Custom Orthotics in Bowmanville
Your feet do a lot of work every day. If you’re dealing with heel or arch discomfort, spend long hours standing, or have musculoskeletal concerns elsewhere in the body, it may be worth looking at how your feet are functioning. At Baarbé Chiropractic Centre, custom orthotics may be considered when an assessment suggests that foot mechanics are related to a patient’s concerns. They’re individually made based on the structure of your feet and how you stand and move.
What Makes Custom Orthotics Different?
Custom orthotics aren’t the same as the cushioned insoles you might pick up at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter products are designed for a general foot shape and may provide cushioning, while custom orthotics are fabricated to measurements taken specifically for you. The process starts with an assessment of how you stand and move, along with the structure of your feet. Dr. Johannes Baarbé then takes the measurements needed to have your orthotics made to those specifications. Once they’re ready, they’re fitted and you’ll receive instructions for gradually getting used to wearing them.
Looking at Your Feet and the Bigger Picture
The way your feet contact the ground can affect mechanics farther up the body. Factors such as pronation and supination may influence how forces are distributed through the legs and can be relevant when assessing concerns involving the knees, hips, or lower back. Custom orthotics may be considered for people experiencing concerns such as:
- Heel or arch discomfort
- Foot discomfort after prolonged standing or walking
- Foot mechanics that may be relevant to knee, hip, or lower back concerns
- Mechanical concerns associated with running or other physical activities
- Changes in foot mechanics over time
Orthotics aren’t limited to one particular age group. Dr. Baarbé has recommended them for teenagers, working adults, runners, and older adults when assessment findings indicate they may be appropriate.
Orthotics and Chiropractic Care
For some patients, custom orthotics may be considered alongside chiropractic care. This doesn’t mean that every chiropractic patient needs orthotics or that foot mechanics are responsible for every spinal or joint concern.
Instead, the decision is based on what the assessment shows. When foot mechanics appear relevant to a patient’s musculoskeletal concerns, addressing them may form one part of the overall care plan.
Getting Used to Your Orthotics
It can take a little time to adjust to a new pair of custom orthotics. Rather than wearing them all day immediately, patients are generally advised to increase their wear time gradually. Many people take around one to two weeks to become accustomed to wearing them throughout the day. A pair may last approximately three to five years with normal use, although this varies depending on activity level, footwear, and wear. Periodic reassessment can help determine whether your orthotics are still suitable for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are custom orthotics only for people with serious foot problems?
Will custom orthotics be uncomfortable to wear?
How long do custom orthotics typically last?
Can custom orthotics help with knee, hip, or lower back concerns?
Find Out What Your Feet May Be Telling You
If foot or heel discomfort is bothering you, or you’re wondering whether your foot mechanics may be related to another musculoskeletal concern, contact Baarbé Chiropractic Centre to schedule an assessment. We’ll look at how you stand and move and discuss whether custom orthotics may be right for you.
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