Foot orthotics are specially designed devices that help support and correct the alignment of your feet to improve function and alleviate pain. They may look like simple shoe inserts but are actually custom-made biomechanical medical appliances prescribed by a podiatrist for people with chronic foot or leg problems.

Custom orthotics can help with a variety of foot concerns such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, arthritis pain, as well as back, hip, and knee problems.

Unlike generic shoe inserts, custom orthotics are designed specifically to fit the contours of your foot and address your exact issues by providing support precisely where you need it. Since every foot is different, an off-the-rack orthotic that’s not customized can end up causing more harm than good. 

Custom foot orthotics offer many advantages, here are five that can make a big difference to your health and functioning:

Reduce pain

Since custom orthotics are designed especially for you, they will cushion and support your feet where you need it most. Redistributing pressure can alleviate pain, not only in your feet but also in the rest of your body.

When your feet are not positioned well, it can throw your legs, hips, and spine out of proper alignment, which can cause lower back pain .

Protect your joints

Overpronation occurs when the feet roll inward while walking. It’s a common problem that can cause pain in the ankle joints and toe joints as the other parts of your feet try to compensate. It can also put stress on your knee joints and hip joints.

Custom foot orthotics can protect your joints by preventing the foot from rolling inwards. A more stable position will encourage proper weight-bearing, reduce inflammation of the soft tissues and support the feet, knee, hip, back, and neck joints.

Better balance

Wearing custom orthotics will ensure the entire foot surface is supported for better balance, giving you more stability on your feet.

If both your feet don’t have the same structure or one foot has abnormalities, foot orthotics can be customized differently for each foot to restore balance and avoid the problem from becoming worse over time.

Improved posture

Your feet are your foundation. They affect the way you stand and walk, which in turn influences the alignment of your spine.

Poor postural habits can mean that many of your muscles aren’t being engaged correctly, placing strain on other muscles. Improper posture caused by foot issues such as fallen arches, overpronation, bunions, and plantar fasciitis can also be corrected with foot orthotics .

Custom orthotics can train the body to stand and walk with better posture to effectively reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system and in turn, reduce pain in the feet and throughout the body.

Injury prevention

Custom orthotics provide stability so that your foot is optimally supported. Many foot problems such as heel spurs, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis are the result of poor foot alignment. Correcting your gait and posture can significantly reduce the chance of further injury to your feet.

The increased support offered by foot orthotics also provides stability for foot and leg motions, decreasing the risk of other foot and ankle injuries like sprains, tears, and fractures.

Increase athletic performance

Better alignment can mean improved performance when you’re playing sports. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, foot orthotics not only reduce your risk of injury, but they can also help you run faster, jump higher, and move more efficiently if you have foot abnormalities. 

Well-aligned muscles, ligaments, and bones that give the body a better sense of balance can enhance athletic performance. Being comfortable and pain-free makes it possible to increase your ability to perform any type of activity.

Book your one-on-one appointment!

Healing Haven Physiotherapy in Edmonton is committed to providing the highest-quality orthotics to improve your quality of life.

Take your first step towards pain-free feet by booking an appointment with one of our professional staff by calling 587-735-6272 or message us online.