Orthotics

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are orthopedic devices that are used to modify, alter, or adjust foot function. They are designed to help relieve foot pain and treat various biomechanical foot disorders and allow improvements in foot mechanics. Custom fitted orthotics also positively affect the kinetic chain, relieving stress on the knees, hips, and low back.

Our Feet Work Like Shock Absorbers for the Weight of Our Bodies

One of the functions of our feet is to act as shock absorbers for the weight of our bodies. When structural abnormalities, misalignments, imbalances, and deformities are present in one or both of an individual’s feet, these biological shock absorbers can literally collapse under the person’s own weight. This stress can lead to all sorts of discomfort, pain, and injuries.

Orthotics Restore Normal Foot Function

Our orthotics are able to properly realign the bones and ligaments of the foot and support them in these proper positions so that the foot function can return to normal.

Types of Orthotics Available

Types of orthotics range from accommodative orthotics, which relieve mild symptoms of minor foot troubles, to functional orthotics, which treat and support more severe biomechanical foot abnormalities. Orthotics can be made of many different types of materials and range widely in both price and effectiveness. Some of our orthotics may be fitted very quickly and you will be wearing them in a couple days. Others require us to cast your foot and send the cast into a specialized orthotics manufacture to be formed according to your cast and instructions we give them.

For some patients, custom crafting is recommended, as each person’s feet and foot problems are different, and custom crafted orthotics are tailored to each individual patient’s unique needs.

First a cast is taken of the patient’s feet, which creates an accurate model duplicating any existing misalignments in their structure. Then, with the aid of computer technology, trained lab technicians design an orthotic device for that patient to correct those misalignments and balance out any foot irregularities or deformities.

The completed orthotic is then carefully fitted into the patient’s shoe, creating the proper support the foot needs and eliminating any abnormalities in the patient’s foot mechanics. Orthotics may also include padding that adds a bit of cushioning to make the devices more comfortable to the wearer.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Foot Pain

Many people are not aware that it is a misalignment, deformity, or abnormality in one or both of their feet that is causing them the discomfort they feel in other, seemingly unrelated, areas of their body such as their low back pain or knee pain. But an imbalance in foot function can cause all sorts of difficulties in almost any area of the body, including general fatigue.