How Does Wearing Orthotics Help Feet?
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Support the Foot
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Orthotics help the feet by supporting the basic structure of the foot. Many people suffer from an uneven weight distribution when they walk. As they age, their feet begin to suffer the consequences of this imbalance. As a result, they may feel ankle pain, suffer torn calf muscles, have knee and hip pain, as well as a sore back. By using an orthotic, the wearer corrects imbalances in the foot, correcting many of the biomechanical issues causing pain in the rest of the body.
How it Works
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Orthotics support the arch and cushion the heel. They prevent overpronation (flattening of the arch) as well as absorb shock while running and walking. The shock absorbency protects the rear of the foot--subtaylor joints--and the midfoot or midtarsal joints. This support makes the foot more stable and minimizes the potential for overuse injuries.
Orthotics can also be made to more aggressively treat foot issues such as toe-in or toe-out issues. These are issues treated with splints, night bars and gait plates. Orthotics of this type make constant corrective adjustments by holding the foot in the correct position, even when a person is sleeping, in some cases.
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When to Seek Help
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Anyone may seek to use orthotics, but most people who need them may be suffering from a specific ailment. If you frequently sprain your ankle or suffer from shin splints, you may have a gait or arch issue that orthotics can aid. Similarly, bunions, flat feet or abnormal shoe wear are symptomatic of a need for a corrective device in your shoe. Most people, though, seek the aid of a podiatrist for custom orthotics for a simple reason--their feet hurt. A custom-made orthotic can relieve foot pain by correctly diagnosing the issue in the foot, from heel imbalance to a falling arch, and providing a support mechanism that corrects the issue.
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