Our feet form the foundation for our entire body structure. Yet many of us take our feet for granted and don’t give them the specialized care they require.
Over time, foot problems can develop that not only cause localized foot pain, but also affect the ankles, knees, hips and back. Custom orthotics from specialists like NW Chiropractic and Massage in NW Calgary are an excellent solution for properly supporting the feet to improve comfort and realign the whole body.
In this article, learn about the 15 best reasons how orthotics improve foot health. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics are customized inserts for shoes designed to support an individual’s feet based on their unique shape and biomechanical needs. An orthotics specialist will thoroughly assess the feet, gait and stance to identify any irregularities in foot structure or motion patterns.
This analysis allows them to fabricate an insert that positions the foot optimally inside the shoe to enhance alignment and stability.
Orthotics are made from firm yet flexible materials that provide cushioning and support. The contours hold the foot securely in an ideal position to facilitate proper function during standing, walking and other activities.
Wearing custom orthotics improve foot health by helping re-align the foot, ankle, knee and hip joints to redistribute forces evenly up the interconnected chain of muscles and joints.
Top 15 Reasons Orthotics Improve Foot Health in Calgary
There are numerous benefits to be gained from wearing custom-crafted orthotics. Here are 15 key advantages on how orthotics improve foot health:
1. Reduce General Foot Discomfort
Many people accept aches and pains in their feet as normal. But chronic discomfort can be relieved with orthotics that provide targeted support and optimal positioning of the foot bones and arches.
2. Alleviate Specific Foot Problems
Conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes and fallen arches cause localized pain. Orthotics can alleviate these issues by re-aligning the foot structures to prevent abnormal motions that aggravate these problems.
3. Improve Ankle Comfort and Function
Foot misalignments like over-pronation can affect the ankles causing chronic ankle sprains and pains. Orthotics provide stability and motion control at the feet to improve comfort and performance of the ankles.
4. Reduce Knee Pain and Injury
Foot and ankle imbalances can increase stress on the knees leading to painful inflamed tendons and ligaments. Orthotics properly align the feet and ankles to normalize forces on the knees during movement.
5. Enhance Hip Comfort and Mobility
Abnormal foot function can impair hip joint mobility. By optimizing foot alignment and stability, orthotics help ensure proper leg rotation and pelvic positioning for improved hip comfort and mobility.
6. Minimize Lower Back Discomfort
Poor foot biomechanics can disturb proper posture causing low back pain. Orthotics re-balance the feet to encourage better alignment of the pelvis and spine to alleviate back discomfort.
7. Improve Overall Posture and Balance
Ideal positioning provided by orthotics enhances standing and walking balance, coordination and posture. Orthotics help prevent harmful motions like over-pronation that throw the body out of proper alignment.
8. Absorb Shock and Impact Forces
Quality orthotics have specialized padding to help absorb impacts against the ground. This reduces damaging strain on the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back from repetitive high-impact stresses.
9. Enhance Athletic Performance
Optimizing foot alignment and stability while absorbing shock allows athletes to move more efficiently with less pain and fatigue. Orthotics enhance comfort, speed and safety during sports.
10. Prevent Injuries
Orthotics reduce risk of injuries by providing proper foot alignment and motion control. This minimizes risk of strains, fractures and dislocations in the feet, ankles and knees during sports and exercises.
11. Accelerate Injury Recovery
Orthotics help stabilize and restore normal foot function after injuries. They provide structured support during rehabilitation to facilitate faster, fuller recoveries.
12. Improve Circulation
Orthotics re-align the foot bones into proper position allowing better function of muscles that promote healthy blood flow and circulation in the feet and legs.
13. Reduce Calluses and Blisters
Abnormal friction and pressure points from poor foot biomechanics lead to calluses and blisters. Orthotics evenly distribute pressures and forces to prevent rubbing and skin breakdown.
14. Enhance Comfort in Work Footwear
Standing for long periods in work shoes or boots can cause foot fatigue and pain. Custom orthotics provide cushioning and support tailored to your unique needs for all-day comfort.
15. Delay Onset of Arthritis
Small untreated foot problems contribute to early arthritic changes in foot joints. Orthotics can prevent this by correcting alignment issues before major joint damage and deformities occur.
Types of Custom Orthotics to Improve Foot Health
There are several main types of custom orthotics to meet different requirements:
- Rigid orthotics – Firm inserts made from carbon fiber or hard plastics give maximum control over foot position for cases requiring high stability.
- Soft orthotics – Softer flexible inserts of foam or gel provide more cushioning while gently maintaining foot alignment.
- Functional orthotics – Semi-rigid inserts allow some natural foot motion but still guide alignment to control pronation or supination.
Getting Orthotics from Specialists like NW Chiropractic and Massage
Visiting qualified professionals is vital for effective custom orthotics tailored to your needs. The team at NW Chiropractic and Massage in NW Calgary combines expertise and advanced technology to evaluate your feet and create the ideal inserts to reduce pain and improve function.
In addition to orthotics, NW Chiropractic and Massage provides complementary treatments like chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy.
Their doctors address spinal and pelvic misalignments that can contribute to poor foot biomechanics. Massage relieves muscle tension and enhances circulation to amplify the benefits.
Give your feet the expert care they require. Contact NW Chiropractic and Massage today at (403) 282-4004 to learn more about elevating your foot and full body health with custom orthotics.
If you’d like to discuss how orthotics improve foot health and are ready to give them a try, you can visit NW Chiropractic and Massage at 3604 52 Ave NW in Calgary, AB T2L 1V9.
Like this article?
Then make sure you read our Comprehensive Guide to Foot Orthotics.
