Feet are important too!

Posted on May 8, 2018March 18, 2019 by Dr. Daina Patel

I see many patients who come in to see me for back pain. Some have had it for years and don’t really know why it happens or how it really started. A lot of the time, posture is to blame, as well as other contributing factors, such as your job or daily activities. Did you know that your feet play a huge role in posture?

The first things to touch the ground are your feet. Think for a minute about how much stress goes through your feet, up to the knees, to the hips, to the low back, mid back, upper back, all the way to the head and neck. The most stress occurs to the lower body, including the ankles, knees, and the low back.

It’s a good idea to invest in your feet from a young age. Wear good, supportive shoes, avoid flats and heels, replace them as they get worn, and come in regularly for adjustments! Orthotics may also be helpful. You’ll save yourself a lot of pain in the future!

If you have foot pain or you think your joint pain may be coming from your feet, book an appointment with me today so I can assess and see what treatment would be the right one for you.

*Disclaimer

How Orthotics can help

Posted on April 18, 2018August 5, 2021 by Dr. Daina Patel

Orthotics

There are many different types of orthotics out there. Different materials, different brands, different shapes and sizes. They can be inserted into shoes you already wear and can be interchanged depending on the type.

Orthotic companies offer comfortable options that can be made to fit a variety of different shoes and different activities. When you come in person for an assessment, I can recommend the best type for your needs. I really like the company The Orthotic Group for my patients.

How orthotics are made

They are completely customized to your own feet. There is usually a foam cast taken to get the basic shape of the foot while semi-weight-bearing, as well as a gait scan, which can capture the pressures and gait timing that are difficult to do with just the eyes. The gait scan is done while fully weight-bearing as well as walking.

What can orthotics help with?

The majority of people who need orthotics usually are overpronators or oversupinators, both leading to other issues, such as back, knee, foot, or hip pain. The way they can help these issues is by stabilizing your feet so that you can allow the joints to move as they should. This also allows for better distribution of weight throughout your other joints (back, hips, knees, etc) and also helps absorb some shock with any activities, such as walking, running, or jumping.

Orthotics may help with anything from foot/ankle pain to knee pain, back pain, and in some cases even neck pain and headaches! That just goes to show you how important our feet really are.

How do you know if orthotics are right for you? If you’ve had pain for many years and have tried various treatments, you may benefit from orthotics. If you know that you overpronate or oversupinate when walking, you potentially will need orthotics. It can easily be determined with a full postural assessment during an initial exam. Book one today with me to find out more information or get fitted for your orthotics.

*Disclaimer