Foot Pain Conditions and Pain Relief

Dr. Andy Minor explains Foot Pain and how orthotics may help you get relief from pain and correct the problem.

2 Common questions. What’s the difference between Custom Orthotics, insoles and shoe inserts? How can they help with my Foot Pain ?

Orthotics are custom designed arch supports, made to fit inside various types of footwear, to provide pain relief and increased performance. Insoles are generic over the counter shoe inserts. Shoe inserts tend to be just foam cushions.

What do Custom Orthotics do?

Custom Orthotics correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and increase your performance, by slightly altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

Custom orthotics of Kansas City are known to solve a number of bio-mechanically related problems, not only for obvious foot problems but also for ankle and knee pain, pelvis, hip, spinal pain and even headaches. This is achieved by preventing misalignment of the foot which can significantly alter the way in which the bones move within their joints throughout the body.

Custom Orthotics are often used to correct problems such as:

    Pronation
    Structural abnormalities
    General knee pain
    Ankle instability
    Foot Pain

What is pronation?

Inward ankle tilt, known as ‘pronation’ can cause the bones beneath the ankle to shift out of place and lead to considerable alteration to the way the joint moves. Outward ankle tilt, though less common still occurs in some individuals. This abnormal joint movement in the feet and ankle in turn effect the hip joint and the curvature of the spine. This generally leads to back pain and increased pressure on the hips and pelvis.

Types of Custom Orthotics:

Custom Orthotics are individually handcrafted and constructed of various materials. Our primary concern is with improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain throughout the body.

While varying in design most orthotic supports are aimed at the mass market, this is fine in many cases but to be fully effective each support should be custom crafted and tailored to each individual foot.

The Custom Orthotics on Orthoticskansascity.com are designed for mild conditions such as arch, heel and forefoot pain. Where specified, they will provide arch support and basic gait correction and cushioning for almost all aspects of you daily footwear needs.

Difference between Custom Orthotics and the others:

While definitions vary widely the key difference between Custom Orthotics and over-the-counter insoles listed on Orthoticskansascity.com are as follows:

Custom Orthotics:

Provide basic motion control helping prevent in-ward and outward rolling of the foot. They may also provide protection against heel shock or plantar pressures, especially Diabetic Orthotics.

Professionally fitted orthotics are recommended when there is severe pain present or when gait control is of importance to the individual especially in sports performance athletes, outdoor walkers, golfers etc.

Know generally as ‘custom orthotics’, this type of device is usually made-to-measure by taking a cast of the foot and forming the orthotic over this.

Professionally crafted custom orthotics are available from Podiatrists, Orthotists, Physiotherapists and other associated healthcare professionals. In the Kansas City area the best Custom Orthotics are available from Dr.Andy Minor.

Insoles or Shoe Inserts:

Provides the wearer with a replacement cushion for most shoes types. Features can vary from general comfort cushioning to basic odor control. Insoles provide minimal motion control and are suggested as a temporary remedy while awaiting for your custom orthotics to be hand crafted.

When to see a Foot Health professional or Podiatrist:

When foot pain is severe and constant, it is important that a ‘corrective’ (not an over-the-counter Orthotic) device is prescribed by a trained clinician. We can advise on your best alternatives. Simply give us a call for advice.

Wearing your Custom Orthotics:

Because each person is unique, so is his or her response to the new Custom Orthotics . As you adjust to this new alignment, you may experience some mild discomfort. If you experience any severe pain or discomfort, stop wearing them and make an appointment for further customization.

Suitable fitting and supportive footwear is vital to the function of the bio-mechanical function of your body and overall comfort.

Care for your Orthotics:

Clean your orthotic  to reduce bacterial growth using a damp soapy cloth and allow to dry naturally in the air.

Doctor Andy Minor with Hackleman Chiropractic in Blue Springs explains various foot pain, symptoms and how to get relief.
Watch this video http://youtu.be/gCBlRDruNHs