Health Benefits of Custom Made Orthotics

March 11, 2015 - PRLog -- Shoe inserts from a drug store or shoe store are not to be confused with custom made foot orthotics. Most people have tried over the counter shoe inserts at some time in their life, and they ended up being disappointed. That’s because there’s no such thing as an “average foot”, so a one-size-fits-all solution for foot pain doesn’t exist.

Every person with a foot problem can benefit from wearing orthotics. It is estimated that over 70% of the population suffer from rolling inwards of the foot and fallen arches ('excess pronation') which is the major contributing factor to foot problems. As we get older this problem often worsens. Those over 50: As we get older, the muscles and ligaments in the foot become weaker, as do the bones due to calcium reduction. In addition, the fatty padding under the foot thins out, which means less protection and cushioning for the bones, in particular the heel bone. Fallen arches combined with thinning fat tissue are a recipe for foot problems. Heel Spurs are the most common foot complaints for those over the age of 50.

People who are on their feet all day: Factory workers, nurses, teachers, people in retail and many other industries are required to stand on their feet for hours each day. Hard, unforgiving surfaces like concrete and asphalt take their toll after prolonged standing even for young and healthy people! Most common complaints are tired, aching feet and legs as well as lower back pain. Women who are required to wear dress shoes with heels (mostly in retail) often suffer from pain under the ball of foot and/or aching legs.

Runners and athletes also suffer from foot pain because they put so much strain on their muscles and bones and ground reaction forces are much higher (up to 4 times the body weight), biomechanical injuries are more rule than exception. Orthotics play a major role in preventing sports injuries such as Achilles Tendonitis, shin splints and problems in and around the knee joint. Plus, running pain-free enables any athlete to perform better. High-heel wearers: Most women know that high heels are not good for their feet, however many women do wear them.

Common symptoms occurring from wearing high heels are pain in the back of the legs, ball of foot pain, pain under the arch and the heel. Vionic Slimfit orthotics are specifically designed to reduce discomfort associated by heeled shoes and sandals. Pregnant /overweight people: Excess weight worsens the effects of excess pronation and its related pains. Proper alignment and support are crucial for those carrying additional weight, which creates additional forces on the feet, ankles, knees and back.

Orthotics are made from more durable materials than over the counter shoe inserts, and they last for years, not months. Orthotics are custom designed specifically for your foot to improve your running, walking, and balance by supporting the arch, cradling the heel and rotating your foot into a “neutral” position. This support and proper pronation helps the foot function at its maximum level. When your foot is balanced and supported correctly, you’re less prone to ankle or foot injury, knee pain, hip pain, and back pain as well. After all, your entire body is riding on your feet.

For athletes, foot orthotics can help reduce foot stress and fatigue, and may also increase agility. By balancing the foot, shock absorption will improve, diminishing before reaching your limbs.

Queen West Physiotherapy Clinic in Brampton Ontario provides wide selection of custom made orthotics. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients who suffers from foot pain. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario also provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Osteopathic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries. Please contact us or visit www.queenwestphysio.ca for more detailed information.