How Can Orthotics Help With My Feet?
What does this have to do with my pain? As you walk, jog or run, your feet strike the ground with pressure from your body’s weight. Up to three times your entire body weight lands on your feet—up to 15,000 times a day— enough to take you around the world 4 times in a normal lifetime! If your feet are out of alignment, this can cause a bad chain reaction that works its way up. Researchers have shown that at some point in their lives, 75% of the people will suffer from foot-related problems, which can result in pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. If your feet are not perfectly and bio-mechanically correct and in 100% alignment, do you wonder why you suffer?
What is an Orthotic and Why is it Important?
21st Century orthotics are an insole type device, computer designed specifically for you. They are high tech, small, slim, comfortable and are easy to use with existing shoes. Prescription orthotics realign and support the foot so that it functions normally, effectively and optimally.
Most people do not relate their pain and discomfort to their feet. So, they think that they just have to live with the pain and hope that some day it will just go away. Doctors, scientists and physiotherapists know that with proper prescriptive orthotics, many problems with the feet, legs and back can be remedied. Going back to that old song, if the kinetic chain from your feet up to your ankle and then the rest of the body is corrected, then your problems can be remedied.
What makes Footmaxx methods so unique?
In the past, patients have seen doctors and chiropodists who relied on plaster or foam casts to be made of the feet; however, these casts only captured the feet at rest. Obviously, it is when the feet bear weight and are in motion that problems occur. Or, they saw a technician who has no ability to actually diagnose actual pathology and they end up with something in their footwear that hurts rather than helps their foot and other soft tissue problems.
The modern analytical system is designed for simplicity in that you walk across a computerised forceplate that is connected to a computer. As you walk, the forceplate captures the motion and timing of your foot throughout the gait cycle. This data is then analysed by the computer and produces instant 2D and 3D images on the screen. Sophisticated diagnostic software then specifies the prescription for your custom orthotics.
Family First Chiropractic & Wellness Center is excited to offer ultra-modern assessment technologies such as the dynamic Footmaxx™ Gait Analysis System and the Biodex Multi-Joint System to assist practice members in the effective diagnosis and treatment of your foot injuries and related problems.
Taking incredibly precise measurements of the way your feet touch the ground, and how you distribute your body weight. This information is analyzed by the computer to produce an instant 3D diagnostic image that you and your therapist can view on a monitor. Combined with your examination, this meticulous analysis helps the Family First practitioners make an accurate assessment of your foot related problems.
We believe that all clients benefit from a thorough examination to rule out any problems with their back or legs which could lead to foot-type symptoms. For example, nerve root entrapment in your back could produce heel pain.
Some of the problems we can successfully treat with orthotics are:
- Shin Splints
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Chondromalacia
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Intermetatarsal Pain
- Fallen Arches
- Weak Ankles
- Over-Pronation
- Sports Injuries
- Knee Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Heel Pain
A commitment to healthy feet doesn’t meaning wearing only one kind of shoe. The Footmaxx custom orthodic line offers versatility. The orthotics we prescribe help your feet move more effectively, and they fit discreetly into most types of your favorite active, casual, work, and athletic shoes.
We are able to customize our orthotics to fit everything from maximum shock-absorbtion for your hard job-site work boots, to all kinds of athletic footwear including: football cleats, baseball cleats, soccer shoes, runners, basketball shoes, and golf shoes, to thin and lightweight your dress shoes.
We’re here to help you with every step. And we’re not happy until you feel healthy from your feet on up. If you have any questions or would like more information on Footmaxx™, and our complimentary foot screen exams, call Family First at (204) 254-1313.