Our feet are to our body what a foundation is to a house. If the house does not sit on a stable foundation, the walls and floors will start to crack just as our knees, hips, and back may start to degenerate when our feet are not ideally aligned. Foot mechanics affect knee position which influences the hip, spine, and up the chain. Orthotics are controlling devices that act as a brace for the foot. They position the “foundation” (your foot) to prevent breakdown of the foot and all the joints above it. It is important to have a physical therapist involved in assessing the dynamics of the entire lower extremity, not just the foot, in order to prescribe appropriate orthotics.
Orthotics casting and fabrication is one of our specialties at Comprehensive Therapy Services. Patients receive unique assessments addressing not only the foot, but the interaction and function of the foot, knee, hip, and trunk. From a physical therapist’s perspective, we are looking for a certain pattern or sequence of movement when evaluating the way someone walks.
Your gait pattern may be contributing to your condition. If you suspect this is the case, come in for an athletic screening for an evaluation. Your physical therapist will analyze your gait and determine if orthotics are right for you.
