Chiropractic Orthotics

Did you know chiropractic care can also assist in orthotic treatment? In our practice of family-oriented chiropractic care, we are able to treat a variety of issues in people of any age, from back and neck pain to headaches and migraines. But what many people may not know is that chiropractic care can additionally use orthotic treatments to fix posture problems, foot and ankle pain, and issues with walking. ​

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are a medical method of correcting the bone and muscular structures of feet, ankles, and legs using braces and other external support devices. The basic concepts of orthotics have been around for over 2,000 years, when wool was inserted into sandals for support and cushioning. Through the centuries, orthotics have been developed into a precise science used to treat a variety of afflictions, such as:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Arthritis
• Hip and lower back pain
• Flat feet
• Shin splints
• Knee and ankle pain
• Bunions

Types of Orthotics: Accommodative and Functional

1. Accommodative orthotics​ are made of softer materials to provide extra cushioning and support for the injured area. These are things like soft shoe inserts or padded kitchen mats for where a person will be standing for a long period of time. ​
2. ​​Functional orthotics, however, are much stronger materials that are used for skeletal and muscular correction through long-term placement. These are things like rigid arch supports, which can often be customized to an individual’s feet. ​

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Provide Support

Orthotics will give you more stability when you stand/walk by improving the alignment and balance of your feet. Custom orthotics are specially designed to remove pressure from your pain points and may even assist in correcting foot abnormalities such as pronation (collapsed arches) and supination (high arches).

Injury Prevention

Daily activities such as walking, running, or standing on your feet for long periods of time put a lot of stress on your body. Orthotics can assist in stability and shock absorption, which may decrease your chances of injury. They also help prevent previous injuries such as stress fractures or muscle, joint, and tendon strains in the lower body from further harm. ​

Improve Overall Well-being

Having abnormal biomechanics can cause pain and irritation during daily activities which may negatively impact your quality of life. Many patients report they are able to return to normal activity with significantly less pain when using properly fitted orthotics. Custom orthotics may eliminate your discomfort and allow you to get better sleep at night or be more active during the day. ​

How Chiropractors Can Help

At Petrak Chiropractic Center, our offices are fully equipped for the creation of custom orthotics, plus we have the knowledge and experience to perform a full gait analysis. Simply put, a gait analysis is a breakdown of your stride (the way you walk). 

​By analyzing the way you walk, we are able to make more precise conclusions about any underlying conditions you may suffer from, which greatly affects your treatment regimen or need for orthotics. We are able to analyze the way you (literally) go about daily life. Having improper gait means that your weight distribution is off and is probably exacerbating issues in the spine that stem from poor posture. By having a comprehensive gait analysis, we are more accurately able to assess any underlying issues that orthotics may be used for to help improve your life on a day-to-day basis.​

Contact Petrak Family Chiropractics Today

Patients are consistently blown away by the difference they see when properly fitted with well-made custom orthotics. We can help you too. To schedule a gait analysis and set yourself up with custom orthotics, schedule a consultation today.

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