Little Known Facts about Orthotics
Orthotics are designed to be placed inside footwear, between your shoe and foot to alleviate pain and discomfort. There are two main types of foot orthotics: “over-the-counter” insoles and custom made orthotics. “Over-the-counter” insoles are not customized to individual feet as they are prefabricated and mass-produced. While insoles may provide some arch support or heel cushioning, they do not provide the same corrective benefits that are provided with custom orthotics. Custom made orthotics are removable in-shoe devices that are molded to the shape of your foot and are designed to provide individualized support and correction. Custom made orthotics are derived from a 3-dimensional impression of your foot that has been rendered from foam, plaster, or laser scanning. Custom orthotics can be composed of foams, gels, laminates, plastics or other materials.
Custom made orthotics are designed to reduce unnecessary strain on the muscles and joints of the feet and lower limbs by providing support and cushioning. Orthotics are used for many conditions, some of which include: painful high arches (pes cavus), arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), hallux valgus (a condition where the base of the big toe bulges sideways, away from the foot), metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain. Orthotics can also be used to help reduce the symptoms of knee pain. Orthotics have even been useful in the prevention of running injuries as they reduce the likelihood of developing shin splints.
As a chiropractor, we are trained in body biomechanics and movement patterns. When assessing foot pain, we assess the whole kinetic chain to provide a thorough evaluation of your condition. An assessment often includes the examination of the knees, hips, and pelvic movement through the evaluation of your squat, lunge, walking, or running biomechanics. In addition to the prescription of orthotics, clomid, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to get their patients better. We may use manual mobilizations or adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, exercises and rehabilitation, or modalities (ie. Laser or Shockwave therapy).
Why Do New Orthotics Feel Uncomfortable?
New orthotics provide support and correction to your feet which may cause some discomfort for the first two weeks. Discomfort is normal for the first two weeks of wearing orthotics because your feet need to get accustomed to their new support. This is why it is important to gradually increase the time in which you are wearing the orthotics. Your chiropractor can give you specific suggestions regarding the best way to transition into orthotics. When I prescribe orthotics I always ensure that the new insert fits into your shoe and provide advice about how to mitigate the discomfort that can arise when breaking in new orthotics.
Yours in health,
Dr. Gaelan Connell, BHK, DC