How do Custom-Made Orthotics Work?

Many people can clearly see the benefit of custom orthotics to help with foot pain and plantar fasciitis but not everyone understands that our feet are the foundation of our entire body and that flat feet can affect our knees, hips, and low back just the same. Our bodies are large kinetic chains that are interconnected, with one part stacked on top of another. Affecting one part can change everything that is stacked on top of it. When we stand or walk, natural forces can place stress on our bodies if the feet are not properly aligned. Each foot contains 3 arches that can flatten over the years. When these arches flatten asymmetrically from right to left it can shift forces and place an abnormal strain on different parts of the body and cause us to lean much like an uneven foundation of a house would cause structural shifting above. This can affect your low back, hips, knees, and even your neck.

What are Foot Orthotics?

They are custom-made, flexible inserts that replace the bedding of your shoes to give added support to the three arches of the feet and help balance the foundation of our body. Using a weight bearing computer scan, we can determine imbalances in your feet and build a custom orthotic to exactly fit your feet. No more messy casting or stepping in inaccurate molds! The new Footlevelers computer does it all in just minutes and will show you a picture of your feet that shows imbalances.

Who Needs Orthotics?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering custom-made foot orthotics:

• Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours/day?
• Do you participate regularly in any sports?
• Are you over the age of 40?
• Have you had a prior injury to your knee, hip, back or neck?
• Do your shoes wear unevenly in the heel?
• Do you have joint pain while standing, walking, or running?
• Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
• Do you have knock-knees or bow legs?
• Do you have foot problems including bunions, plantar fasciitis or corns?
• Do your feet toe out when you are standing?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are a good candidate for custom-made foot orthotics! Ask one of our doctors today about Footlevelers Foor Orthotics. And best yet, most insurances cover them with no out of pocket costs to the patient.