In the world of Chiropractic care, the role of orthotics and proper arch support cannot be overstated. Whether you’re suffering from back pain, foot problems, or simply looking to improve your overall mobility, these devices can be a game-changer for your health and well-being.
What are Orthotics and Why Are They Important?
Orthotics are custom-made insoles that provide additional support to your feet. They are designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics, align the foot and ankle, and reduce stress on other parts of your body, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back. Your feet are the foundation of the body, and the way they function can influence your posture, gait, and overall health. Poor arch support can lead to a range of problems throughout the kinetic chain. Feet connected to the knees to hips to pelvis to spine… you get the idea.
The Role of Arch Support
Your arch plays a critical role in your balance and mobility. It acts as a shock absorber when you walk, run, or stand, distributing your body weight evenly across your feet. However, many people have flat feet (low arches) or high arches, both of which can cause imbalances that lead to pain and dysfunction. If your arches are not properly supported, the impact of each step you take can create a ripple effect throughout your body, contributing to issues like:
- Foot Pain: Conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and bunions are often caused or worsened by inadequate arch support.
- Knee Pain: Misalignment of the feet can lead to improper knee tracking, which increases stress on the knee joint and can cause chronic pain or injury.
- Hip and Lower Back Pain: Improper arch support can affect your alignment up to your spine, contributing to discomfort and misalignment in your lower back, hips, and pelvis.
How Orthotics Help Improve Function and Health
- Pain Relief: Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or simply general foot fatigue, orthotics can provide immediate relief by cushioning the foot and offering better support, making standing, walking and other activities more comfortable.
- Enhanced Mobility: With proper balance and support, your body will move more efficiently. This helps to reduce fatigue and improve your overall mobility. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who spends long hours on their feet, orthotics can help you perform at your best.
- Injury Prevention: Don’t wait for pain; imbalances in the feet can be pain-free for many years. By addressing foot issues early with custom orthotics you can prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.
- Support for Chronic Conditions: People who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis can benefit greatly from orthotics. For example; diabetics are particularly at risk for foot issues due to nerve damage, and orthotics can help reduce pressure and prevent ulcers or other complications.
- Improved Posture: Correcting foot alignment can lead to better overall posture. When the feet are properly supported, the entire body aligns more naturally, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort in the upper body, neck, and spine.
What Makes Martin Chiropractic Orthotics So Effective?
We do something no other foot clinic in Waterloo Region does and that is checking the alignment of all 26 bones in the feet. We then correct any misalignments in the feet and ankles through very specific instrument manipulation. The correctly aligned feet are then placed in a mold to capture the optimal alignment. This valuable information is used in the manufactured custom orthotics. We learned 37 years ago when we first started recommending orthotics to patients that this step is critical to successful outcomes.
Does My Insurance Cover Orthotics?
Most extended health insurance plans have a separate category for custom orthotics varying from $300.00-$1000.00 every year or two. Sometimes a physician’s prescription is acquired, and other plans will take Dr. Martin’s prescription. If your job has extended health care benefits and you are contemplating a change or concerned about your job security, it may be best to use your benefits while you have them.
How Do I Know If I Need Custom Orthotics?
Just ask us to check your family’s feet. It takes minutes and we do not charge for this service. You can also follow the Link here to a short video I made on what to look for in your feet:
How Old Should A Child Be To Start With Orthotics’?
Unless there are unusual circumstances we do not recommend custom orthotics before the age of 7 or 8. Thankfully if a child requires orthotics at this age there is an opportunity to assist the body in forming at about age 16. So it is possible they will only need orthotics during their childhood and early teenage years.
Get Started today
Schedule an appointment with Martin Chiropractic Clinic today! Call 519-886-2570
PS.It’s time for Arch Madness! Save $50.00 off orthotics and all orthotic fortunes.