Has this ever happened to you? You walk into the Chiropractors office, the lovely office manager checks you in at the front desk, and then, suddenly, you notice them! A bright blue sign, well laid out pamphlets, and these odd shaped insoles displayed on the side shelf of the office waiting room! You are intrigued! What on earth could these could be!? Could the odd shaped inserts before you indeed be the solution you’ve been searching for? Orthotics! It’s a miracle!
… Ok well perhaps your own experience isn’t as dramatic as the scenario just described, but standing at the front desk here at Broadway at Burrard allows for a front line opportunity to let my imagination run wild. All that aside however, this scenario in a less enthusiastic form, is something we see over and over as patients walk into our Broadway at Burrard office. Foot biomechanics play an immense role in how the body moves and functions in everyday life, so it’s no wonder that our patients are intrigued with the possibilities of orthotics. With all of our body balancing on the feet, if the feet aren’t functioning properly everything above them has to compensate. Problems such as low back pain, iliotibial band syndrome, patellar tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis and many other problems can all be the direct result of improper foot function. In light of this, Orthotics open a world of possibilities for our patients suffering with these issues, and recent orthotic technologies have even advanced to accompany the various needs and lifestyles of their wearers.
Recently receiving my own first pair of orthotics a few weeks ago, I can personally vouch for the impact they have had on reducing the strain on my own lower back and knees.
Here at Broadway at Burrard our goal is to diagnose the source of the pain, relieve the pain, maintain your health and get you back to your activities, your sports, your career, your LIFE; and orthotics are a remarkable option to help achieve this goal! Our Chiropractors Dr. Jerry Wright and Dr. Tyler Hunsberger have both been certified by The Orthotic Group to examine you for the suitability of their orthotic footwear, and their products have provided excellent results for everyday use as well as for high performance athletes.
At Broadway at Burrard Chiropractic we also prioritize education for our patients, and want each patient to fully understand all the treatment options available to them. In light of all these goals, today on the Blog we are answering, with help from our friends at The Orthotics Group, some commonly asked question regarding Orthotics and how they can improve our patient’s health and wellbeing.
1. What Is A Custom Orthotic?
A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look like insoles, but are biomechanical medical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Custom orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle. Custom orthotics fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole – and they have the advantage of having been made from precise imprints of your feet.
2. Who Needs Custom Orthotics?
The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any one of the following:
- Localized foot pain
- Bunions, hammer toes
- Arch/heel pain
- Leg/knee pain
- Hip or back pain – even neck pain
3. What Can I Do?
Your health care practitioners Dr. Jerry Wright or Dr. Tyler Hunsberger can prescribe custom orthotics to help correct your specific foot and body imbalance. You can help your practitioner by discussing any nagging foot, leg, or back problems, and even by simply asking if your feet could be part of the problem.
4. Should I Wear My Custom Orthotics All The Time?
The longer you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of custom orthotics designed for that specific activity. (I.e. going to the gym after work)
5. What Kind Of Shoe Do I Need For My Custom Orthotics?
For the most part any shoe that has a removable insole will work with your custom orthotic. Just remove the insole that came with the shoe and replace it with the custom orthotic. The Orthotics Group also offers a carefully-selected line of footwear that can accommodate custom orthotics, as well as custom sandals and clogs that have your prescribed device built right in.
6. Will My Muscles Get Weaker Wearing Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics will not reduce muscles tone. They will help position your foot so you will be using the right muscles at the right time, minimizing fatigue and allowing your muscles to be used more efficiently.
7. How Can I Get My Own Pair Of Custom Orthotics Today?
You can book an appointment with your Vancouver Chiropractors Dr. Tyler Hunsberger or Dr. Jerry Wright today for your custom orthotics at https://broadwayburrardchiro.com/contact/.
For more information you can also check out http://www.theorthoticgroup.com/PatientSite/OrthoticFAQ.aspx.
