ORTHOTICS - DO THEY HELP?
By: Sara John, C.Ped (C)., C.Ped Tech (C)
Orthotics is derived from the Greek word ‘Ortho’ which means “to straighten” or “align”. It is a prescribed medical appliance that can be discretely inserted into the footwear to support, align, prevent and/or accommodate foot abnormalities and improve how the foot functions.
A custom-made foot orthotic is doing more than just supporting your foot. A chain reaction occurs through the whole body with every step that you take. It helps to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system and aids in supporting from toes all the way to the lower back.
Specifically crafted for your foot based on specific measurements, taking into consideration your lifestyle and foot type, they are most effective when used with appropriate footwear. When inserted into the footwear, it helps to support the arches and makes up for the slight difference in the arch height and heel position.
You may be wondering – who benefits from wearing orthotics? The answer is that just about everyone benefits from wearing orthotics. It helps to address different lower limb and foot problems including heel pain, arch pain, forefoot pain, shin splints, knee pain etc. By maintaining proper alignment and supporting the foot, it can help heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee etc, and complications related to health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
Orthotics aids to cushion and keep feet in the correct position thus reducing further discomfort and damage in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation. It can help retain and enhance the mobility of patients with arthritic joints.
Hours of standing on hard surfaces, walking and doing physical work can take its toll on the lower extremities. Poor foot biomechanics can result in chronic knee, hip and lower back conditions. The overall support and cushion of the orthotics can help reduce fatigue and pain in the lower leg muscles.
Athletes and runners can benefit from orthotics as it keeps the foot in perfect alignment allowing the bones, muscles, and ligaments to perform optimally and prevent injury.
Orthotics relieves the stress and forces of extra weight off of the ligaments of feet and legs in people who are overweight.
