Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom Foot Orthotics
What are orthotics?
Foot orthotics are a support used to align, prevent or correct the function of the musculoskeletal system starting from the feet translating all the way up the body. Shoe inserts are orthotics that correct abnormal walking (gait) patterns by slightly altering the angles of the feet as they walk or run.
Function of orthotics
Orthotics are made up of materials like plastic, foam, rubber and cork. These materials are used together to provide structure and comfort. They are specifically designed based off of a mold or electronic scan of your foot. The orthotics are generally inserts for your shoes that you wear daily to provide stability for the foot and correct any imbalances that exist. It is important to slowly ease into wearing your orthotics to allow your body to get used to the new foot biomechanics. Start by wearing them for short periods of time, gradually increasing the duration so that you avoid discomfort.
Benefits of orthotics
Custom foot orthotics aid in providing relief from pain caused by foot problems, injury, or postural dysfunction. They are especially helpful for those individuals that are on their feet for most of their daily activities. Orthotics maintain the correct positioning of the foot bones which translates through the muscles and bones of the ankles, legs, hips, all the way up to the head and neck. With constant correction from the orthotics, this new alignment makes, walking and running more biomechanically efficient.
Who needs orthotics?
Individuals that experience any of the following symptoms may benefit from custom foot orthotics:
- Foot pain
- Bunions or hammer toes
- Arch or heel pain
- Leg or knee pain
- Hip or lower back pain
- Upper back or neck pain
PhysioMax Wellness is a Physiotherapy clinic located in Burlington, Ontario. PhysioMax Wellness offers; physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy and more. We use manual therapies as well as various modalities to improve the rate of healing from injuries. Our goal is to work with you and for you to create personalized plans to recover from injuries and help your reach your health goals for conditions you may have.
Julia de Reijke RKin, CSEP-CPT, BASc Kinesiology (Hons), DipFTHP