As we approach the end of the year, we approach the cut-off date for placing orthotics orders. To ensure that you receive your orthotics before the New Year, all orders need to be made before Friday, December 13th, 2024. Claims on orders placed after this date will not be able to be submitted to insurance until January 2025. Don’t let your benefits go to waste!
If you have never worn orthotics before and aren’t sure why you should be, keep reading:
The most obvious reason to get a pair of orthotics is because you are experiencing some foot or ankle pain. This would be for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, heel spurs or metatarsalgia. But that is just scratching the surface of why someone would want to have orthotics in their shoes/boots. Other reasons would be if you are having issues with your knees, hips or even your low back. Our patients wear them in the work shoes/boots to alleviate the discomfort of their tired legs from standing all day. Another reason would be to enhance your performance in the sport you play or to reduce the chance of injury. How can these “simple” insoles do all this? Let’s discuss.
How do custom orthotics work?
Foot issues can be caused by a variety of factors which include poor foot mechanics, anatomical abnormalities (bunions), wearing poor footwear, medical conditions such as diabetes, overuse due to repetitive activities such as running and even sometimes, genetics. These foot issues can cause problems directly at the foot or ankle area but they can also affect further up the chain into the knees, hips and back.
Custom orthotics, also known as shoe inserts/insoles or arch supports, are designed to support the problem areas in your feet that cause discomfort and affect the function of the foot. They can help compensate for joint deformities, lift an arch that is falling, support a foot that is rolling too much or even relieve heel pain due to arthritis or bone deformities (heel spur). Custom orthotics are made specifically for your foot, unlike generic, mass-produced shoe inserts that are sold over the counter or online. They are designed to match the contours and size of your feet and provide support exactly where you need it. There are even different options to choose from depending on the activity you are using them for.
At Edgar Family Chiropractic the doctors will mold your foot in a foam cast. This cast is then sent to our partner company to be made into custom orthotics. Once the orthotics arrive back in the clinic you will be contacted to pick them up. We can also send off the completed insurance claim to your insurance company if they offer coverage for custom orthotics.
What are the benefits that custom orthotics provide?
Corrects foot abnormalities:
Custom orthotics can correct abnormalities such as improper arch height, bunions, supination/pronation (too much rolling of the foot) and flat feet. Custom orthotics provide greater balance or proprioception to both feet. This is important because the feet are at the base of the biomechanical chain and if the feet are not functioning or supporting properly, then problems will arise in the knees, hips and low back. The lack of support in the feet forces the other areas in the chain to compensate and be overworked.
Relieves Pain and Prevents Injury:
If your feet/legs or your knees/ hips are giving you problems not related to a specific injury, you should consider having your feet assessed by our chiropractors. They will assess you and recommend the best course of action, which could include activity modification, stretches/exercises or use of orthotics. Custom foot orthotics can prevent injury and also prevent the feet from developing ulcers, calluses, corns.
Enhanced Sports Performance:
Foot abnormalities can affect your performance if you are an athlete. It’s important to remember that it’s not just about running or walking. Your golf stance, your ability to pitch from the mound, or your weekend cycling adventure may all be affected by foot pain or biomechanical deficiencies. Pain and discomfort will make it difficult to perform at your best in sports. Your foot, knee, and body will be well aligned, relaxed, and pain-free. Custom orthotics help you to enhance your success in sports and other activities while still reducing your risk of injury.
Conclusion
With the help of custom orthotics, you can feel and do your best all of the time. If you or anyone you know is suffering from foot, ankle, hip, knee or leg pain they may benefit from custom orthotics. Please note that if you wish to have custom orthotics made and billed to your insurance before the end of 2024 they must be ordered before December 13th, 2024. If you have any questions, you can reach us by emailing, info@edgarchiropractic.ca, or you can schedule a consultation through our website, or you can call us with any questions you may have, 289-337-1202.
