Orthotics

What Are Orthotics?

They are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. They can also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis.

Our Registerd Chiropodist can provide you with ALL prescriptions and documents required by your extended health provider for insurance re-imbursement.

Five Signs You Need Orthotics

1. You stand for more than five hours a day

Standing on your feet for many hours can cause plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a ligament that extends from your heel to your toes on the base of your foot. Orthotics can help relieve the stress you place on it from standing all day.

Take a look at the tread on your shoes. However, while many of our soles are worn down, wearing the tread of your shoes out on one side more than the other can be a sign that your foot is rolling inward (also called pronating) or turning outward (also called supinating). Orthotics can help foot pronation or supination.

If you have very high or low arches, regular shoes may not provide your feet the support they need. Orthotics can help provide the support that your regular shoes don’t.

While this may sound obvious, many people avoid foot pain. Instead, they blame the pain on wearing high heels or uncomfortable shoes. Foot or heel pain, especially in the morning, is a common sign of plantar fasciitis.

If you recently suffered an injury to your hip, knee, leg, or ankle, it could be affecting the pressure you put on your feet. As a result, this affects the way you walk. Orthotics may be able to help correct your walk.

What are the Benefits OF Custom Orthotics?

The benefits of wearing custom orthotics include:

  • Alleviating pain in the foot, ankle, leg, and lower back
  • Maintaining correct alignment of the foot and leg
  • Improving balance
  • Supporting the arch and heel
  • Preventing bunions and clawed digits
  • Absorbing shock and distributing the pressure across the bottom of the foot
  • Preventing calluses, corns, and ulcerations by offloading pressure from
    areas at risk
  • Allowing you to stay longer when walking or doing sporting activities

Can orthotics Be Worn In Any Shoe?

Often custom made orthotics can be transferred between similar types of shoes. For example, the orthotic that is made for your running shoes will likely fit in your walking or hiking shoes. However, the same orthotic may not fit, or be as effective in a pair or lady’s dress shoes, sandals, skis, or skates.

Can You Wear Just One Orthotic?

Most people experience pain in only their left or right foot ( or heel or knee), not in both. However, you will still need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes. The reason for this is that wearing the orthotic in only one shoe will put your body out of balance and will cause your hips to be out of alignment.

Did You Know?

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It contributes to your general health by improving circulation and weight control.