Custom Foot Orthotics, Can They Help You?

What do custom foot orthotics do?
Depending on the design, orthotics can cushion and support your foot by redistributing the pressure areas on your feet. They can also be designed to support and improve the alignment of the bones in your feet and legs. Improper foot alignment can lead to a wide variety of foot, knee, and lower back problems.

By improving the alignment the body is able to function more efficiently with less stress on the muscles and ligaments that hold you together. Many different styles and types of orthotics can be designed in order to alleviate various types of pain in the feet, knees, hips and lower back. These can range from soft flexible types to very rigid types. It is important to have your foot and shoes properly evaluated prior to getting orthotics. Beware of companies that provide only one type of orthotic-it may not be right for you.

I Have Flat Feet, Does This Have Anything To Do With Why I Have Lower Back Pain?
Flat feet cause the leg bones to rotate inwards when you are standing and walking. This will affect your hip and pelvic positions, thereby altering the amount of back curvature and leading to pain. Previous injury, activities, and upper body mechanics will also play a role in lower back pain.

Do My High Arch Feet Have Anything To Do With My Knee Pain When I Run?
A high arched foot lacks adequate shock absorption. When there is not enough cushioning at the foot, shock is transmitted upwards, placing added load on the knee and hip joints.

Can I Wear Orthotics With Any Shoes?
Orthotics can be designed for virtually any shoe type but are usually designed with a particular shoe type in mind, depending on your needs, and as such should work well with shoes of similar style. If an orthotic is designed for running shoes, it will not fit properly into a heeled shoe. Sandals also restrict orthotic use, as the orthotic is not secure without a closed shoe.

The bottom line is that if you have any foot pain, or even unresolving knee, hip or low back pain, custom foot orthotics may be the answer to your problem.

If you have extended health insurance, it is likely that the majority of the cost may be covered by your plan.  Check with your employers HR department to find out the exact coverage your insurance provides and in some instances a prescription is required from your family physician.

A biomechanical foot analysis will reveal whether or not you are a candidate for corrective orthotics.  Give my office a call today and setup an appointment to have your feet checked.