Orthotics are orthopedic devices designed to treat or adjust various foot disorders. People may try the commercially made, over-the-counter devices such as heal cups or cushioned insoles and find that these do not help or cause more pain. The best orthotics are custom tailored devices. These devices are specifically made to meet the needs of the individual. Professional athletes, professional dancers, runners, and walkers all use custom made orthotics.
To explain how orthotics operate, it is important to understand the mechanics of walking. When you take a step, the vertical axis of the heel should ideally land almost perpendicular to the ground with a very slight inclination toward the outside of the heel. Your weight is distributed progressively towards the side of the foot. When your little toe starts to touch the ground, the arch of your foot should flatten only slightly, shifting your weight towards the inside of the foot. Your heel should start to lift off the ground, shifting your weight to the ball of your foot.
Two major problems can occur.
- One is when the arch does not flatten at all. This occurs in a person with a high arch. A person like this finds that because the arch does not flatten, it absorbs shock poorly and the weight of the body falls only on the heel and base of the toes. Because the weight is not absorbed properly, it radiates up the leg to other joints that cause pain in the knee, hips and lower back.
- The second major problem is if the arch flattens too much. This is known as flat feet. In a flat foot, the weight distribution is too far on the inner side. A flat foot is unstable and cannot maintain a proper arch. Persons with flat feet will find that the bones of the foot will become misaligned and lead to bunions, other foot deformities, and knee and lower back pain.
Who should use an orthotic is a question almost all of us could answer. "I could." Because perfect feet are very rare, almost anyone can benefit from othotics. Orthotics can prevent and alleviate many of the very common foot problems that cause otherwise healthy persons discomfort.
You may be a person in need of orthotics if:
- One side of the sole of your shoe wears out faster than the other
- You frequently sprain your ankle
- Your shins hurt
- You have chronic heal, knee or lower back pain
- Your toes are not straight
- Your feet point inward or excessively outward when you walk
Your feet should not hurt. Pain is the body's way of warning you something is wrong.
At Freedom Physical Therapy, our trained experts will put your best foot forward with custom orthotics.
In general, orthotics are grouped into four broad categories:
- Functional Othotics incorporate special wedges to adjust the heel or forefoot. This corrects defects in the arch area that causes poor shock absorption, like flattening of the arch or an arch that is too high.
- Supported Orthotics are arch supports that treat problems of the membrane that covers and supports the muscles of the sole of the foot.
- Accommodative Orthotics feature padding designed to relieve pain caused by pressure on the ball of the foot area. This type of orthotics is also designed to treat pain and pressure on the joints of the toes, bones of the ankle, sores and inflamed toes.
- Early Childhood Orthotics are devices designed to correct walking problems seen in young children.
Orthotics are made by several different processes, but the best is to make a cast of the patient's foot called a negative impression. This negative impression, along with recommended modifications and the patient's complaints, are sent to a lab. With the impression and other information, custom made orthotics are completed that will provide the patient with the support, stability, cushioning and alignment necessary to keep the patient's ankles and lower body comfortable, healthy and pain free.
Freedom Physical Therapy will help you to pain free foot health with our professional staff and custom designed orthotics.
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