Anyone suffering from heel pain caused by conditions such as plantar fascitis, heel spurs and arthritis knows how beneficial orthotics can be. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly these devices are and how they work.
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are devices that are designed to treat or control various foot disorders as they serve to re-align the foot and ankle bones to a neutral position, thus making them stronger. Many problems related to walking (the scientific term is biomechanical), such as pain that occurs in the heel, lower back or knee is due to improper functioning of the foot. Another big advantage of orthotic supports is that they take a great deal of pressure off of problematic areas (such as the ball of the foot or painful corns on or between toes) and provide a certain level of shock absorption. This is particularly important for people who spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces, such as cement floors.
Who Needs Orthotics?
Orthotics can be used to treat many conditions and can be used in all age groups, from young children to senior citizens. Anyone suffering from any sort of walking imbalance that causes pain should find relief in wearing orthotics. They can help people who suffer from flat feet, arch pain, heel pain, knee pain, shin pain, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, bunions, corns, toe pain, metatarsalgia, neuroma, sesamoiditis, pronation (rotation of the medial bones in the midtarsal regions of the foot inward and downward so that in walking the foot tends to come down on its inner margin), and pain that occurs on the top of the foot.
Foot Problems
Foot problems strike at a very early age and children often fall victim. Orthotics are excellent for children as they can be used to help correct hip and/or knee problems, re-align the arch structure of the foot, correct flat feet, and re-align gait problems that are caused by in-toeing and out-toeing.
Constant pounding of the feet causes problems for many professional athletes, therefore orthotics can be very beneficial to their performance. Many people who jog or run as a regular form of exercise find orthotics provide extra comfort to their feet and do not leave them with that sore achy feeling after a vigorous workout. Many elderly people are plagued with foot problems which makes orthotics a good bet for them, in particular for persons suffering with diabetic ulcers, heel spurs, bunions (hallux valgus), and/or arthritic types of concerns.
Some health care professionals believe that practically anyone can benefit from wearing an orthotic as perfect feet are very rare. It is their belief that orthotics can prevent many foot problems from starting and can also help alleviate many common foot discomforts that otherwise healthy people often complain of.