An ‘orthotic’ is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many ‘biomechanical’ (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body. In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and they provide some shock absorption.
Patient with foot pain or discomfort due to walking imbalance (biomechanical complaint) can benefit from orthotics. Imbalances such as Flat fee, heel pain, knee pain and shin pain are known to cause pain and discomfort.
People who stand or walk all day will benefit from orthotics. If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then orthotics can reduce the pain associated with your condition. For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet.
Below is a list of all the conditions that orthotics can help. Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain, Heel Pain, Pronation, Top of the foot pain, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain, Toe Pain. Imbalance in your feet can alter the bony structure of your feet and lower legs, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems and foot and leg pain.
No. Chiropractors are primary health care professionals therefore do not need a physician’s referral. Custom orthotics are orthotics that are especially molded to your feet. Chiropractors can properly determine if you require orthotics. The best orthotics are designed by using a biomechanical assessment, gait scan, and neutral cast/mold of the foot.
While you do not need a referral from you MD to get orthotics from our office, you may want to check your health insurance plan to see if a referral is required. Many progressive plans have updated their benefits to recognize that chiropractors are qualified orthotic specialists. However, your plan may have not made this plan change so it is best to check beforehand. Our office staff can assist you with confirming your coverage. Simply bring your insurance booklet into our office.
Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (over pronation). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.
Your feet need time to adjust to the correct biomechanical (walking) position. Orthotics should be gradually used to begin with. When your custom orthotics are dispensed Dr. Tarrabain will include specific instructions on when/how to wear them for optimal comfort and results. Remember, ask questions or express concerns openly to our staff – we want to ensure that you a pleased with your orthotics.