 |
There are a number of problems that can lead to foot and lower leg pain. A large number of these problems can be due to the biomechanics (structure) of a person's feet. Faulty alignment of the bones of the feet and legs often causes muscle and ligament dysfunction. This combination often progresses to pain, not only in the feet but also in knees, legs and even the lower back. Arthritis, bunions and soft tissue pain can be the outcome, if these foot postural problems remain untreated.
Foot
orthoses are custom made inserts that are worn inside a person's shoe to correct
any biomechanical problems. Podiatry prescribed foot orthoses are made specifically
for your feet, as no two pairs of feet are the same. At Gippsland Foot Clinic,
the podiatrists use an extensive video recorded gait analysis and biomechanical
examination before orthoses are prescribed. The podiatrists then take a plaster
cast of the feet to gain an exact impression. This enables the most accurate
prescription
possible and henceforth a fully customised pair of orthoses. See The orthotic devise works by helping to redirect the feet into a better position and reduces the strain on the soft tissues. As a consequence of this improved foot position pressure is more evenly distribute and painful pressure points reduced. In conjunction with this, your podiatrist will probably recommend the most appropriate footwear for your feet giving them the best chance of good health. As children have growing feet and softer bones podiatrists often recommend slightly different foot orthoses or tri-planar wedging. Semi-customised devices are similar to fully customised but as the name suggests, these devices are more general. In this instance the podiatrist takes a tracing of the feet and writes the prescription based on the child's walking patterns. Tri-planar wedging works in a similar way to foot orthoses however it is usually used for young children (>6) and glued into the shoe. Common childhood problems such as pigeon toeing can be corrected in this manner. Arch
supports, which can be bought from chemists and sports stores are designed to
correct foot posture also. However these devices are very generic and more
often
than not do not provide adequate correction. Sometimes Podiatrists recommend
these devices for specific problems or as a temporary measure. Although these
devices
can be helpful in treating painful feet, it is important to have an assessment
by a podiatrist to ensure the most appropriate and effective treatment for
your
feet. See |
Biomechanics
is the study of the mechanical and physical laws which determine the way our body
moves and functions. Podiatrists are highly qualified in the biomechanics of the
foot and leg and the relationship between the way we walk and painful conditions.