Freiberg’s disease is characterized by bone tissue deterioration at the top of one or more metatarsals of the foot. It primarily affects teenagers, especially young females, and needs to be treated as soon as possible to be cured and prevent severe repercussions in adulthood. Wearing foot orthoses is recommended above other potential treatments for Freiberg’s disease (e.g. anti-inflammatory medicines, surgery, etc.) because it relieves pressure on the foot and improves weight distribution.
Foot orthoses for Freiberg’s disease
It is usually advised that the patient rest their foot and temporarily stop participating in sports when Freiberg’s disease is not yet advanced (except for cycling and swimming). At the same time, the podiatrist will also prescribe foot orthoses to the patient.
These will help distribute the body’s weight more evenly while supporting the foot. The orthoses will help ease the symptoms of Freiberg’s disease, especially the discomfort it causes when walking, by relieving the painful area of the metatarsals.
The benefits of wearing orthoses
In addition to the main effects mentioned above regarding relief and unloading, foot orthoses go even further. They work on issues with body posture in addition to biomechanical disorders. The foot orthoses will fit, acting as a substitute by filling in and repairing the parts that need to be treated in situations where the foot cannot perform its function adequately for one reason or another.
Orthoses are devices used to treat various plantar issues, including Freiberg’s disease, which we cover in this article. They are made to fit into daily activities and enhance the lives of the patients who use them.
Finally, since they will improve propulsion and shock absorption, tailored orthoses also provide advantages for athletic performance. Some are even made specifically for athletic purposes.
Which is better, a custom plantar orthosis or one bought at the store? It all depends on the reason why you need to wear orthoses. In general, since they are entirely molded to the contour of your foot, custom models are far more effective. They also have the added benefit of lasting longer.
Foot orthoses can help with a variety of pains
In addition to Freiberg’s disease, foot orthoses are utilized for various other issues. They are available in multiple styles (children or adults, diabetic patients, athletes, older people, etc.). They improve posture and restore the proper distribution of body weight by acting on the foot itself, but they also must work on the ankle, knees, and back out of necessity.
Among the different pathologies and pains that can be relieved by wearing specialized insoles, we can mention plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, Lenoir’s spur, flat or hollow feet, bursitis, metatarsalgia, toe problems (hammer, claw or mallet), and many types of foot deformities. They can also be prescribed for people with uneven leg length.
Foot orthoses for better balance in your feet
Foot orthoses are one of the primary treatments used by podiatrists, whether the condition is Freiberg’s disease or another one connected to the foot shape, positioning, or mobility. They provide substantial benefits in terms of comfort, pain relief, and sports performance and can be worn independently or in addition to surgery or treatment for Freiberg’s disease.
Do you feel the need to wear foot orthoses? Make an appointment with a certified podiatrist from FootNetwork to determine what model would be ideal for you and your condition.
