When was the last time you thought about your feet? Believe it or not, they are the foundation for your overall mechanical function. Think of it this way: if the roots of a tree were not sturdy, how well would the tree stand up?
Mechanically, our feet have a direct impact on the rest of the body, as they support us with each step. A small abnormality in foot function can have an impact on other joints in the body – a chain reaction that can lead to pain and discomfort.
Experts have estimated that we walk up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. That is more than four times the circumference of the globe! Imagine walking that in poorly-fitting shoes or with painful feet! In particular, women have four times as many foot problems as men because they have a long history of wearing high heels and/or pointed-toed shoes. In some cases, foot ailments can be an early signal of more serious medical problems.
At Art of Wellness, Dr. Shamira conducts a thorough biomechanical assessment, including a gait analysis, in order to determine if orthotics are required. Orthotics are custom-made inserts that comfortably fit into your shoes and are designed to support and improve the biomechanical function of your feet. Dr. Shamira prescribes and dispenses orthotics to patients ranging from athletes to maximize sport performance to those suffering from chronic mechanical foot abnormalities.
For premium, quality orthotics, we use The Orthotic Group. For more information, please visit, www.theorthoticgroup.com.
How Often Should You Wear Orthotics?
Orthotics should be worn every time you are on your feet – during work, at home and at play. Orthotics are like eyeglasses, they work when they are worn. Especially when first introducing orthotics, it important to wear them as often as possible. The stress and discomfort experienced before wearing them can return without continuous use to start.
As well, during the first few weeks of wearing orthotics, you may experience mild discomfort in your feet and legs. This is normal and indicates that changes are occurring. Your body has accommodated to feet that do not function correctly and, as a result, it may need time to get adjusted. Dr. Shamira conducts a complimentary follow-up consultation two weeks from when you receive your custom-made orthotics to ensure you have adapted well. If needed, a minor adjustment can be made.
To find out if you’re a candidate for custom-made orthotics, call or email us to find out.
