Here at Active Integrative Medicine, we offer a wide range of services designed to help with a variety of conditions. One of the many things we can do is create custom orthotics to help correct issues with your gait, which in turn will help support the joints in your feet, ankles, knees, and hips to relieve pain and improve range of motion. In this article, our team will go over three signs you might need orthotics—if you notice any of these things happening to you, we encourage you to give us a call.
• Foot Pain. One sign you may need orthotics is chronic foot pain or swelling. You shouldn’t be experiencing foot pain after normal activities, such as standing or walking around—if your feet do hurt after these activities, then orthotics may be able to help.
• Balance Issues. Similarly, you shouldn’t be experiencing issues with your balance, and you shouldn’t be falling over frequently. While there are many possible causes for balance problems, one of the most common is collapsed foot arches, which will make your stance less stable. Wearing orthotics can give your feet back the stability they need and help protect you from any more falls.
• Uneven Wear on Your Shoes. A third sign you may need orthotics can be found in the state of your shoes and their wear patterns. If your shoes are wearing out unevenly—one shoe is more worn than the other, or the outside edges are wearing out before the inside—it means that there is an issue with your gait. Even if you aren’t in any pain now, continuing to walk this way can lead to pain and joint dysfunction over time. Fortunately, wearing orthotic shoe inserts can help correct this issue, so you don’t have to worry about it.