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.
Symptoms of Foot Misalignment
There are several symptoms that can indicate that the feet are suffering from misalignment. They are:
You have chronic lower back, knee or heel pain
One side of the sole of your shoe wears out quicker than the other
Spraining an ankle is a common occurrence for you
You suffer from shin pain
Your toes are not straight
Your feet point inward or excessively outward when you walk
Your feet hurt a great deal of the time
Pain anywhere in the body is not normal- it is a sign that something is not right. When your feet hurt it can throw off your entire body. Take the time to investigate the problem before it worsens!
How is an Orthotic Constructed?
There is more than one way to make an orthotic. Some doctors use a foam-based impression while others employ the newer more high tech method of taking an optical impression of the foot. But the most widely used method preferred by doctors is to take a plaster cast of the patient’s foot (called a negative impression). The cast is then sent to a special orthotics laboratory with specific instructions for modifications. At the lab, plaster is poured into the negative cast thus forming a positive cast (or positive impression). Once the cast dries, it forms a perfect mold of the bottom of the patient’s foot. The lab technicians then get to work to custom-mold the orthotic, making sure to follow the directions set down by the doctor accordingly. A custom-made orthotic provides a patient with the necessary elements for proper foot functioning and allows them to walk without worry of pain.
External Links:
Podiatry Channel - A medical information website about a number of foot and lower leg conditions