Human Biomechanics:
The joints and muscles of the body function most efficiently when they are in physical balance.
- The body is a biomechanical "kinetic chain" where abnormal movements at one line, or joint, can interfere with proper movements at other joints.
- During standing and walking, our bodies are subjected to natural forces and postures that can inflict mechanical stress and strain throughout the interrelated chain of joints and muscles.
- When foot imbalance is present, there is a negative impact on the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. Some patients must have these abnormal forces reduced before they can achieve improved spinal function.
Improper Balance and Function of the Feet Can Lead To:
- Excessive rotation of the tibia and femur, stressing the knee and twisting the pelvis and spine.
- Tilting of the pelvis which places tension on muscles and connective tissues, eventually resulting in chronic back problems.
- High levels of heel-strike shock from breakdown of the body's natural "shock absorbers." The shock wave then transmits up the kinetic chain, resulting in painful symptoms up to the head, slowed recovery of leg and spine injuries, and aggravation of other conditions.
Benefits of Orthotic Use:
- Properly fitted orthotics support the foot to control excessive pronation and supination, preventing unwanted stress on the body.
- Limiting functional hypermobility helps chiropractic adjustments hold longer and increases the effectiveness of care.
- Improved shock absorption reduces repetitive stress on joints and muscles, permitting smoother function and decreasing arthritic symptoms.
- Use of orthotics represents a long-term, yet cost-effective intervention for many types of functional and structural problems.
How Orthotics Work:
- Wearing orthotics inside shoes is similar to placing a shim beneath the leg of a wobbly table: it adds support to eliminate unwanted motion in the entire structure.
- The foot is formed of three distinct arches (transverse, medial, lateral), which create an architectural vault. The result of supporting these three arches is improved stability and postural integrity.
- Orthotics encourage optimal muscle and nerve function by guiding the feet through a more normal pattern with each step taken.
Take This Test:
- Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours daily?
- Do you participate regularly in any physical sport such as basketball, tennis, golf, etc?
- Are you age 40 or over?
- Have you had a prior injury to your knee, foot/ankle, back, or neck?
- Do your shoes wear unevenly?
- Do you have joint pain while standing, walking, or running?
- Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
- Do you have knock-knees or bow legs?
- Do you have obvious foot problems, such as bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.?
- Do your feet "toe out" when you're walking?
If you answered YES to any of the above 10 questions, then custom orthotics could be just right for you!
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