When you hear the term ‘orthotics’ what do you think of? Older people with foot issues? This is a common stereotype. However, the truth is that many people need orthotic foot support, regardless of their age.
Foot issues can occur at any stage in life. You may not want to admit you need support, because it makes you feel old, but not addressing your issues makes matters worse. Without treatment, foot issues can lead to damaged joints and bones causing problems that will make you feel REALLY OLD.
Custom orthotics can prevent common foot issues so you can remain active and youthful for years to come.
How Do Orthotics Work?
Orthotics alter the pressure between the ground and the foot. They reduce the force that can lead to injuries and improve foot function.
Custom orthotics can be designed specifically for your foot. A technician can determine your foot issue and the source of pain and include features that alter the foot’s movement and reactions. They are valuable in injury prevention.
Orthotics do more than prevent and treat injuries. They offer preventative foot care. They prompt your brain to change your gait, so you develop healthier walking techniques.
Orthotics for Athletes
Athletes are prone to various foot-related issues that can impact any part of the leg. They may suffer with:
· Stress Fractures: These tiny cracks in the bone are caused by repetitive force. They generally occur in the foot and lower leg and are common in athletes who dance, run, or perform gymnastics. Fractures happen when feet can’t absorb stress and can worsen over time.
· Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation in the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It tends to worsen with use. Orthotics cushion the heel, improve alignment, and correct imbalances to aid with healing.
· Turf Toe: Turf toe is common in American football players, but it can affect any athlete. It occurs when athletes use the big toe to push off and jam it in the process. The condition causes pain in the toe and throughout the foot.
· Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle become stretched and torn. It is commonly due to sudden movements in the foot involving poor foot placement.
· Achilles Tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Due to its location, it is extremely vulnerable to inflammation and injury related to overuse. The resulting injury is Achilles tendonitis.
When athletes become injured, they sit out of games, which can be frustrating for players who are passionate about their work. They can lose pay and damage their reputation.
Custom orthotics prevent athlete injuries and keep them in the game. They also help them heal from injuries faster so they can get back in the game sooner.
And custom orthotics aren’t only for athletes. They’re for anyone with an active lifestyle who’s prone to foot pain and knee pain. Orthotics support a healthy lifestyle.
Orthotics for Children and Young Adults
Foot issues aren’t always due to overuse. Birth defects and non-athletic injuries can also require orthotics. Here are some to consider.
· Intoeing: Also called ‘a pigeon-toed gait’ in-toeing is a condition characterized by feet that turn inward. It can be caused by metatarsus adductus (the foot turns inward), tibial torsion (the shinbone turns inward), or femoral anteversion (the thighbone turns inward). It is typically noticeable when children begin walking. Orthotics may correct in-toeing in children with metatarsus adductus and femoral anteversion.
· Flat Feet: Flat feet may occur in children with poor development of the longitudinal arch. The problem may correct itself, but if children still have flat feet by the age of six, a doctor may recommend custom orthotics. The arch support provides foot pain relief and can prevent related injuries.
· High Arches: The opposite of flat feet, high arches are also a problem. They distribute weight unevenly across the feet leading to pain and instability. High-arch orthotics can correct this issue.
· Sever’s Disease: Sever’s Disease and other types of heel pain can occur in children who play sports or exercise often. It commonly occurs when kids hit growth spurts (ages 8-13 in girls and 10-15 in boys). The condition is less likely to occur in adults whose growth plates have hardened.
· Knock-knees and Bowlegs: Orthotics can help with knocking knees and bowel legs by improving foot alignment and helping redistribute pressure to make it more comfortable to walk. They also improve foot and ankle positioning.
Accidents Happen Too
Accidents happen regardless of age and it’s not uncommon for them to result in foot injuries. For example, a car accident can cause a crush injury or toe injury during impact. Compartment syndrome may also occur leading to trauma to the foot where pressure within the muscles increases to dangerous levels.
You may also experience strains, sprains, and fractures during bike, skateboarding, and scootering accidents. Orthotics minimize pain and help you heal from these injuries, so you get back to your active lifestyle.
No One Needs to Know
The takeaway here? If you need orthotics, you’re in good company. No doubt, several of the top athletes wear them regularly. Ask around, and you might find that plenty of the ‘cool kids’ wear them as well.
Additionally, orthotics don’t have to look like those clunky white shoes a grandparent might wear. They often come in the form of an insole that can be discreetly worn inside your shoe. If you can’t be bothered replacing your insole, there are also plenty of orthotic shoes on the market that feature the latest fashions, including boots, athletic sneakers, sandals, trendy loafers, and beyond.
Wilton Feet is Your Source for Custom Orthotics
Orthotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They should be customized to meet your individual needs. Wilton Feet provides custom orthotics that support optimal foot health.
We begin by evaluating and assessing your foot issues and medical history. Our experts use advanced technology to understand how you walk. Then we create an orthotic product that offers cushioning, support, and comfort.
Contact us to get the foot support you need, at any age.
