Foot Orthotics?

What are Foot Orthotics?

A Foot Orthotic is an insert that fits inside of your shoes. There are two general types of Foot Orthotics:

Pre-Molded
Custom Molded

bigstock inserts 155936969 800 Foot Orthotics are designed to:

Decrease abnormal foot motion
Re-align the foot in to a more "neutral" position
Reduce or eliminate foot "pronation"
Restore foot balance
Improve foot function
Improve spinal or pelvic alignment
Improve sports performance
Reduce or eliminate foot, knee, hip or back pain

bigstock Orthopedic insoles isolated on 31031858

Why do we need Foot Orthotics?

The human body in its various sizes, shapes, heights and weights is balanced upon two small structures called the feet. All force coming from above and downward is ultimately absorbed by the feet. The accumulative force placed on the feet from daily duties and activities is enormous. That force is increased if we are overweight, stand on a hard surface or participate regularly in sports activities or working out. There are 26 bones in the human foot that are designed to work in harmony with one another. Any imbalance or misalignment of these bones results in abnormal foot motion and function. This in turn can cause your legs to rotate or twist abnormally leading to ankle, knee, hip or back pain not to mention Foot Pain! Orthotics minimize or correct misalignments and imbalances in the feet promoting proper foot alignment and function. Foot orthotics help all 26 bones of the foot function properly, leading to foot health and well being.

Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics

Although Foot Orthotics in a Chiropractic office will help a wide array of foot problems they are primarily prescribed to balance the spinal structures. As you can see in the diagram above, the circled left foot is dropped or "pronated." The side of the body with the pronated foot drops down, leaving the pelvis or lower back tilted. This leads to spinal imbalance and back pain which can be nicely corrected with Foot Orthotics.

What is "Pronation?"

Foot "pronation" is a condition where the foot becomes flat due to weak or damaged ligaments. It is basically due to a collapsed arch. It can occur in one or both feet and in varying degrees from mild to severe. With foot pronation, the foot appears to be rolled over as seen in the left foot below. With foot pronation, when walking, the whole foot tends to strike the ground instead of striking with the heel and rolling off the ball of the foot. This eventually causes problems like foot pain, tendonitis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, knee, hip and back problems. Pronation can be reduced or eliminated through the use of foot orthotics. The picture below shows a "pronated" left foot, and a "pronated" right foot being corrected with a foot orthotic.

Who needs Foot Orthotics?

People with:

Foot Pain
Flat feet
Pronation
High arches
knock knees
Knee pain
Back pain

People who:

Stand or work all day on their feet
Are overweight to reduce stress on the feet
Are active in impact sport such a jogging, basketball, soccer, etc.
Are diabetic and have sensitive feet

What conditions can be helped with Foot Orthotics?

Heel pain
Foot pain and fatigue
Plantar fasciitis
Knee pain
Back and hip pain

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The "Plantar Fascia" or "arch tendon" is a band of tissue that begins in the heel and extends along the sole of the foot toward the toes. It is seen in white in the diagram below. "Plantar Fasciitis" is painful inflammation or damage of this band of tissue due to overuse or poor foot function. The diagram below shows an inflamed and damaged "plantar fascia." Foot orthotics can be helpful in treating "plantar fasciitis" by restoring proper foot function and stopping the cycle of pain, inflammation and damage to the affected tissue, giving them a chance to heal.

Do I need Pre-Molded or Custom Foot Orthotics?

Only a foot exam can determine whether you need a specific pair of foot orthotics molded for your feet or if the pre-molded will be adequate. There is considerably less expense to the pre-molded and if finances are an issue this will be a good place to start. Pre-molded foot orthotics are excellent in providing foot balance, support and shock absorption and in many instances is all an individual will need.

How are Custom Foot Orthotics made?

Each individual foot, as seen below, is properly molded in a "Foam Impression Box." This is sent to a lab where a technician called a "Foot Orthotist" custom makes a pair of Foot Orthotics designed specifically for you.

How long do Foot Orthotics Last?

This is hard to determine because we all vary in size, weight, height and activity levels. Some of us are harder on orthotics than others. In general, a pair of foot orthotics will last one to several years.