Good balance and a healthy walking pattern are extremely important in day-to-day activities, such as stairs or walking in the park. Uneven gait and poor balance can lead to issues with confidence, posture, and overall health. Orthotics in NW Calgary can help and provide support to your feet while aligning your body.
What are Orthotics and How Do They Work?
Orthotics are custom devices that can be placed in your shoes to support and align your feet. They also correct how you walk, stand, or move. Orthotics fit your feet into a position that will provide less pain and long-term strain on your body, including your joints and muscles.
Orthotics provide:
- Uniform pressure on the feet
- Less stress on the knees, hips, and lower back
- Correction of imbalances that produce pain or instability
- Support of the feet, finishing their natural movement of walking or running
Why is Gait Important for Your Health?
Your gait (or how you walk) can affect your overall health in many ways. Bad gait patterns can lead to or exacerbate issues like:
- foot pain or heel pain
- knee and hip strain
- lower back pain
- balance issues that increase fall risk
Correcting gait problems early may help save you from long-term issues and allow for better mobility.
How Can Orthotics Improve Balance?
Orthotics provide stability by supporting the arches and cushioning the heels. This will allow every step to feel locked in and anchored. Over time, many feel they can make better coordinated movements, and wobbling is less when standing still or walking.
Think of orthotics as a strong base. If your feet are always stable, you may feel well aligned all over.
When Should You Consider Orthotics?
If you are having any of the following issues, you might benefit from orthotics:
- Pain in your feet or heel that occurs frequently
- Shoe wear on one side of your shoe is significantly different from the shoe wear on the other side
- Having difficulty maintaining your balance
- Having discomfort when walking or standing for long periods
- Frequent injuries to your legs or back
If any of these issues resonate with you, you might want to see a chiropractor near you or a healthcare professional who can assess your gait.
What Types of Orthotics are There?
Orthotics come in a wide range of shapes and forms based on your specific needs. The most common types are:
| Type of Orthotic | Purpose |
| Orthopedic shoe inserts | General support for feet and arches |
| Custom orthotics | Personalized fit to correct specific gait issues |
| Sports orthotics | Added stability for athletes and active individuals |
The right choice for you depends on your personal lifestyle and health needs.
Can Orthotics Improve Posture?
Yes, Orthotics can. Many times, poor alignment of the feet leads to poor posture, which increases strain on the back, neck, and shoulders over time. Utilizing posture correcting material with orthotics helps naturally align the spine, allowing it to become more comfortable standing with a straight posture correction with orthotics.
Are Orthotics Useful for Walking Every Day?
Absolutely. Orthotics are not meant solely for athletes or those with acute foot problems. Millions of individuals wear orthotics for walking as part of their daily lives, whether it be commuting, exercising or simply doing daily chores. Orthotics provide comfort while walking, while allowing for your comfort and reducing fatigue in your feet or legs.
Take the Next Step with Synergea Family Health Centre
If you are noticing pain, are experiencing differences in your stride (i.e. a limp), or have noticed difficulties with your balance, now would be a good time to consider orthotics. At Synergea Family Health Centre, we will be able to assess your gait and provide orthotics based on your day-to-day needs. When you have the orthotic that you need, you should find it easier to walk, have improved posture when standing, and have a better sense of confidence moving throughout your day.
Don’t let foot pain or balance problems stop you. Book your appointment today and start your journey toward better movement and comfort!
FAQs
Will orthotics be painful at first?
There may be some mild discomfort initially while your body adjusts to the orthotics. This will disappear quickly with a normal break-in period.
How long will they last?
With daily wear and care, most orthotics should last from a year to five years. Regular follow-ups will help to ensure they are providing the appropriate level of support over time.
Can I use them in any shoe?
Yes, typically orthotics can be inserted in most shoes, but some shoe styles may involve adaptation or require custom shoes for an appropriate fit.