Orthotics – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Orthotics are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe to control abnormal foot function and/or accommodate painful areas of the foot. Properly designed foot orthotics may compensate for impaired foot function by controlling abnormal motion across the joints of the foot and subsequently abnormal movement in ankles, knees, back and hips. This may result in dramatic improvement in several joint and back related symptoms. The orthotics your chiropractor provides are custom-made for your feet and modified to suit your particular needs. Proper orthotics can only be prescribed after a thorough assessment by one of our highly trained chiropractors.

Are my feet in good shape?

Possibly not. Your feet have three crucial functions: they support your body; they help you to move; and they help protect your bones and soft tissues from damaging shock stress. Performing these three strenuous tasks day after day often leads to some type of foot and/or body problem. Being overweight, having structural defects in the feet, or having injuries — all of these factors can contribute to additional foot and body stress. By the age of twenty, nearly 80% of us have some kind of foot problem, and by age forty almost everyone does.

What are some of the most typical foot problems?

Pronation is a very common foot problem. Some foot bones drop to a less stable position if the foot arches are too weak to keep them properly aligned. The arches may be unnaturally stretched (“flat feet”), increasing stress. Another common problem is plantar fasciitis, a stress irritation to the elastic tissues running nearly the entire length of the foot. Heel spurs — deposits of calcium on the heel bone — are another common problem. If untreated, feet can become “tired and achy” or hurt.

Since my feet don’t hurt, I don’t have any real problem with them — right?

Wrong. Even if your feet don’t hurt, a weakened foundation may seriously affect the rest of your body. If you are currently having knee, hip, low back or neck pain, your feet may not be supporting joints, bones, or soft tissues above the ankles properly. Ask your chiropractor if your feet could be a contributing factor.

How are orthotics different than arch supports?

Unlike simple arch supports, functional posed orthotics control abnormal position and movement of the foot. While standing or walking the heel and midfoot are held in a more stable position. This allows the foot to function more efficiently during weight-bearing and propulsion. This control is often accomplished by limiting abnormal pronation of the foot. Pronation is a complex movement involving eversion (turning out) of the heel and forefoot. There is a corresponding internal rotation (turning in) of the lower leg, and flattening of the arch. Ligaments become strained, and muscles over work attempting to pull the foot into a more stable position. By controlling abnormal pronation, functional orthotics help prevent some of the complications of the chronically unstable foot.

How can my chiropractor help me?

Depending upon your specific condition, your chiropractor can probably provide you with a non-surgical treatment program to help you feel and function better. He or she may first want to perform a complete examination. This might include examining your feet, analyzing your gait and posture, taking x-rays, and checking your shoes for improper wear.

Before	After
Pain Spinal stress from pelvic tilt can irritate nerve roots at any level of the spine.	Relief Restoring a balanced foundation for the spine relieves the pain caused by poor body mechanics.
Tilt The pelvis tilts forward in response to inroll of the feet and legs, disrupting the spinal base.	Balance With the feet and legs aligned and supported by stabilizers, the pelvis can return to its normal balanced position.
Rotation When the feet roll in, the legs react with abnormal rotation, marked by “knock knees.”	Alignment The lower extremity returns to proper alignment when the foot is balanced by spinal pelvic stabilizers.
Pronation The constant impact of body weight rolls the foot inward, creating “flat foot” or “fallen arches.”	Support Stabilizers correct foot imbalance for improved weight distribution