Custom orthotics help prevent/reduce/eliminate foot, back, knee and leg pain as they align the body. We use the latest technology using computerized 3D scanning of your feet.
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Orthotics Services
What are Orthotics?
An orthotic is a device that can be placed into the shoe to align, support, prevent or to house foot deformities and improve function of the foot. Used together with appropriate footwear, a foot orthotic can be very effective in helping to treat numerous foot and lower limb problems including heel, arch and forefoot pain, shin splints, also pain and complications related to health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
Who would need to wear orthotic shoes? From mild discomfort in the foot and knee to severe problems, a foot orthotic can help a broad range of patients. A detailed assessment from a footwear and orthotic expert can confirm if a foot orthotic will assist a person with a particular foot, leg, or even back problem.
Is it important to put a foot orthotic in proper footwear? A shoe acts as the foundation for the foot and provides a stable base for a foot orthotic to be placed on. An orthotic can be less effective by placing it within unstable footwear, as the shoe may work against the benefits of the orthotic. The foot orthotic is only as good as the footwear it goes into.
How long will a foot orthotic last? The lifespan of a foot orthotic varies from patient to patient. The materials used to make the orthotic, the patient’s foot structure, of course the current levels of activity, age and physical condition all have an effect on the lifespan of an orthotic. If your symptoms begin to return it is a good idea to have your orthotic reassessed to determine if modifications or a new orthotic are necessary.
Common ConditionsHeel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis: is pain directly beneath or in front of the heel; chronic inflammation of the fascia as a result of extreme pronation.
The more common cause of heel or arch pain is actually caused by a painful stretching or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a fibrous or tendon-like structure that courses along the bottom of the foot connecting the toes and calcaneus or heel bone. In normal conditions, the fascia is very flexible and strong.
However due to factors such as irregular stress, unnecessary weight, age, or improper foot support, the fascia can become debilitated, irritated or inflamed. If the foot flattens excessively or becomes unstable at critical times during the gait cycle, the attachment of the plantar fascia onto the calcaneus may begin to stretch and pull away from the calcaneus. This painful condition is called plantar fasciitis.
Bunions
Bunions: a not all the time painful bump at the medial base of the big toe. Excessive pronation and hypermobility of first metatarsal ray causes toe-off to come off the medial (inside) side instead of the plantar surface of the big toe. This force stretches and distorts the joint.
A bunion is a bone deformity containing the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or the joint attached to the big toe. Not as common, a tailor’s bunion or bunionette involves the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, or the joint next to the baby or sometimes called the fifth toe. The problem may involve one or both feet, but more commonly one foot is more painful than the other.
Bunions are progressive through life. Certain factors, such as the type of shoe, over-all activity, surface of ambulation, and heredity may affect the type and rate of development of bunions. Bunion pain can be present from early teen years through any age. Commonly bunions will be visibly present for many years before they become painful.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes are very painful bone contractures of the toes, frequently with an associated area of hyperkeratosis or callous. They may be individual, or there may be hammertoes existing on all eight lesser toes. The big toe can also develop a hammertoe.
The contractures may be at either or both of the joints within the toes, where there may also be arthritis. In addition to a downward contracture of a hammertoe, there may also be a side contracture, where one toe may be rotated beneath another next to that toe.
A second hammertoe may be commonly associated with a bunion deformity. In some occurrences, there may be an infection beneath the callous of a hammertoe. The causes of hammertoes are similar to those of bunions. The pain associated with hammertoes can vary, depending upon the location, duration, shoe style, amount of activity and pain tolerance.
Calluses
Calluses are thickened, dead tissue involving the outer layer of the skin. They are similar to corns, with the difference being their location. Calluses are located on the soles of the feet, particularly on what is called the ‘balls of the feet,’ while corns are located on the toes.
The primary cause of callus formation, as with corns, is excessive pressure due to the underlying bone. The metatarsal bones, which are the long bones forming the ‘balls’ of the feet, are the most frequent cause of calluses. These metatarsal bones can be long, rotated, enlarged or lowered in relationship to the other metatarsal bones, causing extreme pressure.
Abnormal weight distribution can also cause calluses. This ‘thickened’ tissue is built up out of the natural defense of the body to protect these areas of abnormal pressure. Footwear can aggravate the condition, however, hereditary is the major cause of the bony abnormalities.
Shoes with a thicker cushion sole may be beneficial in absorbing the abnormal pressure. If abnormal weight distribution is the cause of the callus formation, an orthotic can control the pressure across the balls of the feet.
Knee PainPatellar Tendonitis
Just like all cases of tendonitis, patellar tendonitis is simply the inflammation, degeneration or rupture of the patellar ligament and also the tissue that surrounds it, leading to pain and discomfort in the area just below the knee cap.
What is it that causes Patellar Tendonitis?
Overuse or abuse is the major causes of patellar tendonitis. Activities that involve a lot of jumping or rapid change of direction are predominantly stressful to the patellar ligament. Participants of basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other running related sports are particularly susceptible to patellar tendonitis.
Patellar tendonitis can also be caused by a sudden, unexpected injury like a fall or accident. Landing heavily on your knees can damage the patellar ligament, which can lead to patellar tendonitis.
What would be some Signs & Symptoms of Patellar Tendonitis?
The major symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain in the area just below the kneecap. Activities like walking, running and especially squatting, kneeling or jumping will cause increased pain and discomfort. Swelling is also frequently associated with patellar tendonitis.
Be aware of the importance of good footwear. A good pair of shoes will help to keep your knees stable, provide suitable cushioning, and support your knees and lower leg while running or walking.
Shin Splints
Shin Splints is inflammation of the tendons and muscles in the front or on the medial side of the lower leg. Excessive pronation and overuse, creates pulling of the Tibialis front or back muscles and damages these muscles at their tendinous inset on the tibia.
Definitely, the pain associated with shin splints is a result of fatigue and/or trauma to the muscle’s tendons where they attach themselves to the tibia (shin bone). In an effort to keep the foot, ankle and lower leg stable, the muscles apply a great deal of force on the tibia. This excessive force can result in the tendons being partially torn away from the bone.
What is it that causes Shin Splints?
While there are many causes of shin splints, they can all be categorized into two main groups. Overload or training errors, and Biomechanical Inefficiencies.
Overload or training errors: Shin splints are commonly associated with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity. And to be clearer, it is not necessarily the added weight or force applied to the muscles and tendons of the lower leg, but rather the impact force associated with running and weight bearing activities.
In other words, it’s not exactly the running itself, but the sudden shock force of repeated landings and change of direction that causes the problem. When the muscles and tendons become fatigued or overloaded, they lose their ability to sufficiently absorb the damaging shock force.
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