What do I have in common with Evan Lysacek?

What do I, and maybe you, have in common with Evan Lysacek? Both he and I wear orthotics. He wears them in his skates and regular shoes, and I wear them in my running shoes and walking shoes. As a podiatrist and a mother of 5, I can see the technical and medical benefit, and as a mom running after my kids, I can see how patients feel with relief from foot pain.

This Olympic figure skater has worn these devices in his shoes since the age of 10 years old. At that time, who knew this young skater would become an Olympian? But one thing is for sure, without the help of these orthotics, the foot and ankle problems he experienced would still be problematic today.

What are orthotics? They are a removable devices that are placed in your shoe in place of the insole. They place your foot in the most optimum position to function in order to enhance the alignment of the lower leg and to dissipate shock that may be generated throughout the lower extremity. These orthotics are prescribed by a podiatrist who will examine your foot and determine the prescription according to what she finds.
Why prescription orthotics versus over the counter insoles or prefabricated insoles? I liken it to prescription reading eyeglasses versus over the counter eyeglasses. The store bought ones are sometimes adequate, but more often the custom fabricated device is exactly what you need to relieve foot or ankle pain, or to even enhance athletic performance.
Which brings me back to what I have in common with Evan Lysacek... the orthotics. Let's hope his orthotics help him through this competition to win him a gold. I know my orthotics will never win me a gold, but at least they help this podiatrist run my practice without foot pain... and run after my 5 kids.

Dr. Saera Arain-Saleem and Dr. Misty McNeill are board certified podiatrists in Elmhurst and Schaumburg, Illinois. Please check us out at elmhurstfootdoc.com or schaumburgfootdoc.com