A Healthy Step Forward: How Custom Orthotics Can Prevent Vascular Foot Problems

Your feet carry you through every step of life, which on average equals 115,000 miles and often far more. With that in mind, it’s clear that maintaining their health is essential for your overall well-being.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, our vascular and podiatry specialists witness firsthand the close connection between foot health, blood flow, and circulation. For example, foot ulcers are a common problem for people with diabetes because the disease reduces blood flow to the feet.

About 50-60% of ulcers develop infections, with 20% of cases leading to amputation. For patients with vascular concerns like these, custom orthotics can be a simple but effective tool to improve comfort, reduce risk, and prevent serious complications.

Understanding vascular foot problems

Vascular foot problems happen when blood doesn’t flow properly to your legs and feet. Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes-related circulation issues, and chronic venous insufficiency can make it harder for your body to deliver oxygen-rich blood to your tissues.

Without proper circulation, the skin and muscles in your feet may not heal well after an injury, leaving you more vulnerable to ulcers, infections, or even more serious complications.

Common signs of vascular foot problems include:

• Cold feet or toes
• Pain in the legs or feet during walking (claudication)
• Slow-healing sores or wounds
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Discoloration of the skin

If left untreated, these problems can limit mobility and affect your quality of life. That’s why preventive care is so critical.

Introducing custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are carefully designed shoe inserts created to support the unique shape of your feet. Unlike store-bought insoles, we design custom orthotics after evaluating your foot structure, walking pattern, and health needs. They:

• Provide cushioning and support
• Correct imbalances in how you walk
• Reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
• Improve alignment of your feet, ankles, and legs

For patients with vascular issues, these benefits significantly reduce the risk of further damage.

How orthotics help prevent vascular complications

Orthotics may not cure vascular disease, but they can help protect your feet and lower your risk of developing complications. Here’s how:

Reducing pressure points

When blood flow is compromised, even small areas of pressure can turn into ulcers. Orthotics evenly distribute weight across your feet, lowering stress on high-pressure spots.

Improving circulation through alignment

By keeping your feet and legs properly aligned, orthotics develop more efficient blood flow during movement, which helps decrease fatigue and maintain healthy muscles and tissues.

Protecting against injury

Custom orthotics cushion each step, reducing the risk of skin breakdown, blisters, or calluses. For patients with PAD or diabetes, this protection is critical since wounds heal slowly.

Supporting mobility

Pain or discomfort often makes people less active, which can worsen circulation. Orthotics enhance comfort while walking, encouraging you to stay active — a critical part of maintaining healthy blood flow.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we may recommend custom orthotics if you have:

• Peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes-related circulation issues
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• History of foot ulcers or slow-healing wounds
• Foot conditions like bunions or flat feet that increase pressure points

Patients without a vascular diagnosis may also benefit from custom orthotics if they experience chronic foot pain, poor posture, or frequent injuries.

What to expect when getting orthotics

Your journey begins with a comprehensive foot exam. We evaluate your circulation, review any areas of concern, and assess your walk. We also take digital scans of your feet to create inserts that match your specific needs.

Once your orthotics are ready, we ensure they fit comfortably and provide the proper support. Over time, we may recommend adjustments to keep them effective as your condition changes.

Caring for your feet with vascular health in mind

Orthotics are only part of the picture. To fully protect your feet, we also encourage patients to:

• Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, or color changes
• Wear properly fitting shoes and socks
• Keep blood sugar under control if diabetic
• Stay active with safe, low-impact exercise
• Avoid smoking, which narrows blood vessels and worsens circulation

Custom orthotics may seem like a small step, but they can have a significant impact on your vascular health. By reducing pressure, improving alignment, and supporting mobility, they help protect your feet from the complications of poor circulation.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we offer advanced vascular care and preventive strategies to help you move forward with confidence. If you have concerns about circulation or foot health, call us today or use our online form to learn about the benefits of custom orthotics.