ROLLING OVER OF THE FOOT
(EXCESS PRONATION)
As the foot pronates, the arch collapses and the muscles (plantar fascia) and supporting structure are forced to stretch and elongate. This puts traction and strain on the ligaments running from the heel to toes. In turn, the heel bone 'responds' by developing a bony growth right in the centre of the heel - the 'heel spur'. Orthotic shoe inserts are designed to align the foot and control body posture by supporting the arches and re-aligning the lower limb to its's natural angle. Orthotics reduce the traction and strain on the plantar fascia taking away this common cause of heel pain.
POOR BODY POSTURE
Pronation causes the lower leg to rotate internally. As a result, the pelvis is forced to tilt forward which can cause an increased curvature of the lower back. This is referred to as 'poor body posture'. Especially after standing upright for longer periods, the curvature in the back will cause tightness and stiffness of the lower back muscles. By controlling 'excess pronation' of the feet, orthotics help improve body posture. Because the feet are now properly aligned, internal rotation of the legs and forward pelvic tilt are greatly reduced thereby easing low back pain.
KNEE PAIN (PATELLO-FEMORAL SYNDROME)
Excess pronation or rolling over of the foot causes the lower leg (the tibia & fibia) to rotate internally. In turn, this will put excessive forces on the knee cap and over time, it will weaken the muscles and ligaments in the knee joint. Often, a 'grinding' sensation is experienced in the knee combined with a sharp pain. By supporting the arches and re-aligning the lower limb, orthotics stop the leg from rotating internally thereby effectively taking away this common cause of knee pain.
SHIN PAIN (TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME)
Shin pain referred to a "Shin Splints" is a common term for pain occurring in the front and / or inside section of the shin bone (tibia). Anterior (front) shin splints is often experienced by new runners or walkers when pain occurs in the muscles at the front of the shin during exercise. Posterior shin splints (inside shin pain) is a more chronic condition occurring along the inside edge of the shin bone (tibia) and generally occurs with more active sports. Both conditions are related to excess stretching (traction) of muscles and tendons along the shin (tibia and fibula) bones. Orthotics reduce excess stretching (traction of the front and back leg muscles (commonly called Anterior Tibialis and Posterior Tibialis muscles) by utilising the patented "angular restraining mechanism" in the heel section, thereby relieving this common pain.
KNEE PAIN (PATELLO-FEMORAL SYNDROME)
Excess pronation - or rolling over of the foot causes the lower leg (the tibia and fibia) to rotate internally. In turn, this will put excessive forces on the knee cap and, over time, it will weaken the muscles and ligaments in the knee joint. Often, a 'grinding' sensation is experienced in the knee combined with a sharp pain. By supporting the arches and re-aligning the lower limb, orthotics stop the leg from rotating internally thereby effectively taking away this common cause of knee pain.
TIRED, ACHING LEGS
Tired/Aching legs are commonly caused by strain and traction on the calf muscles at the back of the legs. This occurs when the feet roll over and the legs rotate internally. In turn, this places stress on the leg muscles. Orthotics control 'excess pronation' decreasing internal rotation of the leg and traction on the calf muscles thereby taking away this common cause of tired/aching legs.
OUTSIDE KNEE & HIP PAIN
(ILIO-TIBIAL BAND SYNDROME)
A common condition in athletes caused by abnormal friction and rubbing of the ilio-tibial band muscles over the knee and hip joints. This condition commonly exhibits a gradual but rather severe pain on the outside knee joint and less commonly on the outside hip section. Sometimes, simply walking up or down stairs may aggrevate this condition. The pain usually subsides immediately upon rest but re-occurs with activity. Orthotics control the internal rotation of the shin bone (tibia) and furthermore, the rotation on the knee and hip joint via the in-built rearfoot varus wedge, thereby reducing stretching (tractional) and frictional forces on the ilio-tibial band muscle. Stretching of the ilio-tibial band muscle is advised.
ACHILLES PAIN (ACHILLES TENDONITIS)
Achilles Tendonitis commonly occurs from shearing and stretching (tractional) forces placed on the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. Excess Pronation causes the heel bone to tilt excessively and places extra strain on the tendon. Inflammation of the tendon is a common result along with tightening of the calf muscles. Orthotics align the heel bone and significantly reduce the shearing and stretching forces on the Achille Tendon thereby providing relief fron Achille Pain.
Orthotics can also be helpful in treating the following conditions:
- Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma (ball of foot pain)
- Hallux Abducto Valgus (bunions)
- Osteo-arthritis
- Pes Planus (flat feet/fallen arches)
- Callus and Corns