subject: Protect Your Feet With Custom Orthotics Through Computer-linked Gait Scanning [print this page] We all spend a great deal of time on our feet, whether it is standing or walking on hard surfaces. This can ultimately cause our feet to begin to roll inward to compensate for the last of surface area. As you walk, your heel should swing from side to side slightly, but if it swings too far when you walk or run, your foot may be over-pronating, or flattening too much. This incorrect movement of your heel stresses and weakens parts of your foot, which can cause you pain.
Understanding Orthotics
Also known as orthoses, orthotics refer to any device that is inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Also referred to as arch supports, orthotics are utilized by podiatrists to help allow people to stand, walk and run more efficiently and comfortably than previously. While over-the-counter orthotics are available and may help those with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that custom-made foot orthotics can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.
Coming in many shapes, sizes and materials, orthotic devices fall into three main categories:
*Those designed to change foot function (rigid orthotics).
*Those that are primarily protective in nature (soft orthotics).
*Those that combine functional control and protection (semi-rigid orthotics).
Orthotic devices that fit into your shoe also have been proven to be helpful in the treatment of heel pain. They are used to help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis. This will also help in softening the impact of walking, reducing the strain that is often placed on the fascia when one exhibits heel pain.
Computer-Linked Gait Scanning for Proper Diagnosis
Computer-linked gait scanning is a powerful assessment tool that is utilized to properly diagnose various foot complications. Through the use of computer gait analysis, you can simply step onto a computer-linked, pressure-sensitive mat for foot scanning and foot pressure mapping. The detailed graphic report is generated to help your Chicago podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment solutions for you that might include custom orthotics or even surgical repair. By utilizing the gait scan, your podiatrist can monitor your feet to discover any abnormal movements, which can produce high levels of stress in joints and muscles resulting in injury. Through the use of custom-made orthotics, these abnormal movements in your feet can be significantly minimized.
Through the use of your foot pressure, the gait analysis system can help to diagnose many faults in foot function, which can lead to problems in your lower back, hips and throughout the leg. Once a problem has been identified, the date from the computer gait system can be applied to an array of treatment options for helping you recover from an injury or to help maintain performance at peak levels if you are an athlete. It can also be used to advise you of where you can improve your fait efficiency for the best results while walking or running.
Your podiatrist in Chicago is trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort contact your podiatrist immediately for appropriate treatment and diagnosis with orthotics.
