Orthotics

What is an Orthotic and what are the potential benefits?

Orthotics 01Orthotics are custom made shoe inserts designed to treat biomechanical foot disorders that can cause foot, ankle, knee, hip and low back pain. Orthotics provide support, stability, cushioning and the correct alignment necessary to keep your feet, ankles and lower body comfortable, healthy and pain-free.

What is involved?

Before deciding that you need a pair of orthotics, a detailed gait analysis and study of the way your foot functions when walking and standing is performed and the joint ranges of motion are evaluated to determine where imbalances exist. If this analysis shows that orthotics will be beneficial, a cast is taken of each foot and sent to a lab, where a custom made orthotic is created that incorporates the necessary corrections. The Fit Institute offers casting in the true neutral position resulting in a tailor-made orthotic device that helps to correct the underlying cause of biomechanical imbalances.

How does it work and why is it effective?

With poor foot mechanics, the wrong muscles contract during walking and running or they contract out of their proper, critical sequence. Your muscles and tendons eventually fatigue and the arch support breaks down, causing microscopic tears that trigger a cascade of dysfunction, inflammation, scarring and in some cases degeneration. By correcting foot alignment, your feet can work properly and in a pain-free manner.