Can orthotics improve biomechanics?
Abnormal biomechanics, the way your feet move and bear pressure, can be due to flat feet, high arches, tight tendons, or muscular imbalances. The goal of orthotics is to add support to realign your feet, ankles and legs into a neutral position—not too far in or out, or twisted. The straighter your bones line up, the more efficiently they propel you forward, with less energy wasted on compensating for improper alignment.
Custom shoe inserts are “built” to your foot specifications. Need more arch support? We’ll add thickness to fill in the gaps. Pressure on bones in the ball of your foot? We can put more cushioning there to absorb the impact. Sore heels from striking hard when you run? Heel cups or accommodative devices with extra padding can lessen your pain.
When you can run normally again, it means less stress all the way up your body. Many times correcting foot posture can also help with knee, hip, and back pain. For expert fitting and a quality product, get your orthotics from Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center. Just call (303) 423-2520 and set up an appointment at our west Denver area offices in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO.
Are custom orthotics better than over-the-counter inserts?
Whether orthotics are better for you than shoe inserts you buy at a pharmacy or supermarket depends on what is wrong with your feet. If you are developing calluses, or the fat pads on your feet are thinning out and you need a little extra cushioning, a store-bought insert could be all you need.
However, if you have crooked toes, heel pain, or a faulty gait that is affecting your joints, then you need more help than a generic support from a store can offer. In fact, using the wrong type of support could actually make your problem worse. You need to get a diagnosis from qualified medical professionals like our staff at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center. We can analyze your foot structure, your style of walking, and any other problems that are making your feet hurt, and design a pair of custom orthotics to correct what’s causing the pain.
Give us a call today and set up an appointment. Reach our offices by calling (303) 423-2520, or use our website to schedule. When you are walking and running free of pain again, you will be glad you did!
How are custom orthotics different from store-bought inserts?
We all love to find conservative treatments for our foot problems and may check the store to see what is available. There is usually a selection of generic gel pads, plastic shoe inserts, and heel cups for you to choose from. There may even be a machine to stand on that chooses which style of insert you need. The main difference with custom orthotics is that they are prescribed and designed for you by medical professionals.
We perform a detailed examination of your feet and your gait, and then build supports specifically for you. That means they fit your foot contours, adding the lift here and cushioning there that addresses your specific issues, such as overpronation patterns, arch shape, gait, or diabetic ulcers.
If you just need a little extra cushioning for your flats or work shoes, the store versions may be fine. If you are struggling with foot pain, you’ll do much better with custom inserts. Let us find out exactly what’s causing your discomfort and see if foot supports are the answer. Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center at (303) 423-2520 and set up an appointment at one of our Denver area offices today.
