Many people suffering from ailments such as knee pain, foot pain and tight calves are not aware that custom orthotics can reduce their symptoms. It would be amazing if we all had perfect feet and posture but, sadly, this is a rarity and something never seen here at Walnut Grove!
Please don’t think orthotics are just for runners or athletes (although they can be really injury and performance transforming in these groups); they can actually help any of us who spend time on our feet.
Orthotics are inserts in your footwear designed to support your foot’s natural structure. As they influence the way in which we stand and move, orthotics can change the pattern of forces and stresses throughout the musculoskeletal system.
If you have plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, achilles problems or ankle instability, you may benefit from orthotics. Orthotics can also influence other parts of the body, even up to the shoulder or neck since, whilst it is our feet which actually hit the ground, the reaction forces travel throughout the body.
It’s always important to try to get to the root of a patient’s pain or lack of function. Sometimes rubbing the sore area helps but, more often than not, the pain will return and a longer lasting solution is required.
How do we know if the feet are the problem?
At Walnut Grove Lisa Williams, a specialist physio in orthotics and bracing, can assess your feet and gait using a specialist scanner which looks at the forces when you walk. Interpretation of the results will give Lisa an indication as to whether the foot is working well. When this is considered, in conjunction with the movement of your whole body, a decision can be made as to whether a custom orthotic to help foot position might reduce your symptoms.
Surely feet are designed to work without shoes or orthotics?
Our feet were designed to be bare and used on a variety of surfaces. Most of us, however, wear shoes from early childhood and tend to walk on hard surfaces such as tarmac or the office floor. This means our feet do not develop the musculature to help support us. Exercises can help foot musculature and, in turn, result in benefits further up through the body. Sometimes, however, it can be beneficial to help foot function by putting the body in the correct position so that strength can be developed. We can then often exercise people so they build the necessary strength to manage without the orthotics.
If you have a problem, which worsens with activity or weight bearing exercise do consider a consultation to look at your feet.
