Monday, November 1, 2010

The Importance of Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are an important tool for your feet, which correctmany problems both structurally and mechanically. They are
able to do this because they ultimately realign your feet to
a more usual or "neutral" position. On a daily basis many
people suffer from foot pain, flat feet, excessive
pronation, bowlegs, knock knees, pigeon-toes, duck feet, and
high-arched feet. Orthotics can help these issues by
restoring balance and eliminating or reducing foot, back,
and leg pain. They improve function and efficiency, and can
make you feel like a new person while on your feet.

Orthotics are custom-made inserts that fit inside the shoe.
They are developed from a mold made of your specific foot
and made to fix your exact walking pattern or structural
issue. We offer several styles, which can be worn
comfortably in most types of shoes.

Foot and ankle pain will affect most Americans at some point
in their life. In fact, a recent American Podiatric Medical
Association poll discovered that half of all working
Americans have missed at least one day of work due to a foot
problem. Taking into account how much time is spent on your
feet and the amount of stress put on them, injury should be
expected.

The human foot is a marvelously complicated and efficient
machine. The foot is comprised of over 100 working parts. It
has as many as 28 bones working with ligaments, tendons, and
muscles. These parts work to support and balance our entire
body. While walking our feet bear up to 1.5 times our body
weight per foot. This pressure is enormous, and with the
average foot traveling 1,000 miles a year there are many
foot and ankle injuries.

The feet act as shock absorbers for the entire body. In the
course of a one-hour strenuous workout they will cushion
nearly one million pounds of pressure. As a result, many
people feel the pain of this stress, usually caused by foot
imbalance. This pain shouldn't be ignored, as it is not a
normal result of foot function.

Orthotics are one of the most common ways to treat the
majority of foot problems. They come in many forms and
functions depending on your foot problem or injury. Arch
supports, cushion insoles, and heel or ball of the foot
cushions are some of the most common types of orthotics.

Regardless of the type or model, the goal of these orthotic
inserts is to help keep the feet in proper balance by
offering support and aiding in shock absorption. They also
help to improve the biomechanical function of the foot, as
well as the other joints of the lower body including the
knees, hips and lower back.

The importance of proper foot function cannot be over
stressed. When the foot fails, not only is there increased
strain, and ultimately pain to the joints in the foot, but
also in the ankle, knee and hip. These imbalances can lead
to many other painful conditions but spur from the feet.

To help take the stress off of your overworked feet and to
help avoid painful knee and hip conditions you should speak
to a podiatrist or visit an online store to inquire about
orthotics and inserts. There are many podiatrist recommended
orthotics in the form of arch supports, insole cushions, gel
insoles, gel cushions, arthritic and diabetic insoles. They
can help to fix your walking pattern, foot pains, and even
structural issues within the foot. Don't make your feet
suffer any longer. You should start to protect your feet.
In return they will serve you well in future years.

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