By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)
Much like tires on a car give a vehicle a foundation of support for
stability and performance, our feet function to do the same for us. When tires get old and worn, and don’t offer
the same support and stability that they once did, we simply replace them. Unfortunately we cannot replace our
feet! Our only option is to give them
the correct mechanical support so that they can continue to function as they
were intended to. Learn more about how
important your feet are for structural health and how custom orthotic therapy
can alleviate many problems caused by faulty foot mechanics.
The feet are an individual’s contact points with the ground, so how
they support the rest of the body is critical.
Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts, which all have to
function together when we stand, walk, run and jump to provide proper stability
and balance. When a small problem
develops in our feet, the subtle changes in the way we walk can cause a chain
reaction of adjustments in our posture and walking mechanics. These changes can put stress on joints in our
feet, and higher up in the body, and can lead to more serious problems.
Custom orthotic therapy allows one to correct faulty foot mechanics by
normalizing motion and offering shock absorption. Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into
your shoes as comfortably as an insole – and they have the advantage of having
been custom made from precise imprints of your feet. Orthotics work on your feet much like glasses
work on your eyes – they decrease stress and strain on your body by bringing
your feet into proper alignment. This
helps rebalance your feet and reduces pain and discomfort by enhancing your
body’s natural movements.
Some individuals may experience obvious symptoms of faulty foot
mechanics which may include but are not limited to: localized foot pain, bunions or hammer toes,
arch or heel pain, leg, ankle, hip, and knee pain, and back pain. Others
may not have obvious symptoms of faulty foot mechanics but may still benefit
from orthotic therapy to prevent long-term problems. This may include individuals who spend a good
portion of the day standing or walking on hard surfaces, individuals with a
family history of foot related problems, and individuals who participate in
sports such as tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, or running on a regular
basis. Faulty foot mechanics arise for
different reasons ranging from genetic predisposition, to the normal aging process
where ligaments, muscles and joints fail to support our bodies like they once
did.
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are a very common cause of heel
pain. These problems usually occur in
pronated feet (feet that roll inward).
Pronation forces the heel to strike the ground abnormally, and places
abnormal stress on the heel and plantar fascia (the soft tissue at the bottom
of the foot), resulting in pain that will become progressively worse. A custom made orthotic is constructed to
allow the heel to strike the ground in the correct manner by minimizing
pronation, cushioning the heel, and supporting the arch. This is just one example of how custom
orthotics function to normalize faulty mechanics and foot function. Custom orthotics can also help with other
painful conditions such as foot pain caused by bunions or hammer toes, shin
splints, knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain. Many athletes find custom orthotics helpful
for increasing athletic efficiency, and protecting the heel, arch, and forefoot
from the unnatural and increased stresses that sporting activities
produce. Older individuals who have
experienced the effects of aging on the body may find that custom orthotics can
keep the foot from turning and twisting while walking, making each step secure
and pain free. In diabetics, pressure
sores and chronic painful areas are best treated with supportive custom made
orthotics featuring modern materials that can eliminate pain, shield and
protect painful areas, and decrease the chance of ulcerations occurring.
Prescribing and dispensing custom foot orthotics for an individual is
usually a three-step process. The first
step is a history and physical examination, which gathers
information about occupational, recreational or sporting activities. Pain
symptoms are investigated through a physical exam involving muscular assessment
and range of motion. A postural exam is
also performed to assess overall alignment.
Computer analysis can help identify what your feet are doing at
every part of the walking cycle, and give additional information about the
mechanical functioning of your feet. Foam
impressions or plaster casts of your feet allow for specific
imprints of your feet to be sent to the orthotic lab, detailing information
about your arch and heel specifications.
A comprehensive and systematic approach to custom orthotic therapy
yields excellent results and high consumer satisfaction.
While simple, commercially made devices such as heel cushions, or shock
absorbing insoles for shoes can be purchased over-the-counter in drug stores or
other retail establishments, they are made for the general public and may not
be addressing the specific needs of your feet.
The most effective orthotics are custom-designed devices specifically
crafted to meet the needs of the particular individual. Mechanical dysfunction
in our feet has the ability to put undue stress on other parts of the body,
predisposing us to wear and tear and injury.
Do not forget that the proper functioning of your feet is paramount in
ensuring structural health, and that correction and prevention is key in
ensuring that you are indeed putting your best foot forward!
This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be
considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly
licensed health practitioner.
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