Are you suffering from foot, ankle or knee pain? Are you increasingly finding your joints are sore? If so, you are likely continually asking yourself: Do I need Orthotics?
Orthotics typically is known as a device to help align, straighten or support your feet. It truly is defined as a specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of orthoses. An orthosi is "an externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system.” Therefore, orthotics are for more than just your feet! They can be used for your upper or lower limbs!
Orthotics is commonly used to:
- Control, guide, limit and/or immobilize an extremities, joint or body segment for a particular reason
- To restrict movement in a given direction
- To assist movement generally
- To reduce weight bearing forces for a particular purpose
- To aid rehabilitation from fractures after the removal of a cast
- To otherwise correct the shape and/or function of the body, to provide easier movement capability or reduce pain
The use of orthotics can help people in a variety of different ways! It really comes down to your need, walking style, body type and injury history. These elements are all the basic footings of how to define which orthotic is best for you and your issue.
In this post, we are doing to focus more on foot orthotics! Did you know: It has been estimated that two thirds of the population have arches that are either too high or too low!
What are some indicators I may need orthotics?
The best option to determine if you may need orthotics is to visit your Doctor and discuss your issues and pain. However, if you have some of the following symptoms or visual indicators, you may need orthotics:
- You have muscle, ligament, or joint pain in the lower limb or low back before, during, or after any activity
- Your shoes are showing excessive or abnormal break-down in a short period of time
- Your ankles roll inward and your knees cave in?
- Your feet are developing callouses very easily
Luckily, for mild cases over the counter orthotics may work for you, but for more sever cases, custom orthotics may be needed.
