Orthotics

ORTHOTICS

An othotic is a device that stabilizes or supports any body part. We typically use the word to describe inserts that are used in shoes to correct mechanical problems in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or spine.

WHY IS A CHIROPRACTOR CONCERNED WITH THE FEET?

Chiropractic treatment restores function to the muscles, joints and lilgaments. This can make improvements in muscle length and strength, muscle balance, joint motion or posture. Using orthotics to help support this balance "from the ground up" can help maintain these improvements and help stabilize underlying imbalances.

Many people have mechanical faults in their feet such as flat arches, ankle pronation (the ankle rolls inward), or excessive metatarsal pressure. Imbalances such as these in the foot and ankle often cause problems in the foot, knee, hip, pelvis and spine.

This can cause pain, stiffness and muscle spasm. In athletes, such as runners, these problems become magnified with time. Over the long term, this mechanical stress can cause wear and tear throughout the joints of the legs and spine.

In addition to providing support and stabilization, orthotics provide shock absorption to relieve pressure on the cartilage of the knees and hips and in the discs of the spine.  Talk to your doctor if you have questons about orthotics or if you are experiencing back pain, hip pain, knee pain, foot pain or posture problems.