Orthotics
Foot care is one of the fastest growing, yet most neglected, areas of healthcare today. The incidence of foot problems increases with age, making this issue timely and important to baby boomers and especially those who suffer from diabetes. As well, the popularity of high heels has increased the incidence of foot pain among women as they suffer from four times as many foot problems as men. When you think of orthotic therapy, you might think of plaster cast molding. And you
would be correct. But orthotic therapy (custom inserts worn in shoes) is in the midst of major technological advancement.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are customized insoles worn in any type of shoe and they correct the way you walk. If you are walking incorrectly, your entire body can be out of alignment causing all types of problems including foot, ankle, leg, hip, and lower back pain. A 5-minute gait and pressure analysis test will tell you if you are a candidate for orthotics. Orthotics are covered by most insurance plans because insurance companies know the value of orthotic therapy in the prevention and treatment of many conditions that can lead to short-term or even long-term disability claims.
Do You Need Orthotics?
Take this self test to see if you need custom-made orthotics.
- Do you have obvious foot problems (bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.)?
- Do you have pain while standing, walking or running?
- Have you had a prior injury to your foot/ankle, knee, back or neck?
- Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
- Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours daily?
- Do your feet "toe out" when you're walking?
- Do your shoe heels wear unevenly?
- Do you have knock knees or bow legs?
- Do you participate regularly in any physical sport(basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, etc.)?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, custom-made orthotics may help you!
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