As time passes and your body continues to wear and tear, it is common for people to begin experiencing pains or discomforts in their feet, knees, legs and backs. Although quite serious problems may require surgery to resolve, a simple way that may help treat mild pains and discomfort in patients is orthotics.
Orthotics are special shoe inserts which are most commonly used to relieve heel, leg, ankle, feet and back pain. While you can get them premade at local shoe stores or an online retailer, patients with disrupting chronic pains may benefit more from having custom-made ones.
Orthotics may help treat a number of issues, such as:
- Pain in the back, leg, knee, ankle or foot. Although only used in your shoes, poor posture or problems in the feet can lead to complications elsewhere. Hence orthotics may help resolve health issues that are not just with the feet.
- Arthritis.
- Flat feet. Orthotics may help resolve problems involving the common condition of flat feet. They may help provide much-needed support for the feet and lessen the strain on feet as well.
- Heel spurs. Some patients may suffer from bony spurs attached to their heel, which cause pain and inflammation when moving. Orthotics can help protect vulnerable areas of the feet so that they do not get infected.
- Hammer toes. Hammer toes are another fairly common condition, usually occurring in the second or third toe. Like heel spurs, orthotics may protect your toes from stiffness and soreness.
- High arches. Quite the opposite of flat feet, some patients may have high arches in their feet, causing problems such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics may help resolve such problems by keeping the heel of the feet from unwanted strain.
Orthotics may also be a viable option for patients to consider if they are looking for:
- Maximised comfort when walking, jogging, running, or when performing other everyday body movements
- Decreased chances of injuries in not only the feet, but the ankle and legs as well.
- Increased body performance and function. Orthotics may also help those who wear uncomfortable shoes.
- Reduced pain in the feet, legs or back.
- Help with reducing deformities in the feet.
Orthotics are relatively easy to find and purchase, with standard premade ones available at your local chemist, and custom-made ones possible available at your local chiropractic care clinic.
When making your orthotics, chiropractors will diagnose your condition and examine your body so that an effective set of orthotics can be made for you. Chiropractors will take your everyday lifestyle into account (for example, how much you will need to use them) when making your orthotics so that they are the most helpful to your body as they can be.
In addition to making your orthotics, chiropractors may also help treat your musculoskeletal health concerns by sharing lifestyle advice, exercise regimes and other prescription devices. If you are looking to have custom-made orthotics, be sure to check out your local chiropractic clinic!
