When you have foot, knee, or hip pain, it can detract from your overall health. If it keeps you from exercising or sleeping well, it can negatively impact your quality of life. Orthotics are shoe inserts custom-made for your feet to correct specific biomechanical issues. They are different than the ones you can buy over the counter.
Improved Posture
Custom orthotics balance your feet and ankles like corrective lenses for your eyes to keep your body aligned as you walk, run, and play. They can be inserted into any shoe, including runners and boots.
Flat feet or collapsing arches cause you to lean forward when you walk, which throws off the alignment of your legs and spine. This puts you at increased risk of knee injury and back pain.
Orthotics create a positive domino effect from your feet upward to improve your posture and ease back pain. They also cushion your feet and reduce impact to prevent injuries that result from improper walking mechanics.
Relieved Foot Pain
Whether you are an athlete, police officer, or retail clerk, your feet must take a lot of pressure daily. Many foot problems, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and bunions, can be treated with custom orthotics. These inserts provide cushion, arch support, and balance to alleviate foot pain. Feet that are not properly supported can cause imbalances throughout the body that lead to back and knee pain. This is because the body is trying to compensate for the misalignments by straining other parts of the skeleton to maintain balance and alignment. Using custom orthotics Ottawa helps prevent and treat foot disorders and reduces the risk of developing a more serious problem. The result is healthier feet that can handle the demands of your day-to-day life.
Reduced Stress on Your Knees and Hips
Every time your feet touch the ground, a force is applied that can be as much as several times your body weight. If your feet aren’t supported properly, the resulting strain can cause damage to your knees, hips, and lower back.
Your feet have an important job essential to your overall health. Structural problems with your feet, like flat feet and high arches, can lead to poor posture, foot pain, and injuries in other body parts.
Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, designed as a one-size-fits-all solution, custom orthotics fit your exact foot size, arch height, and toe length. This makes them a better option to reduce your knees and hips stress from walking, running, and other exercise.
Improved Athletic Performance
If you are an athlete, the last thing you want to do is get sidelined by foot pain. When you have a foot problem, it can throw off your balance and gait, which then puts unnecessary stress on your knees, hips, back, and other joints.
Foot orthotics can correct these misalignments by restoring proper foot alignment, and they also help distribute weight more evenly. As a result, they can prevent injuries and help you maximize your athletic performance.
Orthotics can be especially helpful for kids, as they are still growing and their feet are constantly changing. Just like wearing glasses or contacts, they will eventually become a natural part of their life and improve how they walk and move. They can even help prevent the development of bunions later in life, as well as other painful conditions.
Better Sleep
If you suffer from foot, ankle, or knee pain that prevents you from being active or sleeping well, custom orthotics can improve your overall health. They are typically made of high-quality materials and can last many years when cared for properly. Depending on your situation, they may also be covered by your health insurance.
Custom orthotics can cost between $200 and $800, though some health insurance plans will help reduce the cost. Semi-custom orthotics are available for about $60 to $300, and basic off-the-shelf inserts can be purchased for as little as $10 to $20. The best way to determine whether orthotics are worth the investment is to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.
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