The feet are the major weight-bearing portion of the body; it won’t be surprising to experience foot pain at some point.
Prescription orthotic devices reduce the pressure and stress on the feet and improve your ability to walk and play the sports you love. If you suffer from chronic pain and discomfort, a licensed chiropractor might help you.
Learn how custom orthotics improve the quality of your life. Advanced Chiropractors Group is here for you.
Orthotic Therapy: What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are foot inserts that alleviate pain and improve motion. They are custom-made to match the contours of each patient’s feet. Additionally, orthotics fit in a patient’s shoes, which won’t require them to buy new footwear.
Correcting misalignments in your body is essential; otherwise, they may lead to spinal curvatures and uneven hips.
It also causes leg length discrepancy, which results in a variety of problems like:
- Scoliosis
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
What Are the Different Types of Orthotics?
Orthotics come in three major categories: those designed to alter foot functionality, those intended to protect the foot to reduce pain, or both.
Here’s an overview of the different types of orthotics:
1. Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics insoles are made of soft and compressible materials that improve balance, absorb shock, and relieve pressure from sore or uncomfortable areas.
This type of orthotic works well for people who have lost the protective fat tissue in their feet due to arthritis or other deformities. They are also beneficial for patients with diabetes.
2. Rigid Orthotics
This type of custom orthotics controls foot function. It is typically made of rigid carbon fiber or plastic material, designed to control movement in the two main foot joints below the ankle. Chiropractors use it to reduce or eliminate pain in the thighs, legs, and lower back caused by abnormal foot function.
3. Semirigid Orthotics
Athletes are usually candidates for semirigid orthotics, which allow for dynamic foot balance while participating in sports or running. It guides the foot through the proper functions and allows muscles and tendons to move better. It is made of layers of soft materials and reinforced with harder materials.
The Connection Between Chiropractic Care and Orthotic Devices
Take into account how much weight a person places on their feet; each foot absorbs up to three times a person’s body weight when running. Over time, these forces can cause misalignments that change how the body moves.
Orthotic therapy corrects an abnormal or irregular walking rhythm by slightly adjusting the foot’s angles for optimum running or walking.
There are many options for foot orthotics that fit all feet, but they may not offer the right level of comfort or treat the root cause of your pain. Custom orthotics remain the best option because they’re made for your feet.
How Custom-Made Orthotics Insoles Help
Orthotics are often part of a treatment plan for foot and ankle issues. A doctor might prescribe orthotics along with physical therapy exercises to alleviate discomfort.
Professionals recommend custom orthotics in conjunction with medications and other treatment options because they can correct improperly positioned feet. For example, orthotics provide ample arch support for flat-footed patients, preventing the feet from rolling inward or downward.
Orthotics may also offer additional support and cushioning to critical areas such as the heels or balls of the feet. Holistic and natural treatments like shoe orthotics will help avoid more invasive treatments such as surgery.
What Conditions Do Orthotics Treat?
Medical professionals prescribe orthotics to treat a variety of conditions, which include:
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain in people who work on their feet all day long or have high arches or “flat” feet. It also occurs in runners or obese patients. Medical professionals recommend these orthotics for foot pain relief and to support the patient’s feet and heels.
2. Bunions
Custom-made shoe orthotics also help manage the pain caused by bunions. They are painful bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, leading to deformities. Orthotics with a wide toe box can help relieve pressure on the affected toe.
3. Arthritis
Custom orthotics may help manage the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and may correct the positioning of your feet.
4. High Arches
High arches can stress out feet muscles and lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain. Orthotics can prevent feet from rolling inward or outward.
5. Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in the toes and heels. Using insoles with arch and heel support can alleviate bursitis pain.
What Are the Benefits of Orthotics?
Chiropractors may incorporate orthotics into a comprehensive plan to treat multiple symptoms. Most commonly, they deal with pain in the feet or legs. Here are some of the benefits of shoe orthotics you should know about:
1. Lower Back Pain Management
According to a 2017 study, people suffering from chronic low back pain showed signs of improvement after using orthotics. In 6 weeks, patients with prescription orthotics in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation, manual soft tissue massage, and hot or cold packs had experienced a significant improvement in their function and pain level.
2. Injury Prevention
Additional support for your feet, ankles, and legs reduces the risk of injury to your foot and ankles. Orthotics are solid surfaces supporting your foot and legs, protecting you against fractures, strains, and over-extension.
3. Stress Reduction
The body is placed under a lot of stress if required to stand for extended periods or when a person has structural or functional deficiencies that put pressure on their feet. A 2005 study showed that orthotics combined with chiropractic care resulted in better participation in daily life, sports, and recreation.
Contact Advanced Chiropractors Group Today
Your chiropractor can help you find relief for persistent pain in your back and lower extremities.
Find out whether custom orthotics are the answer to your pain; Advanced Chiropractors Group has a network of licensed chiropractors in Vail, CO. Start your journey to a pain-free life with us. Give us a call today!
