If you are experiencing heel or foot pain, you should consider getting some orthotics. But what are orthotics? They are special shoe inserts that help to decrease abnormal foot movement. Orthotics in Pickering can be helpful. Orthotics are differentiated by quality, manufacturing material, and purpose, to name a few.
Some people end up spending a fortune on the wrong orthotics because of a lack of information and self-diagnosing. They might feel better after buying softer cushioning, but the underlying cause of their foot pain remains unaddressed. Getting expert advice from a podiatrist will result in the correct treatment and save you some money.
How Do They Work?
The main objective of orthotics is to reduce the effects of external and internal forces that affect specific parts of your foot. Also, they help to relieve foot pain and treat injuries. They achieve this in the following ways:
- Specific Orthotic Design – Depending on where the foot is hurting and on pathology, different orthotic designs target particular parts of the foot. They have precise features that can alter the location, levels, and timing of forces experienced in the foot. Most mechanically related injuries come from excessive forces within the foot and ankle.
- Ground Reaction Force – Well-functioning orthotics adjust the pressure coming from the ground to your foot. This ground reaction force happens when you are walking, running, or standing. By regulating these forces, orthotics help you achieve improved foot function while decreasing excessive forces that result in foot injury.
- Neuro-Feedback – Orthotics help to prompt your brain to make necessary movement changes when walking. This is done when sensory feedback is efficiently sent to the brain. In turn, the brain sends back corrective movements to your foot. This improves its function and averts pain or injury.
Types of Orthotics
Some of the different types of orthotics available include:
Over-the-Counter Orthotics
Over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics are the ones that you will find in the store or pharmacy. They fit according to your size shoe and are quite popular. They have a generic foot shape, with some having special features, such as low or high arches.
However, this may not work for some people since not all feet are the same. Furthermore, due to commercialization, some of them are made from inferior materials and so do not last long and may cause more damage.
Custom Molded Orthotics
As the name suggests, these orthotics are molded to your feet. They fit better than OTC orthotics and are more durable. The Centre for Physical Health’s orthotics in Pickering are created by making a mold of your foot, which will later be used to form the end product from warmed, compressed material. Your feet then settle into this orthotic material until it cools down.
Prescription Orthotics
These are custom orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist. They are high-quality and treat issues such as plantar fasciitis, severe heel inflammation, and abnormal motion. They can also treat painful calluses and foot ulcers in diabetic patients.
If you are experiencing severe foot or heel pain, visiting The Centre for Physical Health in Pickering for advice is essential. The specialists there will guide you on the best treatment after making a professional diagnosis.
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