How Orthotics Helps with Heel Pain: What You Need to Know

heel

Heel pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that affects many people. It can be caused by various factors, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs. One treatment option that is effective in managing heel pain is orthotics Now, some of you may be unfamiliar with this form of treatment. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief discussion on orthotics. In this article, we will discuss how orthotics can help with heel pain and what you need to know about this treatment option.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that are designed to support and align the feet. They are made from a variety of materials, including foam, plastic, and rubber. Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, flat feet, and bunions.

How Do Orthotics Help with Heel Pain?

Orthotics can help with heel pain in several ways. They provide support to the feet and help to distribute the weight of the body evenly across the feet. This can reduce the pressure on the heels and alleviate pain. Orthotics can also help correct any structural abnormalities in the feet that may contribute to heel pain. For example, if you have flat feet, orthotics can help to provide the arch support that your feet need, which can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia and alleviate pain.

What Are the Different Types of Orthotics for Heel Pain?

There are two main types of orthotics that are used to treat heel pain: over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics and custom orthotics.

OTC orthotics are pre-made shoe inserts that can be purchased at drugstores or online. They are less expensive than custom orthotics and can be a good option for people with mild heel pain. However, OTC orthotics may not provide the same level of support and customization as custom orthotics.

Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are made specifically for your feet. They are designed to provide the exact level of support and correction that your feet need. Custom orthotics are more expensive than OTC orthotics but may be a better option for people with more severe heel pain or structural abnormalities in their feet.

Choosing the Right Orthotics for Your Heel Pain?

Choosing the right orthotics for your heel pain can be a daunting task. It is important to work with a healthcare professional who specializes in foot and ankle conditions, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. They can perform a thorough evaluation of your feet and recommend the type of orthotics that will be most effective for your specific condition.

When choosing orthotics, it is important to consider the level of support and customization that you need. If you have mild heel pain, OTC orthotics may be a good option. However, if you have more severe heel pain or structural abnormalities in your feet, custom orthotics may be a better option.

It is also important to consider the cost of orthotics. Custom orthotics are more expensive than OTC orthotics, but they may be covered by insurance in some cases. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of custom orthotics.

How Long Does It Take for Orthotics to Work?

Orthotics can take some time to work. It may take several weeks or months for your feet to adjust to the new support and alignment provided by the orthotics. It is important to wear the orthotics consistently and as directed by your healthcare professional. If you experience any discomfort or pain while wearing the orthotics, be sure to contact your healthcare professional.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of why orthotics can benefit people struggling with heel pain. Orthotics can be an effective treatment option for heel pain It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the type of orthotics that will be most effective for your specific condition. Orthotics can take some time to work, but with consistent use, they can help to manage heel pain and improve your quality of life.

If you’re looking for custom orthotics in Pickering, contact us at Your Pickering Chiropractors. We cater to all types of patients and issues. Book a consultation today!

Why do I need orthotics?

Why do I need orthotics? What are orthotics used for anyway? Why would a chiropractor recommend orthotics?
There are a number of questions, let’s start with what orthotics are and what they’re used for.

Orthotics are custom made insoles for your shoes, designed to correct imbalances in your foot structures, muscles of the lower leg, protect against the forces of hard flooring on your feet.

Symptoms one might experience if orthotics are necessary aren’t limited to the feet, but include; foot, arch or heel pain, leg or knee pain, leg length inequality, hip or back pain even neck pain.

Foot orthotics work similar to braces for the teeth, or glasses for your eyes, they slowly and consistently place your foot structures in the correct position. We use orthotics in all kinds of footwear, even skates and ski boots!

I think I need orthotics what’s next?
During an orthotic examination I perform a static ( not moving) postural assessment, both weight bearing and non-weight bearing, to see how your foot reacts to supporting your body. I assess any mobility issues in the ankle or foot, check to see wear the forces stress the foot as shown in any calluses you may have. Next I have you walk several times in bare feet to assess your dynamic posture, do the toes point in or out, does the ankle roll in with walking?

Next I make a mold of your foot in special foam with you sitting, having your foot kept in the optimal position. The mold is then sent to the orthotic lab and analyzed. The orthotics are then ready in about a week or two.

I have my orthotics now what?
Initially you wear the orthotics an hour or two each day slowly increasing the time you wear them.

Wear them as much as you can , the more consistently you wear them, the better the benefit will be. Often we need to make 2 pair of orthotics to accommodate different kinds of foot wear, i.e. dress shoes vs. running shoes.

How does this fit with chiropractic?
Why as a chiropractor would I recommend orthotics?

Typically the answer is to either be reactive or proactive. If you are already having pain and there are structural or muscular imbalances that are contributing to your pain, orthotics may be part of the recovery process. If during our assessment process I discover some issues that may not be contributing to a pain process but have the potential to, I may suggest the orthotics as a preventative measure.

For more information go to https://yourpickeringchiropractors.cablog/
Or http://www.theorthoticgroup.com/PatientSite/Home.aspx

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet?

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet?

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet? Isn’t that what a podiatrist or chiropodist is for?
Another good question, why should a chiropractor care about feet?
There are several good reasons why as a chiropractor I am interested in feet. Most obviously, feet are the first thing that make contact with the ground and as such have a bearing on what occurs above them I.e, your ankles, your knees, hips and even your back and neck, areas you might expect me to be more interested in.

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet: Posture
If we take someone with flatter feet, meaning the arch on the inside of the foot is lower or absent altogether, this can cause the ankle to roll in when walking or running, causing more forces to be applied to the inside of the knee, tight muscles at the hip and weak glutes. This can lead to increased or imbalanced stresses at the lower back and other compensatory changes in the upper back and neck.

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet: Musculoskeletal conditions
A couple of common conditions we also see in the feet are plantar fasciitis and fat pad syndrome, these typically present as heel pain, either first step of the day or after rest( plantar fasciitis) or with prolonged activity (fat pad). These are conditions that as chiropractors we can easily manage and help educate the patient to manage at home. This might involve exercises for the muscles of the feet or lower legs, custom or off the shelf orthotics shoe inserts, heat or ice.

Why does my chiropractor care about my feet: Neurological conditions
Have you ever wondered why I may check sensation in your feet? I usually check 3 ways, with a very light touch using a tissue, with a sharp object ( paper clip or pinwheel) and lastly checking vibration sense with a tuning fork. Why do I do this? Checking three types of sensation checks three different pathways of the nervous system from the foot to the brain, a problem feeling these sensations tells me something about where the problem may be. Most often with someone with back pain it might mean that a disc is putting pressure on the nerves going to and coming from the feet. It might also be a sign that someone who is diabetic is having a worsening of their condition and are at greater risk of injury be it from lack of balance because they can’t feel the ground under their feet or from cuts to the feet or toes that may not heal well and cause ulceration.

I hope that briefly explains why a chiropractor might care about your feet.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask, or show me your feet.
For other blogs go to https://yourpickeringchiropractors.cablog/

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