Why Is Natural Foot Function Important (And Can Orthotics Help?)
Orthotics are developed by podiatrists on the back of biomechanical studies. Biomechanics is the science of body movement during walking, jumping and running. The goal of orthotic insoles and footwear is to ensure a healthy foot function where the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments in the foot are property aligned and in the neutral position.
Research indicates that a healthy foot function, where the foot is aligned vertically with the rest of the body and retains a natural position, can help alleviate problems in other parts of the body. Benefit include:
- Improved overall posture and gait.
- Relief from knee, hip and back pain. If our feet are misaligned, our knees, pelvic area and back compensate to retain our balance. Over time this can result in joint and muscle pain.
- Better weight distribution across the entire foot, reducing the risk of arch collapse.
- Fewer incidences of bunions, corns, calluses and hammertoes.
- Reduced heel pain resulting from plantar fasciitis – a common condition when tiny tears form in the think ribbon of connective tissue (the planta fascia) that runs at the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.
- Improved balance and stability.
- Pain free movement encourages people to be more mobile with in turn result in a healthier overall lifestyle and contributes to weight loss.
- Anatomical alignment of the entire body from the ankle to the jaw. (Yes research has shown that a misaligned foot can even have repercussions on the neck and how we hold our jaw).
Orthotics are available as insoles that you insert into your shoes – see for example the Walkfit orthotics brand – and also built into specially designed footwear. The material used in orthotics not only shapes the foot correctly but also act as a shock absorber, a factor that is particularly important for athletes. Most orthotic brands will correct pronation, where the leg rolls inward over a collapsed arch. But if you also suffer from sharp heel pain, look out for specifically designed shoes for plantar fasciitis.
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