How Custom Orthotics Help Your Foot

Have you ever thought how much you walk around everyday? It would be quite interesting for you to know that a person weighing 165-170 pounds walks 7.5 miles per day on an average, carrying huge weights on each foot. Essentially the feet acts as rigid levers that helps the body to propel forward and it also serves as shock absorbers cushioning initial contact with the ground. Due to its intricate structure, the feet are capable of carrying these functions nicely.

However, the feet are subjected to tremendous stress, which makes them and other body parts used for walking vulnerable to different problems. The affects of improper ankle and foot function can be reduced by special orthopedic devices known as Orthotics. These devices are designed to treat a variety of biochemical foot disorders. In some cases, what happens is the foot of a person does not function as it is expected, if the weight of the body is not transferred and distributed. This causes tenderness and pain in the ankle, feet and other adjacent muscles. Orthotics realigns and supports the ligaments and bones of the foot, which helps to relieve pain and allows the foot to function normally.

There are various causes of abnormal foot mechanics. Overpronation being one of the major foot problems that affects 90-95% of the people. This normally occurs when the foot pronates excessively or for a long time. It does not return to neutral position during the foot mid-stance phase of walking. Overpronation might cause low arches or flat feet. It occurs when the ankle joints are locked, which prevents proper shock absorption. Oversupinators normally suffer from greater risks of degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). They may also experience hip, lateral, knee and back pain.

Custom orthotics

Apart from treatment, custom orthotics can play an important role in stretching and strengthening the muscles, reducing inflammation, and encouraging proper joint mobility. The custom-made orthotics helps in enhancing the mechanical efficiency at the foot and ankle, which eases the abnormal mechanical stresses. Custom orthotics is covered by supplemental insurance plans either in whole or as a part. However, the prescription rights for orthotics vary.

The custom orthotics is specifically tailored to meet the specific requirements of individuals. Usually such orthotics can be made only with a doctor's prescription. The impression of the foot, called a cast should be made to figure out the alignment of the foot. After producing the cast, it is sent to an orthotic laboratory, where it is checked for any misalignments that might have crept in. Eventually the orthotic is fitted to the shoes of the patient to so that it is aligned with the foot properly.

How a Custom Foot Orthotics functions

Custom orthotics performs much more than just arch support. Essentially the orthotics realigns the structures of the foot and leg, which not only prevents muscle, tendon, and ligament fatigue but also bone mal-alignment. Orthotics can also be worn after surgeries to prevent deformities in foot. With the orthotics, your foot remains in the best position for walking, standing and running.

Once your foot starts functioning correctly, the pain of the muscle strain and pressure points is relieved. If the deformities already exist, then it is slowed or stopped. For more information on the topic, you can visit our site www.mybadfeet.com

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