Many of us suffer from problems with our feet that can lead to other conditions such as lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and even sciatica. Some may suffer from previous injuries to the feet that never quite seemed to heal properly. If you’re one of these people, a beneficial option for you to explore is the use of custom foot orthotics.

WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS?

Orthotics are special foot supporting insoles that are worn inside the shoes. Typical orthotics provide arch and heel support to help the feet function optimally. You’ve probably seen generic over the counter orthotics at the drug store.

Orthotics are worn to help control abnormal or improper motion as you walk or run. Orthotics are also mainly for use in patients who require extra cushioning and support, such as those with flat feet. While generic over the counter orthotics can be helpful to people who suffer from mild food issues, for more serious issues that cause pain to radiate up the legs and into the hips, custom orthotics are much more effective.

Custom orthotics are designed to help properly position the ligaments, tendons and bones of the feet. The goal of custom orthotics is to ease pain and stress on the muscles of your feet and legs. They are also helpful in treating injuries of the foot. The benefits of custom orthotics are that they are especially made for your exact feet and condition.

HOW CUSTOM ORTHOTICS ARE MADE

At our location, a moving scan called a ‘gait analysis scan’ is taken, which involves capturing your feet in action as you walk in order to determine exactly how your feet function when in motion.

Once the scan results are finished, they are then sent to a lab along with your special prescription information that will contain details of your foot problems and the purpose of the orthotics. The lab will create the orthotics using the prescription information. Your custom orthotics will be created from special thermoplastic material.

Depending on your prescription, the material your custom orthotics will be made of will vary in thickness, width, and flexibility. Your weight and height will also be considered, as well as your age.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WEAR CUSTOM ORTHOTICS?

While the end goal of custom orthotics is to reduce or completely alleviate pain, and treat conditions that result from problems with the feet, there can be a little bit of initial ‘getting used to’. Your feel will definitely feel different the first time you wear your orthotics. And because they will change the position of your foot, your legs and hips may also experience a learning curve as you develop new muscle memory in these areas. Most care providers will recommend that you take time to allow your body to adapt to the changes. For example, wearing your orthotics for a few hours at a time, or perhaps every other day until you get used to them, will help cut down on any initial discomfort you may feel.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN CUSTOM ORTHOTICS TREAT?

As noted above, there are several conditions that can be treated by the use of custom orthotics. Let’s take a look at some of the most common conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis – the most common reason custom orthotics are prescribed
• Knee pain
• Heel spurs
• sciatica
• High arches
• Low arches or flat feet
• Problems with limb length (where one leg might be slightly shorter than the other)
• Foot pain related to injury or illness (such as diabetes)
• Runner’s knee or ankle

SUMMARY

Custom orthotics can be expensive, but the good news is that a good pair of orthotics can last for up to ten years. And if you have a medical benefits plan, most or all of the cost is often covered. The best thing to do is check with your provider to find out what your entitlement is.

As you can see, custom orthotics can provide many benefits to patients suffering from conditions or injuries to the feet that can cause pain and symptoms all the way up the legs to the hips. If you have problems with your feet, custom orthotics may be an excellent option for you.

Call our office today at (519) 250-6288 for more information and to set up your appointment! Don’t forget to like and share this post with your family and friends.

Achieving a state of total relaxation should involve the body and the mind simultaneously. While certain therapies target either one or the other, there are a few techniques you can try to achieve the full effect. In this article, we will discuss the top four methods that unwind your muscles and put your thoughts at ease simultaneously. These methods of relaxations include chiropractic care, acupuncture, general massage, and reiki therapy.

Good news! All of those relaxation methods are all offered at our location, Lifetime Wellness Center. Give us a call at (519) 250-6288 so we can go ahead and provide you with more information and book an appointment for you!

4 TECHNIQUES TO TRY

1. CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT

Chiropractic treatment is more than a massage. Due to Dr. Bekic’s knowledge in the field of health sciences, he will improve the functioning and wellbeing of your musculoskeletal system by using techniques such as adjustments, and soft tissue therapy. Depending on what the nature of your ailment is, the approach will differ.
Usually, a chiropractor intervenes when the patient has suffered an injury in the neck, legs, back, hips, knees and so on. However, he can also enhance your general health through methods that assist you in relaxing the body and mind while relieving pain, tension, and other potential discomforts in the process.

2. ACUPUNCTURE

Ancient Chinese medicine relies on the body’s energy canals to stimulate health. By stimulating various pressure points, acupuncture aims to clear them and stimulate organic healing processes.
Patients suffering from lower back pain, chronic neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, and headaches have all exhibited visible improvements following this line of therapy. In addition to this, acupuncture is a relaxing experience that puts your mind at ease while treating the aches in the body. Both our naturopathic doctors, Dr. Upcott and Dr. Martinello can improve your sleep and emotional wellbeing, as well as your digestive processes using acupuncture.

3. GENERAL MASSAGE

Getting a massage every once in a while is a great way to reconcile the body and the mind. By manipulating, rubbing, and strategically pressing your skin and tissue in all the right places, this type of therapy effectively reduces the incidence of pain, stress, and tension. Thus, it has the ability to better your quality of life and put your mind at ease.

In addition to this, it also helps diminish the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, fibromyalgia, joint pain, injury-related soreness, and digestive issues, among others. What is more, its directness often triggers feelings of comfort and connection in patients, which is another tool on the path towards total repose.
The main appeal of massages lies in the fact that sessions require no prior preparation. You just schedule an appointment with one of our registered massage therapists Shelby or Laurie, show up, and inform the therapist on what ails you. Then, they will proceed to handle the problem areas and promote their recuperation.

4. REIKI THERAPY

Reiki therapy is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800’s and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.

Reiki therapy heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.

Jackie Savi-Cannon is an Integrative Health Specialist who combines a variety of methods including Reiki, EFT, Reflexology into one treatment. These Decompression Sessions have shown to reduce physical and mental symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches and anxiety. Clients have left with significant improvements after one session

THE BOTTOM LINE

Treating musculoskeletal ailments and soothing the mind in the process is completely possible with the four relaxtion therapies detailed above. Depending on what your personal needs and preferences are, you will need to choose the one that is most suited for you. Of course, they can also be pursued in collaboration.

Call our office today at (519) 250-6288 to set up your appointment! Don’t forget to like and share this post with your family and friends