The Many Advantages Of Using Orthotics

When you think about it, your feet are one of your most important body parts. They provide support for your entire body when you are standing or walking. That is why foot-related issues such as neuromas, plantar fasciitis, or problems with your arches can have such a negative impact on your life. Oftentimes, pain that occurs in other parts of your body such as your knees, legs, back, or hips is caused by problems with your feet.

When used correctly, orthotics can provide pain relief as well as many other benefits. Although you can pick up generic insoles from just about any store that sells shoes, you will usually get better results if you use orthotics that are custom-designed for your feet. Here are some of the many advantages of using orthotics:

Better Support For Your Feet

Foot anatomy is extremely complex and really quite amazing. A single foot is made up of 26 different bones. There are also more than 100 muscles that control the movements of your feet. Together, these bones and muscles not only help you move around but also provide support for your whole body.

Orthotics can provide extra support for your feet, helping to correct any problems that you may have while at the same time reducing pain. They can also be used for people with larger feet who require extra wide shoes. Getting custom orthotics made by a professional is the best way to ensure that the orthotics you choose are designed specifically for your needs.

Extra Comfort For Your Feet

Because custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet, they do a much better job of providing comfort than standard insoles that you can pick up at the store. It makes sense when you think about it. After all, when you have orthotics made specifically for your feet, they will provide support exactly where you need it. This can make it a lot more comfortable to walk or stand, helping to reduce fatigue.

Pain Relief

If you pick up a pair of standard orthotics at a local drugstore, you will get a little bit of relief thanks to the padding and support that they provide. Keep in mind, however, that they aren't designed to counteract the specific problems that you have with your feet. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are designed especially for you according to your unique prescription. As a result, they do a much better job of relieving pain.

Researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Information recently conducted a study that was designed to evaluate whether or not custom-made orthotics could provide relief from a knee condition known as patellofemoral. Everyone who participated in the study experienced a large degree of pain relief each time that they checked in. The orthotics were so effective, in fact, that many participants were able to avoid having to undergo knee surgery.

Fixing Pronation Problems

If you have fallen arches, it can cause your ankles to turn inward, putting excess pressure on your knees, back, and hips. It can also lead to foot pain. Pronation problems increase the likelihood of injuries occurring to your knees during athletic activities. With the help of custom orthotics, this problem can be corrected, minimizing pain and making sports-related injuries less likely.

Fixing Supination Problems

Similarly to how fallen arches can cause pronation problems, extremely high arches can cause something known as supination. In this case, the ankles turn outward toward the outer sides of the body. This also can put a lot of excess pressure on your knee and hip joints as well as on your back.

Many people find themselves in a situation where they have an extremely high arch on one foot but not on the other. This can complicate matters by interfering with your body's center of balance. With the help of custom orthotics, your body can achieve proper alignment. This is something that can't be accomplished with over-the-counter insoles.

Better Performance When Playing Sports Or Working Out

By helping your body achieve proper alignment, custom orthotics can improve your overall performance when you are participating in any type of athletic activity. A good pair of orthotics can improve your balance while at the same time ensuring that your body is in the right position. They can even help you jump further off the ground.

Disclosure: This is a contributed post.