Monday, August 23, 2010

Vail Foot Orthotics

What is Orthotics? (follow our link to view more information)
Orthotics are designed to fit your feet efficiently. They are more adequate than the over the counter arch supports, that balances the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet or legs.

The most common reasons that people might use foot orthotics are:
- Limiting the pain in your heel. 
- Knee Pain- such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome. 


Why Buy Orthotics?
Orthotics can help people to get relieve and prevent the following:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Shin Splints
- Heel or Arch Pain
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome


How much does Orthotics Cost?
The ones at the pharmacy are less exspensive ($8 - $15), but the more well rounded comforting pair ranges from ($200 - $500), and these are your custom-made orthotics.

Who Needs Orthotics?
Some people are born with an inherited foot structure that develops bunions, corns and hammertoes. If you have a family history of these problems or are developing them, early recognition and use of orthotics may lessen their impact.

Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics is made to help correct any misalignments in the foot, improve a person's posture, or alleviate any pain in the foot and leg. They are either inserted in a shoe or can be integrated into your shoes design so that they become a part of the shoes sole. Custom orthotics differs from inserts that you can buy at any store, because here in our office they are made to specifically conform to the unique shape of an indivdual's foot. They are usually made out of rubber materials that are quite stable. Some have added padding, depending on the persons weight.

- A different pair of shoes may help.
- A person who weighs a lot and has a low arch, may need a more stable, motion controlled shoe.
- A person with a high arch may need a shoe with more cushioning.
- Alternate shoes.
- Rotate a slightly worn shoe with a new pair.
Try wearing different shoes for different types of surfaces.
- Consult a physical therapist or a massage therapist.
- Your pain may be a result of tight or weak muscles instead of structural problems.



To view our Powerstep ProTech Orthotic (click here)





Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Orthotic Supports, & Comfort Insoles

Today I will explain 3 products we highly recommend here in the office that relieves heel & arch conditions.

Heel Pain is one of the most common symptoms we see in our office. There are multiple causes of heel pain, but most are equally uncomfortable. Your initial response to heel pain at home should be to follow the RICE treatment method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) Stay off your feet and elevate them. Rotate ice on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes at a time. Do not use ice while sleeping, and keep a towel between the ice and your skin. The ice will help to relieve both your pain and swelling. Use a compression wrap to help reduce the swelling in your foot and ankle.


Here are the 3 products I will explain today:

1. The "Powerstep ProTech Classic" - This is the Podiatrist's Prescription for Pain Relief! This will relieve your heel and arch pain. This product includes:
- Medical-grade arch support
- Stabilizing heel cradle
- Encased in full-length double-layered.
- Thin full-length profile to fit many shoes.

This product is Therapy for: Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, and other foot conditions! This will support your Foot, Ankle, Knee, & Even your Lower Back.

Powerstep ProTech Classic is a unique podiatric support system specifically intended to relieve heel and arch pain, and prevent foot strain from injury. Unlike leading insoles or arch support, ProTech Classic's unique 4-phase design is optimized to provide complete foot support and comfort, and correct foot posture and mechanics.

Wait! There is a GUARANTEE--30 day money back gurantee for any reason. Lifetime gurantee against breakage of plastic arch supports when used under normal conditions.




2. The "Spenco RX Comfort Insoles" - This is a clinically designed & doctor recommended product! With this one-year unconditional gurantee you get:
 -Cushions that comfort and heel the toe.
An Ultra-Fresh Silpure- Exceptional odor control through advanced silver-based antimicrobial
- Absorbs shock
- Reduces friction
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Durable and washable

-Spenco has 40 years of Footcare Solutions under there belt, and this 4-way Stretch Fabric with Ultra-Fresh Silpure- Helps prevent blisters, along with controlling odor. This Spenco material has an exclusive cushioning layer, and provides maximum comfort.




3. Finally, "The Aetrex Lynco Orthotics" - Aetrex is your #1 choice in Foot Orthotics. For this specific product I will tell you why this is one of our top choices:
- This specific product assures you feel great during high impact activities.
- Improves balance and body alignment
- Reduces stress at the Ball-of-the-Foot

The Lynco L400 Sports Orthotic is designed specifically to provide comfort, balance, and support in athletic, walking and comfort footwear. This product features a Pro-Shox top cover for superior cushioning and shock absorption. Pro-Shox's high tech polyester fibers wick moisture away from the foot and provide a cool, friction free surface to prevent blisters and other foot problems.
The L400 is light-weight, resilient and provides unmatched cushioning and support. These unique orthotics are designed with a cupped heel for balance, stability, and pressure reduction. This product is recommended for medium and high arch feet.

We highly recommend either of these three products. If you would like more information about our products visit our online store to view products like the PowerStep, or stop in at 1725 Western Ave., Ste. C Findlay, OH 44883.  


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

How Does an Orthotic Work?

Make a Foot Mold
An orthotic can be custom made (by having a mold made of the foot), or bought ready made in drugstores. Either way, the orthotic is inserted in one or both shoes (as needed) to correct a normal walking pattern that causes pain in any area of the foot, leg or even the back. The orthotic changes the way the foot hits the ground and softens or completely eliminates pain felt when walking.


Soft Orthotic 
A soft orthotic is more prevalently used and helps to change a normal walking pattern that causes pain when walking. Since this change in body movements will take time to get used to, a new orthotic should be broken into over the course of a few days.



Rigid Orthotic
The rigid orthotic is usually made of hard plastic, and while it is less comfortable than the "soft orthotic," it is used for a different purpose. It helps those that need more support to either hold or control the function of the foot to avoid pain either in their upper legs, back, or foot. Using the rigid orthotic will enable you to have complete control of your foot and be able to walk almost or completely pain free.

Keep in Mind
Molded to fit orthotics are not inexspensive. The expense just might be worth the cost if it helps relieve pain felt when walking. Store bought orthotics will certainly cost less, but they might not correct a specific foot or walking problem found by having the foot molded and formed to the actual site of the problem.

To learn more about how an Orthotic works visit our website, and make sure to watch our educational video as well.