Orthotics
Orthotics are useful for people who have conditions that affect the feet, legs and lower back. Some of these include heel pain, chronic lower back pain, bunions or plantar fasciitis. Orthotics are designed to address a specific patient’s foot mechanics. The process of fitting orthotics starts with a trip to a podiatrist who will take the mechanics of the patient’s step into account and decide what orthotics will work to correct the problem. As part of this a FootScan will be done to determine the exact pressure going through various parts of the foot.
As part of the fitting process, the Podiatrist will have the patient walk with the device to see if the foot mechanics, or the way the foot strikes the ground, improves. The Podiatrist will take an impression of the patient’s foot and send it to a lab to have the orthotic device made. Some Podiatrists will take casts on computer rather than using the traditional plaster casts.
As the patient walks with the orthotic device, the muscles, tendons and bones in the foot, ankle and leg become accustomed to the new way the foot moves during walking. Gradually, the new way becomes normal. This process is often likened to training a baby how to walk properly. As time goes by the original symptoms will usually reduce in intensity and will often disappear.
Orthotics have helped many people with various kinds of foot disorders and given them pain relief.
Orthotics are made of a wide range of materials these days and can be made to suit many different applications. Some materials include EVA, Polypropylene, carbon graphite. Othhotics can be made for running shoes, business shoes, golf shoes, court shoes.
For advice on whether orthotics may help your foot and leg condition see your podiatrist and have a FootScan done.