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Why foot orthotics are so often recommended for back pain and hip pain

It’s surprising, but problems in the feet can contribute to issues like back and hip pain. The reason for this lies in the body’s kinetic chain. This term describes the highly interconnected nature of the body’s musculoskeletal system. To facilitate movement, all of the muscles, tendons and other connective tissue in the body pull on each other and carefully rotate, bend and flex.  These movements have to be precisely balanced for smooth and efficient motion to take place. Otherwise, if one part becomes misaligned or a muscle imbalance develops, it can cause increased stress to the rest of the chain, increasing the risk for injury.  This is how a foot problem can travel all the way up the kinetic chain...

Jun 30, 2019

Foot orthotics for knee pain: Can they help you?

The musculoskeletal system is a complex, highly interconnected kinetic chain. Each of the hundreds of bones, muscles and connective tissues in our body have to work together in a very precise manner to perform all of the movements we require to get through our day. This is particularly true in the lower body, where the buttocks, hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet continuously perform pulling, pushing, rotating and gripping motions just to let us walk down the street, let alone run or jump. What this means is that if one part of this carefully balanced chain, such as the feet, is misaligned or becomes injured, it can cause problems in another area, such as the knee.  Foot orthotics for knee...

Jun 29, 2019

How do arch supports help flat feet?

Flat feet, also known as low arches, fallen arches or collapsed arches, is a condition where the arches in the feet make increased contact with the ground, particularly when weight is placed on them. Having flat feet can range from having a slightly lower than average arch height to almost no arch at all — causing complete contact with the ground.  Having flat feet is fairly common, approximately 20 to 30% of the population has some degree of flat footedness, and it is typically not painful or disabling by itself. However, the arches are designed to stabilize the feet during motion. This means having lower arches can lead to instability in the foot and mechanical problems that put increased stress...

Jun 28, 2019

Custom arch supports — how do they help?

There are three arches in each foot, two that travel the length of the foot and one that goes across. These structures are critical structural and mechanical elements of the feet, allowing them to support the weight of the entire body while performing a full range of motion. Everything including standing, walking, running and jumping would not be possible without the arches.  While many people have a relatively normal structure for the arches, some of us have irregularities such as low arches (flat feet) or very high arches. These differences are not generally painful by themselves and they can develop for a wide variety of reasons, including genetics, developmental reasons, injury and age-related degeneration.  Benefits of custom arch supports People...

Jun 25, 2019

Three reasons to consider custom foot orthotics

It’s easy to take our feet for granted, until they start to hurt. Whether you’re in the last mile of your run, the last hole of golf or the last hour of your shift, when foot pain sets in, it can be all you think about. While most of us have to deal with occasional aches, pains and soreness in the feet, for others it can start to become a real problem.  In fact, dealing with a foot injury and persistent pain can make you less active, less productive at work and even less willing to spend time with your family. If this applies to you, you may be wondering if a pair of custom foot orthotics can help. Due...

Jun 23, 2019

What sets a custom shoe insole apart?

If you’re dealing with foot pain and other issues affecting the lower body, custom shoe insoles can be a key part of the treatment puzzle. Everyone’s feet have unique structures and patterns of movement. Unfortunately for some of us, this means uneven stress that can contribute to injuries in the feet and other parts of the lower body.  By conforming to the contours and movements of your feet, the right pair of custom shoe insoles can address the imbalances and stresses that occur. This can give you the ability to stay on your feet longer — whether you’re spending time with your family, getting through your workday or playing your favorite sport.  Today, there are more options than ever for...

Jun 20, 2019

Custom shoe inserts or prefabricated inserts — which is right for you?

From mass market over-the-counter insoles to fully customized orthotics, millions of people turn to shoe inserts to address foot pain, biomechanical inefficiencies or just to have more comfort during a long workday. Finding the right pair of inserts can represent a significant improvement in your quality of life, helping you stay productive and active.  With the sheer volume of options available, this can be a surprisingly difficult decision to make. Deciding between custom shoe inserts and prefabricated inserts is a great place to start the process, which is why we’ve prepared this informative and easy-to-understand guide.  Benefits of custom shoe inserts There really is no right answer when choosing between these categories — and ultimately, it’s a personal decision. For...

Jun 17, 2019

Should you buy custom insoles online?

For a large number of people with foot pain and other issues affecting the lower body, custom orthotic insoles can help provide comfort, stability and support. While prefabricated inserts can be effective for many people, the increased durability and more exact specifications of a custom insole can become necessary for others, such as for a physically demanding sport or for people who have an irregular foot type.  For years, the primary option for people seeking a custom insole was to have prescription orthotics fitted and crafted through a podiatrist. Today however, there are more choices than ever for people seeking a high-quality insole made to the specifications of their foot. With developments in orthotic technology and the growing dominance of...

Jun 15, 2019

Do you need custom-made foot orthotics?

Foot pain can affect people from all walks of life. From workers who spend all or part of a shift on their feet, to athletes of all ability levels, sore or even injured feet can make it difficult to get through a workday or play your favorite sport. There’s a number of reasons for this, but improper foot support can be a large contributor. Misalignments and imbalances in the feet can cause excessive strain in certain areas, such as the heel or arch, and the potential for injuries and discomfort.  For increased comfort and support, many people dealing with foot pain or injury turn to custom made foot orthotics. If you’re wondering whether this might be a viable option for...

Jun 13, 2019
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