Prescription Orthotics
Your feet are the foundation for the normal balance and alignment of your body. Structural problems in the feet, even the slightest misalignment of bone and muscle, can alter the way that you walk and cause many different problems. Symptoms can include localised foot pain, bunions, hammer toes, pain in the arch of the foot and heel pain.
Less obvious symptoms may involve leg pain, knee pain, problems with the hip, back pain and even neck pain. Your feet support your entire weight. Faulty foot mechanics can alter the even distribution of your body weight, whilst standing, walking or running, and create an increased load on joints and muscles elsewhere in the body.
Foot orthotics help to correct any imbalance by exerting gentle, consistent pressure to stabilise the bones of your feet and bring muscles and bones back into proper alignment.
It would not be true to say that anyone experiencing pain or problems with their feet will benefit from orthotic therapy. It may be, for instance, that symptoms in the feet or lower legs originate from a condition affecting the lower back or pelvic area. It may also be the case that pain or discomfort in the lower back or hip is a result of flawed foot mechanics. It is essential for your chiropractor to give you a consultation and thorough physical examination of the neuromusculoskeletal system so that they can properly determine the cause of your problem and the appropriate treatment for it. As part of the assessment they may analyse your gait with the assistance of computerised technology.
TOG Gaitscan is the most technologically advanced gait analysis system available today. It comprises a plate covered with thousands of tiny sensors that accurately measure the distribution of pressure through the sole of the foot, both standing (static) and walking (dynamic). The information from these sensors is then processed through specialised computer software to provide a 2D or 3D visual representation of the pressures under the feet and a detailed analysis report. This aids your chiropractor in evaluating your foot function and determining your need for orthotic therapy.
Should orthotics be indicated for you, the wealth of information from the gait scan and the chiropractor's evaluation of your foot mechanics are combined to produce an individual prescription which is used by the Orthotic Group laboratories to manufacture your custom foot orthotics.
The orthotics are generally made of flexible, moulded thermoplastic (typically 2-3mm at their thinnest point) and fit comfortably in the shoes. There is a wide range available, from those for everyday use to specialist orthotics for sports enthusiasts or professional athletes.
For more information on foot orthotics and the TOG Gaitscan system visit the TOG website.
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