Step out of foot pain with custom orthotics

Feet are the foundation of the body and how the body moves around. Quality of life, productivity, and physical activity levels are negatively impacted when feet are improperly cared for. Simply put, when feet hurt, they are less likely to be used. Custom orthotics are an affordable, strategic, and convenient tool to manage foot pain. Custom orthotics are inserts placed in shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues. The corrections allow for more effective walking, standing, and running.

Indications custom orthotics are needed

Shoes are mass produced and not customized to fit each individual’s feet. Custom orthotics are beneficial for most for this reason alone. Utilizing orthotics as a preventative measure keeps us on our feet, and allows us to move around longer without issue. Additional indicators custom orthotics are needed include:

1. Structural issues in the feet- High arches, flat feet, or bunions are examples of why to consider orthotics. These conditions cause uneven weight distribution, which lead to future injury.
2. Footwear is old or worn out- Shoes no longer provide strong structural support when they are worn out from wear. A lack of strong foundation results in pain and injury.
3. Uneven wearing on the soles- Uneven wearing is an indication of abnormal pressure on feet. Custom orthotics balance pressure for more comfort and stability.
4. Pain in knees, hips, or low back– “Pain up the chain” is caused when feet don’t properly hold weight. Achey knees, hips, and low back pain are signs feet aren’t doing a good job, hence, other areas of the body overcompensate.
5. Majority of the time is spent on feet- repetitive overuse or misuse of the feet can result in pain and inflammation in the feet and even cause plantar fasciitis. Orthotics provide structure and stability as well as act as a shock absorber to decrease pain and assist with proper biomechanical movement patterns that assist in correcting conditions in the feet such as plantar fasciitis. 
6. Diabetes- Neuropathy or nerve pain is commonly associated with diabetes. This condition makes it difficult to recognize or respond to foot pain, making diabetics more prone to injuries. Blisters on the feet are another concern for diabetics. Orthotics help with this because they are custom fit to the bottom of the foot. Because they are fit to the foot, it decreases the friction that normal movement inside a shoe can cause, which worsens or produces blisters.

What are the steps to get custom orthotics?

The process for custom orthotics is simple at Rising Sun Chiropractic + Weight Loss. The first step is to schedule an exam with Dr. Seth or Dr. Haley. The doctor will examine the feet and perform a gait analysis. The next step is a 3D digital scan of the bottoms of the feet. This scan is painless and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. The results of the scan are then electronically sent to New Step Orthotic Lab Inc. It is here the custom orthotics are fabricated. The orthotics are then shipped to Rising Sun for the customer. The creation and shipping process typically take 7-14 days to complete. The doctor will then instruct the client on how to transition comfortably into using the new orthotics. It’s that simple!