Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Do you have pain or discomfort while walking, running, or standing throughout the day? If so, you may benefit from the comfort and support offered by orthotics. It’s important to note that not every orthotic is equal. Compared to the general orthotics you can buy at your local pharmacy, custom orthotics provide better support, comfort, and a range of additional health benefits. This is because custom orthotics are designed by a healthcare professional to fit your specific foot structure and needs.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at custom orthotics and how these relatively simple shoe inserts can make a major difference for your foot and ankle support — in addition to your overall health and wellness.

What are Orthotics?

An orthotic is a medial shoe insert that works to support and correct abnormal foot movement. This irregular foot movement can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an injury, illness, gait issues, poor posture, and more. Orthotics support the movement of the foot to relieve pain, pressure, and discomfort while you’re active during your day. Additionally, orthotics can add much-needed cushion while walking, running, or standing.

What are the Two Types of Orthotics?

There are two types of orthotics available to patients: general orthotics and custom orthotics. General orthotics can be bought over the counter and found at your local pharmacy or department store. Compared to custom orthotics, these tend to be cheaper. However, there are a few drawbacks to the low cost.

While general orthotics may come with a lower initial price tag, they are much less effective at providing pain relief, support, and comfort. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are designed specifically for your foot shape by a healthcare professional. Professionals such as physical therapists, orthopedists, podiatrists, and chiropractors play a crucial role in assessing foot structure and specific conditions to create these custom orthotics. While custom orthotics may come with a higher initial price tag, they are much more effective at providing pain relief, support, and comfort. This is why, at Governor’s Park Chiropractic, we only offer the latest in custom orthotics for our patients

How Custom Orthotics Work

Custom orthotics are designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural biomechanics to promote optimal foot function and alleviate pain. By redistributing pressure and realigning the foot, custom orthotics can help reduce stress on joints and muscles, improve balance and stability, and enhance athletic performance. They are particularly effective in providing pain relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and foot pain.

By combining advanced technology with expert knowledge, custom orthotics provide optimal support and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or looking to improve your athletic performance, custom orthotics can make a significant difference in your daily life.

Who Might Need Custom Orthotics?

Many different types of patients can benefit from the comfort and support offered by custom-made orthotics. Even if you aren’t experiencing a major health condition and simply have discomfort while walking or standing throughout your day, custom orthotics could be an applicable solution. For some patients, custom orthotics may be recommended with other treatments, such as chiropractic therapy.

If you’re experiencing one of the following health issues, you should reach out to a healthcare professional to see if custom orthotics could prove beneficial:

• Arch pain or discomfort
• Chronic pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or legs
• Pain caused by running, walking, or playing sports
• Plantar fasciitis
• Nerve pain associated with diabetes
• Age-related pain as you get older

5 Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Pain Relief

As you can see, custom orthotics can be used to effectively treat a range of injuries and foot abnormalities. Custom orthotics are also ideal for athletes, anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle, and older individuals who may experience pain or discomfort while walking or standing.

However, there are additional benefits of custom orthotics that many people fail to realize. Here, we’re taking a closer look at 5 of the primary benefits of custom orthotics.

1. Correct foot abnormalities: Foot abnormalities, such as high arches, collapsed arches, or flatfoot (Pes Planus), can be painful and uncomfortable. Not only do they make it difficult to find the right pair of shoes, but they can also be painful and lead to walking difficulties. Unlike generic insoles you might find at a department store, custom orthotics can actually correct many foot abnormalities.
2. Reduce foot, ankle, and knee pain: Chronic pain in your foot, ankle, or knee can make even the simplest task a challenge. Living with chronic pain in your lower extremities can severely limit your mobility and make even simply standing throughout your day a challenge. Custom orthotics provide precise support and comfort to help relieve pain in the foot, ankle, and knee.
3. Improved balance: Walking with abnormal foot positioning or a foot abnormality can lead to balance issues that increase your risk of falling or slipping. This poor balance can be especially hazardous for older individuals. Luckily, custom orthotics can help to improve your balance to lessen this risk and keep you safer on your feet.
4. Injury prevention: In addition to reducing your risk of a slip or fall, custom orthotics can also help in other aspects of injury prevention. With additional foot and ankle support, you also reduce your risk of foot and ankle injuries, such as sprains or fractures. Custom orthotics can also protect you from strain or over-extension by providing a stable surface for your foot. This makes custom orthotics ideal for athletes or anyone who enjoys a physical and active lifestyle.
5. Better posture: Many people don’t realize that custom orthotics can improve your posture. With more and more people spending hours hunched over a computer whether for work or school poor posture almost becomes inevitable to an extend. Poor posture affects the entire body from the neck down to your feet. Since your feet form the foundation your entire body, better support and alignment can positively benefit your entire body and help you maintain better posture. Better posture can help to reduce pain and prevent future injuries.

Combining Custom Orthotics with Other Therapies

Custom orthotics can be used in conjunction with other therapies to provide comprehensive pain relief and treatment. At Governor’s Park Chiropractic, we often combine custom orthotics with chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and improve overall well-being, massage therapy to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, and physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.

By combining custom orthotics with other therapies, we can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the whole body and promotes optimal health and wellness. This holistic approach ensures that you receive the most effective care possible, tailored to your unique needs and conditions.

Find Relief With Custom Orthotics by Governor’s Park Chiropractic

If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or balance issues while walking or standing throughout your day, custom orthotics could be the perfect solution for you. Compared to treatments like surgery, using custom orthotics is a safer, less invasive approach to treating foot, ankle, or knee pain and foot abnormalities. Custom orthotics are easily slid into your shoes to provide additional comfort and support as you remain active during your day.

While you can purchase general orthotics at most pharmacies, these tend to be less effective at providing pain relief and support. Custom orthotics are so effective because they are designed and fitted specifically for the shape of your foot and your unique healthcare needs. Most patients would agree that the higher cost is worth the benefits custom-made orthotics provide.

Governor’s Park Chiropractic is proud to be Denver’s leading full-service chiropractor. Serving a range of patients throughout Colorado and the greater Denver metro area, including Lone Tree and Wheat Ridge, we offer a range of healthcare services, such as chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, massage therapy, acupuncture, custom orthotics, and more. With an unmatched level of dedication and years of experience, our team at Governor’s Park Chiropractic can speed up your recovery time, provide relief from pain, and improve your overall health.

No matter your healthcare needs, Governor’s Park is on your side. Schedule an appointment with us online or call us at (303) 831-1122 or (303) 940-7169 to learn more about how we can get you back to the life you love!