause shin pain.

ANKLE INSTABILITY - Why does my ankle roll easily?

Often due to ligament laxity, flat feet, high arches, or chronic sprains.

ANKLE REPLACEMENT - Do I need orthotics after ankle replacement?

Yes. Orthotics reduce impact forces and stabilize gait following surgery.

CHOPART FOOT - What is Chopart Foot?

Pain or instability involving the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints in the midfoot.

Is Chopart the same as a Lisfranc injury?

No. Chopart affects the hindfoot to midfoot joints. Lisfranc affects the midfoot to forefoot joints.

LISFRANC INJURY - What is a Lisfranc injury?

An injury to the midfoot joint complex where the metatarsals articulate with the medial cuneiforms. It may involve sprains, tears, or joint displacement.

What are common symptoms?

Midfoot pain, swelling, difficulty pushing off, and bruising.

ARTHRITIS - What is foot or ankle arthritis?

Degeneration of joints causing stiffness, swelling, and pain during walking.

HALLUX RIGIDUS - What is hallux rigidus?

Arthritis of the big toe joint that restricts upward motion and causes pain during walking.

CMT - What is CMT?

Also called Charcot Marie Tooth. A hereditary neuropathy causing high arches, muscle weakness, foot drop, and ankle instability.

HOW WE TREAT THESE CONDITIONS

HOW WE TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS

  • Medial arch support
  • Deep heel cup
  • Heel lift
  • Forefoot balance correction
  • Shock absorption for high-impact activities

HOW WE TREAT METATARSALGIA

  • Metatarsal pads or bars
  • Pressure redistribution
  • Arch contouring
  • Forefoot cushioning

HOW WE TREAT ACHILLES PAIN

  • Heel elevation
  • Rearfoot stabilization
  • Pronation control
  • Deep heel cup
  • Impact-reducing materials

HOW WE TREAT ACHILLES TENDINITIS

  • Controlled heel lift
  • Arch stabilization
  • Shock absorption
  • Rearfoot posting
  • Custom sports modifications

HOW WE TREAT FLAT FEET AND OVER PRONATION

  • Custom arch stabilization
  • Rearfoot posting
  • Midfoot reinforcement
  • Multi-density support

HOW WE TREAT HIGH ARCHES

  • Shock-absorbing materials
  • Lateral stability posting
  • Longitudinal support
  • Custom heel contouring

HOW WE TREAT BUNIONS

  • Rearfoot and midfoot stabilization
  • Forefoot off-loading
  • Narrow-shoe-compatible designs
  • Cushioning for the big toe joint

HOW WE TREAT MORTON’S NEUROMA

  • Metatarsal spreading pads
  • Forefoot cushioning
  • Midfoot stabilization
  • Pressure reduction

HOW WE TREAT SHIN SPLINTS

  • Arch support
  • Shock absorption
  • Rearfoot stability
  • Neutral gait correction

HOW WE TREAT ANKLE INSTABILITY

  • Deep heel cups
  • Lateral stability posting
  • Midfoot locking
  • Functional balance correction

HOW WE TREAT POST ANKLE REPLACEMENT PATIENTS

  • Shock-absorbing materials
  • Gait symmetry correction
  • Midfoot and heel stabilization
  • Pressure redistribution

HOW WE TREAT CHOPART INJURIES

  • Midfoot reinforcement
  • Arch stabilization
  • Rearfoot control
  • Forefoot reinforcement for push-off
  • Shock reduction

HOW WE TREAT LISFRANC INJURIES

Non-Surgical Cases

  • Midfoot reinforcement
  • Arch contouring
  • Posting for stability
  • Pain-specific modifications

Post-Surgical Cases

  • Shock absorption
  • Gait correction
  • Rigid or semi-rigid support
  • Pressure relief around hardware

HOW WE TREAT ARTHRITIS

  • Shock absorption
  • Joint stabilization
  • Pressure redistribution
  • Arch and midfoot support
  • Custom accommodations for arthritic stiffness

HOW WE TREAT HALLUX RIGIDUS

  • Morton’s extension
  • Carbon fiber forefoot plates
  • Forefoot rocker reinforcement
  • Pressure redistribution
  • Arch support for stability

HOW WE TREAT CMT

  • Custom support for cavus deformities
  • Lateral stability posting
  • Deep heel cups
  • Shock-absorbing full-length devices
  • Integration with AFOs
  • Periodic adjustments

Schedule Your Appointment

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