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22
Jan
2016

The Benefits of Orthotics on The Spine

January 22nd, 2016 in General Health Tips

Custom-made orthotics, or inserts for your shoes that help to redistribute your weight, are often only thought about when you have a reason to do so. Usually an injury or muscle strain will cause you to go in search of these pain-easing foot inserts.

Addressing Alignment from the Foot and Ankle

It is helpful to think of custom orthotics as a way to address alignment that stems from the foot and ankle. If you think about it, the foot and ankle support the whole weight of your body, and any injury, however minor, can impact the strength and balance that is necessary in this area of the body. As a consequence, the other areas of the body compensate, and this can result in muscle strain or pain. In particular, custom orthotics are helpful for people who suffer chronic pain in the aforementioned areas of their lower body. The custom orthotics help to strengthen and align the muscles, in order to reduce pain and allow for improved ease of movement.

Preventive Benefits of Orthotics

But, orthotics is one item you should be using before an injury ever presents itself. Many people think custom-made inserts or special shoes are for professional sports figures or runners. Not so.

Our feet are the foundation of our skeletal system. When they don't stand right, this can lead to many causes of back and neck pain, as well as other structural problems. Orthotics allow for an aligned spine, reducing the risk of strain and injury resulting from incorrect weight distribution.

Problems Caused by Misaligned Feet

There are a number of different problems caused by feet that aren't doing their job, anymore. These include:

  • hip pain
  • low-back pain
  • sciatica
  • hamstring pulls
  • calf problems

How Custom Orthotics Help

Orthotics can be used to address specific medical conditions, and the use of custom orthotics may, for specific cases, successfully address foot, ankle, knee and hip biomechanics. However, most custom orthotics address localized foot pain, such as arch or heel pain, or even bunions or hammer toes. Custom orthotics are also used for addressing misalignment leading to hip, back, and even neck pain, as well as leg or knee pain.

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Everyone's feet need to be balanced and properly aligned and that's where orthotics come into play. When you seek to eliminate problems associated with any of the above areas, it won't be entirely successful without a good orthotic device in place.

You may have seen the ones in pharmacies, and you may have used there to gain some relief or improved comfort. 'Off-the-shelf' orthotics have limited benefits, and many times they are only purchased because you either have an injury or feel heel or back pain that needs immediate relief.

Instead of waiting for an injury or muscle pull to occur, a custom-made foot orthotic can be key to your pro-active outlook for your health. After all, if your feet don't carry your weight correctly and transfer it properly, this can lead to stress and strain being placed on your body.

And you know, the older you get, the worse things can become. So, with the New Year, be a new you,



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