Custom Orthotics

Your feet play an important role in your overall health—they serve as a strong base to your body when you’re standing and walking. However, at times, your feet and body may benefit from extra support by wearing custom orthotics. An orthosis is an externally applied device that is designed and fitted to the body that can help:

• Control biomechanical alignment
• Correct or accommodate deformity
• Protect and support an injury
• Assist in rehabilitation
• Reduce pain
• Increase mobility

There are varieties of prefabricated and custom-made orthoses that can help manage a number of musculoskeletal problems. Commonly, we understand that orthotics can provide arch support and realign the structures of the foot and leg, as well as prevent muscle and tendon fatigue. Orthotics may also be used to correct structural deformities.

Chiropractors are trained to assess if and when custom orthotics may benefit a patient. As part of the assessment, a chiropractor’s evaluation may include observation, gait analysis, functional analysis and neurological and orthopaedic testing among others. This will help the chiropractor determine if custom orthotics are appropriate for a patient. In some cases, off-the-shelf orthotics may be best suited to meet the needs and goals of the patient. However, in cases where structural deformities exist and surgical correction may be required, chiropractors will typically refer to a colleague, like a podiatrist, to co-manage the condition. Patients who benefit the most from orthotics may not present with only foot pain, but rather pain in the ankle, knee, hip or low back, and a comprehensive look at all these biomechanics are reflected in chiropractic training.

Next time you visit us, ask whether orthotics may be appropriate for you.