Orthotics
Your feet do a lot for you every day. They allow you to walk from one place to another, they help you to stand, they allow you to run and jump.
If they are treated right they will do all you ask for a long time without complaints. Ahhhhh… BUT treat them wrong and look out! Put them in tight ill-fitting shoes, kick things with them like footballs, soccer balls, even people, jump on them while playing basketball or volleyball, use them to stomp on things as when digging a hole with a shovel or stomping down soil around a newly planted shrub and sooner or later they will let you know about how you make them feel.
Your feet have three arches that need to be supported properly and consistently. These arches, if maintained properly, will absorb shock and help to provide spring in your step and in your jump. The arches also allow your toes to point straight ahead (prevents bunion formation) and extend with each step (prevents hammer toe).
Shopping at any shoe store you will see a plethora of shoe styles, shapes and functions. Some have straps, some laces, some Velcro, some elastic. Some are flat inside, some have arches built in, some are cushioned, others hard as rock.
Everyone tries on different shoes/sneakers that they like, to see if they “fit” . In most cases they will buy the style they like and what “fits” them. They may “fit” them but they may not support them properly. They will also own different shoes that fit them but these too may not support them.
Supporting them means to provide proper support of the three arches of the foot and consistent support so that each shoe they wear provides the same correct support.
Custom made orthotics are inserts made for your shoes/sneakers that are made to correct improper foot alignment thereby reducing the strain on the feet, toes, arches and all the way up the kinetic chain (knees, hips and spine). Custom made orthotics are used to decrease the effects of and prevent formation of bunions, hammer toes, plantar fascitis, corns, calluses and also helps reduce ankle and knee sprains.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on which ones you get and what you need them for. (It ranges from 465-875) These orthotics are custom-made for you, and everyone is different. Talk to us about your needs and we can quickly ballpark the price for you, then we will work together to find a solution that fits both your feet and your budget. Orthotics are also covered by many Health Savings or Flex Savings Accounts (HSAs or FSAs).
Feet are the foundation of the body, and everything is connected. Foot imbalance or dysfunction can have ripple effects, transferring imbalance (and pain) to the ankles, legs, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, even the skull. Orthotics are custom-built to balance and support your unique feet and body, and to suit the demands of your individual lifestyle and activities. By balancing and supporting the feet, they help balance and support the spine, which can help relieve pain and improve your body’s overall biomechanics.
What are the orthotics made of?
Depending on the orthotic model you select, your orthotics may include leather, materials for improved water wicking to reduce odor and increase comfort, shock-absorbing technology and impact protection for extreme athletes, and more. They support all three arches of the foot, not just one.
What are the best orthotics for flat feet?
Because our orthotics are custom built by a team of highly trained technicians just for you, any model orthotics can help address your flat feet. At Family Chiropractic of Fairfax, we can help you choose the right model based on your unique activities, lifestyle, health challenges, and wellness goals. Remember: custom counts. These orthotics are built just for
your unique feet, body, and lifestyle. Feet are like fingerprints; no two sets are alike. For powerful, lasting results, your orthotics should be as unique as you are.
Why shouldn’t I use over-the-counter orthotics?
Over-the-counter orthotics offer initial comfort and visual appeal—super soft, fancy blue gel, etc.—but they are not necessarily beneficial or lasting. Custom-made orthotics are based on scans made by a high-tech 3D scanner with pinpoint accuracy to protect you, not the masses, using materials especially selected to suit your needs.
How often should I get a new pair of functional orthotics?
Orthotics are guaranteed for an entire year, but are built to last for two. Generally, a new pair every two years is recommended, but more active patients may require replacements more frequently.
Get Your Custom Fit
Custom made orthotics are fitted for each person, they can be moved from one shoe/sneaker to another essentially making each shoe you have, become custom fitted. They can be made for men’s or women’s shoes with materials that help regulate foot temperature and wetness. They are also made for specialty purposes such as golfers, arthritics and children.
Call our Fairfax chiropractic office today!
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