People come to Big Sky Country to live life without limits. From exploring breathtaking national parks and historic ghost towns to enjoying our Western art, vibrant culture, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, there’s too much to do to let podiatric problems slow you down. When painful foot or ankle injuries, chronic conditions, deformities, or gait abnormalities saddle you with unwanted restrictions, prompt podiatry care can help you fight back and break free. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far.
At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic in Missoula, we offer world-class care and efficient treatment for the podiatric issues holding our Montana and northern Idaho patients back. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, prioritizes non- and minimally invasive options, like custom orthotics, whenever possible. Discover how these personalized prescription custom orthotics relieve pain, provide precise support, and improve overall foot function.
What You Need to Know About Orthotics
Genetics, injuries, and overuse can lead to podiatric conditions with effects ranging from mild pain and discomfort to severely reduced mobility. Though many treatments and an entire field of medicine exist to address these problems, one of the most effective (and least risky) solutions is holding the foot in its optimal position. Podiatrists often accomplish this with orthotics—specially designed insoles that alleviate pain, correct alignment issues, and help prevent progressive deformities from worsening.
Custom Orthotics Offer Clear Advantages
Over-the-counter shoe inserts and insoles are everywhere, from pharmacies and drugstores to big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, supermarkets, and online marketplaces. You’ve seen them; maybe you’ve even tried them—and you’re probably wondering how they stack up to their custom counterparts. Unfortunately, even though some prefabricated products claim they’re customizable, they simply can’t compare to custom orthotics from a podiatrist.
While store-bought inserts offer basic cushioning and support and come in a range of common sizes, podiatrists craft custom orthotics to fit your specific foot, enhancing support and comfort precisely where you need it. However, prescribed orthotic insoles do more than just reduce uncomfortable symptoms. As functional medical devices, they also address root causes of podiatric discomfort—correcting alignment, providing personalized support, and relieving excess pressure that could lead to injury. Additionally, while prefabricated insoles typically last only a few months before they require replacement, custom orthotics are made of higher-quality materials for improved durability and longevity.
Exploring the Wide World of Custom Orthotics
Different orthotics exist to address various needs. Here’s an overview of the three most common types of orthotics and how Dr. Neibauer uses them in his practice.
- Rigid orthotics: Made out of firm carbon fiber, plastic, and other nonpliable materials, rigid orthotics control the motion of the two joints below the ankle, improving foot function and limiting abnormal movements that could lead to injury.
- Soft orthotics: These soft orthotic devices mold to the shape of your foot, providing strategic cushioning to relieve painful pressure and improve shock absorption. Constructed from flexible, compressible components like cloth, foam, gel, or EVA plastic, we frequently recommend these orthotics for patients with arthritis or diabetes.
- Semi-rigid orthotics: Fabricated from soft and rigid materials, these orthotics serve dual purposes, offering cushioning and support. They can also boost balance and mitigate activity-related pain, making them ideal for athletes and addressing flat foot, in-toeing, and out-toeing in children.
Custom Orthotics Can Address Wide-Ranging Podiatry Problems
Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic uses custom orthotics to treat and prevent numerous podiatric issues. Our experienced Montana foot and ankle specialist recommends orthotics as part of a robust treatment plan for a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis occurs when the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone becomes inflamed.
- Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.
- Corns and calluses: Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that are caused by friction or pressure.
- Flat feet: Flat feet is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground.
- Hammer toes: Hammer toe is a deformity that causes your toe to bend or curl downward instead of pointing forward.
- Heel pain: Discomfort in the heel area is often caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
- High arches: A high arch is an excessive, fixed arch of the foot that doesn't flatten when bearing weight.
- Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.
- Morton's neuroma: Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes that causes pain and numbness.
- Overpronation: This term is used for excessive inward rolling of the foot while walking or running.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes is known as plantar fasciitis.
- Sesamoiditis: Sesamoiditis occurs when the sesamoid bones and tendons in the ball of your foot are inflamed.
- Shin splints. You may have shin splints if you experience pain along the shin bone (tibia) caused by overuse or repetitive stress.
- Supination: Excessive outward rolling of the foot when walking or running is known as supination.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is compression of the tibial nerve passing through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle.