WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS?
Orthotics are custom-made footwear inserts that are prescribed to address biomechanical dysfunction and help manage foot, leg, or back problems.
DO YOU NEED ORTHOTICS?
If you suffer from pain or discomfort in your feet, legs or back, orthotics can help. They can assist in correcting lower-limb dysfunctional biomechanics that arise from skeletal variances, previous trauma, or other diseases. A postural assessment and gait scan analysis are conducted to assess your need for orthotics.
HOW CAN ORTHOTICS HELP?
Orthotics can help provide support to the foot and ankle, thereby promoting proper foot biomechanics as well as managing structural dysfunctions throughout the body. This can help increase lower limb stability and reduce the risk of injury. Individuals who have experienced recent or old trauma to their feet, ankles, knees, or hips may require extra support to keep dysfunctions under control. For those who are on their feet for extended periods of time, increasing the amount of cushion and support at the foot level may also decrease cumulative stress that could negatively impact the legs or spine. Keep in mind, however, that orthotics often make up only one piece of the puzzle when managing dysfunctions and injuries.
HOW DO WE DETERMINE IF YOU NEED ORTHOTICS?
A thorough history, physical assessment and computerized gait scan will be performed. Should orthotics be required, a foam cast of your feet may be taken. Before prescribing orthotics, other approaches to treatment may be considered. These approaches may include corrective and rehabilitative exercizes, activity modification, assessing current footwear, and managing an injury or dysfunction.
WHAT TYPE OF ORTHOTICS DO YOU NEED?
No one’s feet are the same, therefore personal needs and preferences will vary from person to person. That’s why finding the right type of orthotic for you is essential. Orthotics can range from soft to stiff, with hard or cushioned surfaces, and vary in length to accommodate different types of footwear.