In May, Burress was advised to use orthotics to help improve the function of his feet. He said it took time to get fitted, and he did not start using them until recently. He is getting much better but admits that he is sore after running. Functional orthotics are improving his gait so he will not be as prone to injury as he has been in the past.



55 million Americans experience one or more foot problems every year! Failure to seek medical advice early can cause many to develop more complicated foot conditions that can be severe and difficult to treat.

One of the most common foot problems is heel pain. It is estimated that 15% of the adult population complains of heel pain, which includes one million runners who experience heel pain (plantar fasciitis) every year. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has stated that heel pain has reached epidemic proportions in weekend athletes. This common condition is typically ignored, especially by athletes. People tend to seek treatment only after the problem becomes severe and disabling or when they just can't run. When foot health concerns are ignored, simple conditions can develop into more serious problems affecting the ankles, knees, hips or the back. A simple functional orthotic is the answer for many people experiencing this kind of foot pain.

Orthotics are devices which fit into the shoe to aid the foot and allow it to function more optimally. Relatively rigid in shoe braces that are designed to control motion and correct the function of the foot are "Functional orthotics". Individuals with flatfeet, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee, hip and back problems and certain foot deformities, may benefit from functional orthotics.

Will orthotics help my foot problems? The goal of the functional orthotic is to control the abnormal motion in the foot, improve foot function, decrease the pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or back and to add support. The orthotic should make standing, walking, or running more comfortable. The orthotic must be rigid to help control the motion in the foot and add support. If the orthotic is soft, the weight of the body would collapse the device and it would no longer function.

Functional orthotics are a successful treatment for many problems affecting the lower extremity. In a recent article in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 75% of patients surveyed had good to excellent results from functional orthotics. This includes 17% who felt the orthotics "cured" their pain. Less than 10% had no relief. The most commonly treated condition in the study was a painful heel. Over 20% of patients surveyed were treated for a painful heel and 20% were treated for a painful arch. Fourteen percent of the individuals were using orthotics for flatfeet. Other conditions treated with orthotics were knee, hip and back pain, foot arthritis, bunions and high arches. Tendonitis was not specifically evaluated.

Individuals with plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain) who also have flatfeet usually respond best to orthotics. People with high arches may require orthotics as well, but they do not respond as well. Orthotics can help slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes, but they will not prevent this process. Orthotics may help with some pain at a bunion, but they will not "cure" the bunion. When the motion in the foot is contributing to the problem, orthotics are generally recommended.

Podiatrists are the most common prescribers of orthotics, but pedorthotists, orthotists, physical therapists and sometimes chiropractors will also provide orthotics. Remember that the device is only as good as the doctor taking the mold and writing the prescription. You want an expert to make your orthotics! Make sure that your practitioner is trained in foot biomechanics and experienced in orthotic therapy.

Orthotics are a staple in the treatment of the majority of foot pain. When utilized for the correct indications, orthotics are highly successful in controlling foot pain and can add pep to your step! Orthotics have helped Plaxico Burress conquer his chronic injuries and they may help you!