Signs You Need to Consider Custom Orthotics

Are you experiencing pain in your foot? Without proper treatment, persistent foot pain can very quickly get in the way of your daily activities. Fortunately, with the use of custom orthotics, patients can easily find relief from their pain and discomfort. In this blog, Legacies Health Centre looks at the common signs that may indicate it’s time to consider custom orthotics.

What Are Orthotics?

These custom-made medical devices are used to correct structural and biomechanical issues affecting a patient’s feet and lower limbs. Following a meticulous examination of the patient’s condition and foot structure, orthotics may be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a licensed chiropractor. These orthotics will be crafted as per the patient’s unique foot structure and gait. For an optimal fit, a mould of the patient’s feet will first be taken. Once the patient is fitted with their custom orthotics, their foot alignment will gradually improve, leading to a more even redistribution of pressure and the alleviation of pain.

Signs You May Need Custom Orthotics

Recurring pain and discomfort in the feet and lower limbs is often a sign of poor pressure distribution and structural imbalances in the foot mechanics. Here are some key signs that you might need custom orthotics:

• Pain in the ball of the foot – If you are experiencing pain in specific areas of your feet, such as the ball of the foot, it may indicate that your weight is being unevenly distributed. It may also be indicative of underlying structural abnormalities.

• Pain in the heel or arch of the foot – Such pain is common, especially among patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

• Bunions – These are bony bumps that typically form at the base of the big toe and can prove to be quite painful. The improper distribution of pressure caused by poor foot mechanics can also make the pain worse.

• Hammer toe – This condition is characterized by an abnormal bend in the joint of the toes and can get worse with poor foot mechanics.

• Knee pain – Another common indicator of foot dysfunction is persistent pain in the knees. The presence of structural abnormalities in the feet can put excessive pressure on the knees when the feet roll inwards or outwards, thus leading to pain and discomfort in the knees.

• Leg pain – Do your legs tend to cramp often, especially after physical activity? This can be due to muscle fatigue and poor circulation caused by abnormal foot mechanics.

• Hip pain – Misaligned feet can also affect the alignment of the hips, leading to pain and discomfort.

• Back pain – Since poor foot mechanics can impact a person’s overall body posture, misalignments of the feet can also put excessive stress on the back. Over time, this may lead to persistent back pain.

Looking for Custom Orthotics in the Lower Mainland for Your Foot Pain?

If you’re experiencing foot pain due to structural abnormalities, we recommend seeing a chiropractor. Serving patients in the Lower Mainland, the chiropractors at Legacies Health Centre can assess the source of your discomfort and prescribe custom orthotics to effectively address the issue. Book a consultation with one of our chiropractors today in Burnaby, North Vancouver, North Surrey and South Surrey to get started.