 As with any architectural structure, if the foundation is not stable then the structures above can suffer. This applies to your feet, the foundation of your body. Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion which, besides playing havoc with foot function, and creating foot pain, can result in rotation of the legs and sometimes affect the knees, hips and back.
What Is an Orthotic?
This
is a device made from a plaster cast of the foot and is form fitted
to the foot. It is worn comfortably in most types of shoes. Its purpose
is to prevent abnormal motion of the foot while allowing for normal
motion. Orthotics can ease the pain of bunions, heel pain, calluses,
arch pain, tired/achy feet and can prevent progression of many foot
problems. An orthotic is designed to control the mechanics of the foot
to a precise degree - from the heel contact phase of walking through
midstance and toe-off phases. Orthotics are to feet what eyeglasses
are to eyes.
Aren't Orthotic
Devices Just Expensive Arch Supports?
Absolutely
not! A simple arch support is designed to push up against the arch with
standing. It is for "static stance" and not for "dynamic
motion". This means that an arch support will not control the biomechanics
of foot function at all. Everyone's feet are different and because bone
imbalances are so varied, a precise prescription for each patient is
required. Buying an arch support over-the-counter is similar to buying
prescription eye glasses off the shelf. An exact understanding of where
the problem lies is required in order to obtain optimum results. (Most
major medical plans cover the cost of prescription orthotics.)
How Are Orthotics
Fabricated?
Accent
on Feet will perform a gait analysis and study the way your foot functions
with walking and standing. Then joint range of motion studies are completed
in order to determine where the foot imbalances exist. After measurements
of the imbalances are done it can be established to a precise degree
where and how much correction is required. A "neutral position"
plaster cast is then taken of the feet. Each foot is placed in its corrected
position so that the orthotic device, once it is made, will be moulded
to your foot while maintaining proper alignment, with walking. The cast
is sent to a specialized laboratory for fabrication. The technicians
will then use the podiatrist's measurements and other findings and after
about 23 steps, will have an orthotic that should correctly reposition
your foot with every step you take.
|
