What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom made inserts for footwear that are prescribed to address biomechanical dysfunction and/or to help manage foot, leg, or back problems.
Do you need orthotics?
If you suffer from pain and discomfort of the feet, legs or back, orthotics can help. Orthotics can assist in correcting dysfunctional biomechanics at the lower limb that arise from skeletal variances/ previous trauma/ or other diseases. A postural assessment and gait scan analysis are conducted to assess the need of orthotics.
How can orthotics help?
Orthotics can help provide support to the foot and ankle, thereby, promoting proper foot biomechanics, as well as manage structural dysfunctions throughout the body. This can help increase lower limb stability and reduce the risks of injury. Individuals who have experienced recent or old trauma to their feet, ankles, knees and/or hips may require extra support in keeping dysfunctions under control. Increasing the amount of cushion and support at the feet may also decrease cumulative stress that may negatively affect the legs or spine for those on their feet for extended periods of time. Nevertheless, orthotics are often only one piece of the puzzle when managing dysfunctions and/or 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, alternate approaches to treatment may be considered. These approaches to care may include corrective and rehabilitative exercises/ activity modification/ assessing current footwear and/or managing an injury/dysfunction.
What type of orthotics do you need?
All feet are different. Needs and personal preferences vary from person to person, therefore finding the appropriate type of orthotic is essential. Orthotics can range from soft to stiff, with hard or cushioned surfaces and vary in length to accommodate different footwear.