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.