Orthotics refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the designing and manufacturing of shoe devices used to aid people suffering from a wide range of foot problems. Orthotic shoe devices, such as insoles and braces, are molded using rubber, metal, plastic, leather, and other synthetic materials. Their main purpose is to keep the foot in a neutral position. In addition, they also provide cushioning to protect the foot from overuse. In some cases, they also help reduce foot pain.
There are advantages, such as cost, to your off the shelf orthotics but the trade off might not be work it for you. Off the shelf orthotics however have a tradeoff in that they are designed to try and fit everyone, similar to reading glasses off the rack at your local drug store – they do a job but not often the right solution.On the other hand, custom foot orthotics are prescribed medical appliances that are designed and manufactured to suit your individual needs and take into account your unique body features and specific requirements to address your pain, disfunction, or additional functional support. In this way they are more like prescription glasses.
What is very interesting is the wide range of conditions that custom foot orthotics can address. Things including flat feet, high archers, arthritis, bunions, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, heels spurs, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy, knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain. It’s quite a long list and yet there are more.
We all have goals in our lives. Our feet are there to take us from point A to point B, and to help us engage in the activities we enjoy. If you think that you may be someone who will benefit from the use of a custom foot orthotic then come in and talk with us.
Benefits of Orthotics?
There are advantages, such as cost, to your off the shelf orthotics but the trade off might not be work it for you. Off the shelf orthotics however have a tradeoff in that they are designed to try and fit everyone, similar to reading glasses off the rack at your local drug store – they do a job but not often the right solution.On the other hand, custom foot orthotics are prescribed medical appliances that are designed and manufactured to suit your individual needs and take into account your unique body features and specific requirements to address your pain, disfunction, or additional functional support. In this way they are more like prescription glasses.
What is very interesting is the wide range of conditions that custom foot orthotics can address. Things including flat feet, high archers, arthritis, bunions, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, heels spurs, hammer toes, diabetic neuropathy, knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain. It’s quite a long list and yet there are more.
We all have goals in our lives. Our feet are there to take us from point A to point B, and to help us engage in the activities we enjoy. If you think that you may be someone who will benefit from the use of a custom foot orthotic then come in and talk with us.
Reducing pain
Misalignments in foot structure caused by conditions such as flat feet, arthritis and plantar fasciitis can cause significant pain in other parts of the body. This happens due to increased strain on the ankles, knees and lower back as the body struggles to adjust its biomechanical balance to compensate for the poor foot alignment. Custom orthotics can help to alleviate pain due to biomechanical misalignments, and help to promote healing without causing unnecessary strain on other joints and parts of the body. Importantly, custom orthotics can protect individuals who have diabetes from developing foot ulcers.
Enhancing your athletic performance
Custom orthotics can also help you improve your athletic performance. Wearing orthotics specifically designed for your athletic activity can help to reduce the force load of the technical demands of a specific sport, helping you produce more efficient and precise movements. Moreover, custom orthotics can help to distribute your weight more evenly across the surface of the foot, improving your balance. Orthotic devices also provide foot protection, but absorb shock and create better motion control, improve foot and leg movements and even reduce muscle fatigue. For best athletic performance, your athletic custom orthotics should be designed for your specific physical activity.
Injury prevention
While walking or running, our feet take a pounding, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time on our feet. Fortunately, custom orthotics can help to prevent and treat many types of muscle and bone problems, including injuries to the tendons, muscles and joints, as well as stress fractures.
Improving your well-being
Improving the balance and alignment of your feet can reduce pressure from other parts of your body and improve your overall health. For instance, if foot, ankle or knee pain is preventing you from being more active or sleeping well at night, custom orthotics can have a positive effect on your whole health.
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