Orthotics are post-purchase material that we insert in our regular shoes to correct the motion of our feet. There are two types of orthotics you can get when looking for orthotics:
1. A pre-molded insole option that is usually available at all footwear retailers. The basic role of standard insoles is to give proper comfort, arch support and cushioning but these standard insoles can’t help in addressing any biomechanical problems you have in standing and walking.
2. The second option is a custom-orthotics that is designed mainly for your unique foot structure and help in a very particular set of issues or injuries. Orthotics are a useful, healing device that fixes specific biomechanical problems.
Why do we need them?
The role of insoles is not limited to just lifting and bracing arches, it realigns the ankles and feet to recover the full function of the feet. It also divides the weight of your body over the breadth of your foot and can reduce the load on sensitive points on your feet.
Shock absorption isn’t a significant factor when searching for orthotics though some do provide amazing shock absorption- the reasoning behind this lies in the standard foot doesn’t want external shock absorption.
Biomechanical dysfunctions can result in a myriad of problems that vary from heel ache through to hip and higher spinal complaints. Usually, many people don’t know that the reason for lower back pain is due to overpronation. Roughly 70% of the American inhabitants undergo from overpronation because it is a very common condition.
Choosing Between Custom Orthotics And Off-The-Shelf Orthotics
In case you have very extreme biomechanical problems, then choosing the customized route is a better option. From a supporting aspect, long-term customers of customized orthotics swear by the positive adjustments they’ve made regardless of the steep value of them. The choice of getting customized insoles ought to be dictated to you by what your physique tells you- acknowledge any decrease body pains you may have and examine them further.
What’s overpronation?
Pronation is a natural movement of your foot during running and walking that enables your feet to eliminate the shock when your feet hit the ground. As your foot hits the surface, it supinates outward (locks barely) to soak up shock and allow your foot to regroup itself to move ahead for another step by pronating towards the inside.
Generally, your foot rolls too much inside which is an overpronation. Overpronation can be the reason for several kinds of pain in your lower body because the foot is not functioning correctly due to which pain transferred to your knees legs, hips, and even your backbone. Overpronating additionally forces your toes to do all the work of pushing off for the next step, that leads to bunions, plantar fasciitis, and calluses.
There are some factors that due to which overpronation occurs which are the basic problems:
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Being overweight/ obese
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Inflammation of the tendons of the feet.
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Lifestyle changes
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Arthritis
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Aging
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Genetics
Your initial visit will include a complete biomechanical analysis of your body. The style of your walking, running and the way you stand will be observed. The information from this test will decide what your problem is and what is the proper orthotic for your condition.
After observing your full condition, orthotics will be made according to your foot structure. All orthotics need a ‘break-in’ period. If they still feel uncomfortable after some time, you have to go to the podiatrist one more time.
Wearing Orthotics:
As with all things that change the style we run, walk, jump and use our muscles, getting used to wearing corrective orthotics takes time. Orthotics improve the way of moving muscles and sometimes activates muscles we haven’t used in a while, so muscle tiredness and leg fatigue are common, and after some period, your body will alter to it.
Follow our instructions to get maximum out of your customized orthotics:
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Be sure that you’re wearing orthotics which are fits on your feet perfectly.
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Be sure that you wear the left insole in the left and the right in the right shoe.
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When using a heel elevate or a full mattress insole, ensure that to put it as far back into the heel as the shoe supports.
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Always use orthotics in sneakers which have a detachable insert for an optimum fit.
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Never clean them with warm water and never forget them inside your wet shoes.
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Apply talcum powder if they sound when you walk, standard orthotics are made with cork, and this makes the noise.
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Always try your insoles whenever you are going to purchase new shoes and ensure that they fit correctly in your new shoes – they will not mold to fit a new shoe.
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If they are still causing discomfort, blisters or pain after the break-in time, revisit the podiatrist.
