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Custom Foot Orthotics
An "orthotic" is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many 'biomechanical' (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn, this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.
In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure off sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions, etc) and they provide shock absorption as well.
Who needs orthotics?
Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or generlized discomfort due to imbalances in walking or gait distortion. Imbalances such as flat fee, heel pain, knee pain, shin pain and low back pain are known to benefit from the prescription of orthotics.
How are orthotics made? Orthotics are constructed at a special lab after a digital foot scan is performed at Calfee Chiropractic. The digital scan determines if the feet are pronated or supinated, what the arch height is and whether there are weight bearing and balance issues. This information, along with other examination findings, is sent to the lab and orthotics are custom-made for each individual patient's condition. We usually receive the orthotics from the lab within one week from the date of the scan. People who stand or walk all day will generallybenefit from orthotics. If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then orthotics can reduce the pain associated with your condition. For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet.
What specific conditions may be helped?
Below is a list of all the conditions that orthotics may benefit.
Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain, Heel Pain, Pronation, Supination, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain, Toe Pain and Spinal Pain. Imbalance in your feet can alter the bony structure of your feet and lower legs. Therefore, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems along with foot, leg and low back pain.
Do I need a medical physician's prescription to get custom orthotics?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care professional and therefore do not need a physician's referral. Custom orthotics are orthotics that are specially constucted for your individual feet. Doctors of chiropractic are specially trained to determine if you will benefit from custom-made foot orthotics.
Why do I need orthotics?
Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (pronation or supination). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affect the knees, hips or back. Research indicates that small structural changes in the foot can result in significant changes throughout the body. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.
How long will my orthotics last?
Usually between 12 to 18 months.
Does it take time to get used to orthotics?
Your feet will need time to adjust to the correct biomechanical (walking) position. Orthotics should be gradually worn in the beginning. During the first 48 hours of use, wear the orthotics for approximately 3-4 hours each day. After this period of time it is recommended that you increase wear time one hour each day until they are being worn continuously.
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