Tag Archive for: Pronation

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Shoe Insoles: Cushioned or Supportive

Orthotics Victoria BC

The first step when wearing orthotics (shoe insoles) starts when you shop for shoes. In order to take care of your feet, you need select a shoe, runner, or boot with a great fit and is specific to your chosen activity.

The next step is to determine if the insole (sock liner) that comes with your new shoe will be adequate for your gait, or if you need to replace it with a specific type of purchase a new insole.

What is a sock liner?

A sock liner is the removable orthotic or insole that sits between the foot and sole of most shoes. Though sock liners can vary in thickness and comfort, the primary function is to prevent the foot from rubbing against any stitching or materials that are used in the making of the shoe. Most sock liners that come in a new pair of shoes provide little support or cushioning.

There are two main types of shoe insoles:  cushioned – which will mold to our foot bed and supportive – which are functional.  In order to provide cushioning, the insole need to be flexible, and soft. In order to provide support, the  insole must be firm, and provide structure under the load of our body weight. (Materials can make a big impact on the size and weight of a support insole).

The need for additional support is the major reason to consider an insole. Most people need a more rigid arch support that can help hold the foot in an upright and stable position. Wearing a supportive insole can help control motion, relieve strain, and stabilize a foot that might have arch or heel pain.

Cushioned inserts are designed for people who want to reduce shock. Metatarsal pads for instance, are simply cushioned pads that fit behind the ball of your foot, distributing weight which  offloads and reduces pressure under the troublesome spot.

Foot conditions that can be helped by wearing an insole:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Arch Pain
  • Bunions
  • Diabetic/Arthritic Foot
  • Flat Feet
  • Heel Spur
  • Over Pronation
  • Plantar Fasciltis
  • Shin Splints
  • Under Pronation

If your foot pain or discomfort continues or becomes worse , please talk to your healthcare practitioner to see if something more serious is going on.

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Painful Feet – Find Out Why?

Painful Feet - Find Out Why?Our feet are subject to “abuse” on a daily basis.  Foot pain can be due to ill-fitting footwear, injuries such as a sprain caused by a stretched or torn ligament, or a stress fractures of bones in the foot, which can result from accidents or overuse while engaging in sports or exercise.

The obvious symptoms of foot trouble is pain.  If you are limping, or avoiding placing weight on your heel or toes you need to find out why.  Feet are extremely complex structures composed of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin.  Even without pain, foot dysfunction can cause your entire body to overcompensate, which can lead to back and hip pain.

The problem with foot pain is that it can force you to modify the way you walk which creates significant stress on the joints of your legs, hips, and lower spine.  A common foot problem is Pronation.  If you pronate; some of the bones of the foot drop to a less stable position because the foot arch is too weak to keep them in proper alignment.  The arches themselves may be unnaturally stretched which places stress on the entire foot – this is known as “flat feet”.

Another common problem — one that is often found along with pronation — is Plantar Fascitis.   Plantar Fascitis is a stress irritation of the sheath of elastic tissues running nearly the entire length of the foot.  If not treated, both conditions can lead to progressive development of foot malfunction and discomfort.

Chiropractic and Physiotherapy can help overcome foot and ankle problems.  The practitioners can use a number of diagnostic tests and treatments, including examining your gait and foot function.  They will palpate your feet and ankles to measure any limitations in range of motion to identify what is causing your pain, and determine the best course of treatment.

These treatments can consist of Shockwave Therapy, Class IV-Laser,  eToims treatment, or orthotics. Our health care practitioners can provide lifestyle counseling/exercsies that can help reduce biological and psychological stresses on your body as a whole.

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Natural Health Practitioner take a Close Look at Foot Problems

Natural health practitioner take a close look at foot problems, understanding that your feet are extremely complex structures composed of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. They are subject to injuries and other problems caused by normal wear and tear over years of supporting the weight of your body and making it possible for you to stand, walk, run, and jump.

Natural Health Practitioner take a close look at foot problems

foot problems

The most obvious symptoms of foot trouble are pain and dysfunction (limping, favouring one foot or the other, inability to put weight on the heel and/or the toes). Foot pain can be due to ill-fitting, inappropriate footwear that cramps your feet; injuries that keep you from walking well–or at all; sprains which stretch or tear ligaments (which connect bones); and stress fractures of bones in the foot, which can result from accidents or overuse while engaging in sports or exercise.

Foot pain and dysfunction can force you to modify the way you walk and create significant stresses on the joints of your legs, hips, and lower spine. Your feet are the foundation for your entire body. Even without pain, foot dysfunction can cause your whole body to overcompensate, which can lead to back pain and even headaches.

No one is safe from foot problems. But older or overweight individuals, diabetics, and serious athletes and dancers who place great demands on their feet are more prone to foot disorders than others are.

The most common foot problem though is Pronation. In pronation, some of the bones of the foot drop to a less stable position because the foot arches are too weak to keep them in proper alignment. The arches themselves may be unnaturally stretched (“flat feet”), and stress on the entire foot increases. Another common problem — one that is often found along with pronation — is Plantar Fascitis, a stress irritation of the sheath of elastic tissues running nearly the entire length of the foot. If not treated, either condition can lead to progressive development of foot malfunction and discomfort.

Chiropractic or Physiotherapy can help overcome foot and ankle problems that can cause additional problems in other structures such as in your legs, hips, lower back. The practitioners can use a number of diagnostic tests, including examining your gait and foot function.  They will palpate (move) your feet and ankles to measure any limitations in range of motion to identify what is causing your pain, and determine the best course of treatment.

In addition, your practitioner may use Shockwave therapy, and recommend orthotics to help solve some of your foot problems. When your natural health practitioner take a close look at foot problems they can provide lifestyle counseling that can help reduce biological and psychological stresses on your body as a whole.

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