ORTHOTICS

An orthotic is a support, brace, or splint used to support, align, prevent, or correct the function of movable parts of the body. Shoe inserts are orthotics that are intended to correct an abnormal, or irregular walking pattern, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

 Custom-made orthotics can be effective in providing our body with shock absorption, and in helping to stabilize our feet and lower back.

• Increased shock absorption will reduce the jarring effect on the lower back muscles, and this will help to reduce muscle spasms and pain. Custom-made orthotics are designed to absorb the shock created each time we step down, instead of allowing this shock to travel to our lower backs. These custom-made orthotics act much like the shock absorbers on an automobile.
• Our feet are the foundation of our body. Just as with a building, when the foundation is not straight or it is weak, the building will not stand straight. When this occurs, extreme forces are placed on the building. If our feet are not straight, stable, or they are weak, the lower back will be subjected to abnormal forces. The back muscles will try to compensate and keep the body straight. This compensation will eventually cause the muscles to go into spasm and be painful. Our custom-made orthotics designed for the back will stabilize the feet, and provide the body with a proper foundation. When this occurs, back muscle spasms and pain are reduced.

By providing increased padding and support for the balls of the feet using materials that mimic the action of our own fatty pads, our orthotics will not only provide comfort, but will also help to prevent stress fractures, joint pain, and callus pain. Due to the thin, comfortable materials used in constructing custom-made orthotics, you usually do not need a bigger size shoe to accommodate these othotics. They should fit in your present shoes.