What Are Orthotics and Why Are They Important to Me?
- The word Orthotic is used to describe a foot-supporting device or insole.
- Orthotics is concerned with the design, development, fitting and manufacturing of devices that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities of the human body
The term is derived from the "ortho", meaning to straighten. Sciences such as materials engineering, gait analysis, anatomy and physiology, and psychology contribute to the work done by orthotists, professionals engaged in the field of orthotics.
Foot orthootics allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. When appropriately prescribed, these orthotics can decrease pain and increase stability in an unstable joint, along with preventing potential progression or development of a deformity. Improved quality of life often results from the application of the principles of orthotics.
In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or an injury, those who may benefit from orthotics include:
- People who must walk or stand excessively on the job
- For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength
- For overweight individuals, orthotics can help to counteract the extra stress on the feet, as minor problems are often magnified due to the increased weight.
- For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength
Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort experienced by older adults, who may have developed arthritis in their feet. Orthotics may also be prescribed for children who have a foot deformity.
In athletic individuals, sports activities result in a great deal of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot that are not harmful or even detectable under usual circumstances may make one more vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By eliminating the need for one's muscles to compensate for imperceptible imbalances, orthotics can reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function to enhance performance.
With enough functional correction, the foot structure can be aligned to give more propulsion, making walking, running and cycling more mechanically efficient.
