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.