PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTHY LIVING
START THE NEW YEAR ON THE RIGHT FOOT
By Coralie Raia Darsey-Malloy
There are many who suffer from foot pain at some point in his or her life and I was among them. When I started having pain and burning in my feet, knees and lower back I consulted my mentor naturopath Dr. George Kroeker. He recommended that I invest in a pair of specially designed insoles called orthotics. In my case he felt that they would correct an irregular walking pattern, reduce pain, add support and improve the overall biomechanical function of my foot and lower extremities. He took a plaster mold of my feet and sent them to a laboratory where technicians created my first set of orthotics.
After an adjustment period I began to notice that the pain in discomfort in my body lessened and eventually stopped. That was over 25 years ago and I continue to invest in new orthotics whenever my ankles, knees, lower back or tendons in my groin feel stained or hurt. The foot specialists I have consulted always emphasize the importance of purchasing good quality lace up shoes that provide the proper support and cushioning for the foot. It is counter-productive to place specially made foot stabilizers in twenty dollar shoes.
Up until the time I had problems with the biomechanics of my body I had never given my feet much thought. Then during my consultations the various professionals I have seen always discuss the marvel of design and efficiency within the human foot. Even though it is a part of the body that many of us take for granted I have developed much greater respect and appreciation for my feet. Our feet have more than 100 working parts. No less than 26 bones work with the foot's ligaments, muscles and tendons in two very small structures to support and balance the weight of the entire body. During a normal walking day the force on the feet is enormous. Walking puts up to 1.5 times one's bodyweight on the feet. On average, our feet log 1,000 miles per year. As shock absorbers, feet cushion up to one million pounds of pressure during one hour of strenuous exercise. That is why it is so critical to take care of the feet from babyhood into advanced years. Starting life on the right foot may involve having orthotics made for children who have a foot deformity. They are also an effect method for relieving foot fatigue and discomfort or arthritis in older adults.
HOW THEY WORK:
During my many consultations with a variety of foot specialists I asked a lot of questions about how orthotics work and why they are so beneficial and they answered them. They explained that orthotics support the arch, cushion the heel and prevent over-pronation (flattening of the arch) and absorb shock while running and walking. The absorbency orthotics provide protects the rear of the foot—(subtaylor joints)--and the mid-foot (midtarsal joints). That makes the foot more stable and can help to avert overuse injuries. These foot stabilizers also be beneficial for overweight individuals as they help to counteract the amount of stress on the feet due to extra weight. Seemingly minor problems can be magnified with athletic individuals. Depending on the type of exercise the movement and pressure on the foot is increased and the orthtics compensate for imperceptible imbalances, reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function that enhances performance.
This has certainly been true for me. A few years ago I tore the cushioning under my kneecap and was told I would need surgery. I went back to Nancy Klassen at Boundary Trails Health Center and she made a new pair of orthotics. I invested in another pair of properly fitting shoes and combined that with acupuncture, physiotherapy and braces. This multi-tiered approach helped me to avert surgery and I am back to living an active lifestyle.
TYPES OF ORTHOTICS:
Orthotics are designed to suit specific needs and come in a variety of materials. They all improve foot function by minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause deformity and pain. There are three categories of orthotics. Some are designed to change foot function. These are mainly protective in nature, and combine functional control and protection. More corrective orthotics can also be designed to treat severe foot issues such as toe-in or toe-out syndromes. In cases like these specialists may add splints, night bars and gait plates. Orthotics of this type makes constant corrective adjustments by holding the foot in the correct position and may be left on while a person is sleeping. They are also constructed to improve or eliminate pain in the legs, thighs and lower back due to abnormal function of the foot. Softer compressible materials are effective for arthritis or deformities where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot and can assist people with diabetes.The third type of orthotic, which is semi-rigid are often used for athletes and are constructed of layers of soft materials, reinforced with more rigid materials. This type allows the muscles, tendons and bones in the fee and lower legs to function at their highest potential
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ORTHOTIC:
Specialists consistently agree that the benefits obtained with custom designed orthotics should not be confused with the prefabricated models that are sold over the counter. There is a significant difference in quality and effectiveness. Comparatively, prefabricated orthotics, mass-produced to fit an "average" foot, may cost less, but usually do not properly correct the specific problems. The prefabricated types of orthotic can actually worsen a condition and create orthopedic problems elsewhere in the body. Those at particular risk are people with heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, back or knee problems or those who have a high arch foot type or flat feet.
Foot specialists are trained in their knowledge of lower extremity biomechanics and orthopedic foot function and only suggest orthotics after a thorough evaluation of an individual’s particular problem. These trained health professionals consider medical problems, pain levels and make their assessment based on X-Rays, gait analysis orthopedic issues, the level of and type of activity, foot type, ankle, knee and hip movement. Although there is a lot to consider obtaining a pair of custom orthotics usually requires a minimal number of office visits. They can also be made and a custom-made orthotic helps the foot function more effectively as a "machine."
BENEFITS OF ORTHOTICS
Many people suffer from an uneven weight distribution when they walk. As they age, their feet begin to suffer the consequences of this imbalance. That often leads to ankle pain, strained calf muscles, knee and hip pain and sore backs. By using orthotics, the wearer corrects imbalances in the foot that might be causing pain in the rest of the body. . Here are a few of the injuries and conditions where orthotics may be useful:
Injury prevention
Chronic Low Back Pain
Knee Pain (Runners Knee, Chondramalcia Patella, Patella Femoral Syndrome)
Heel Pain (Heel Spur)
Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendonitis, Sprained Ankle, Tibialis Dysfunction, Lateral Impingement Syndrome Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia )
Arch Strain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Shin Pain (Compartmental Syndrome, Shin splints)
Hip Pain (ilio-tibial band syndrome)
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunctions
Headaches/ TMJ (Jaw pain)
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