Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only licensed and trained professionals who are experts in foot care and biomechanics. Here are 5 reasons to trust your custom-made sports orthotics to a Chiropodist or Podiatrist (names are interchangeable). We consider walking a sport, by the way.

Reason One:

Chiropodists and Podiatrists know how to properly diagnose pronation and supination of the foot. Every foot pronates or supinates. Problems arise when there is too much motion for an improper duration of time. It’s this excessive motion that causes pain, diminished endurance and performance. In other words, you become “unhappy”.

Pronation and Supination 101:
Pronation is the flattening out of the arch when a person’s foot first strikes the ground. This motion acts as a major shock absorber for the body. A normal person’s foot will pronate starting when the heel first hits the ground until prior to heel lift.

Supination is the opposite motion of pronation. It allows the foot to be a more stable, rigid structure for when we push off. A normal person’s foot will supinate prior to heel lift until the foot strikes the ground again.

How do Custom-Made Orthotics Help?
Orthotics control the foot’s range and speed of motion. The muscles that counteract the range of motion work overtime when a person over pronates or over supinates. This excess muscle contraction leads to inefficiency and fatigue. A foot with the proper biomechanics is much more efficient, requires less energy, and therefore works pain free.

custom made orthoticReason Two:

Chiropodists and Podiatrists know how to design a correct custom-made orthotic device that controls the pronation and supination of the foot. They spend time with you to understand your specific needs and the type of shoe or boot you’ll be wearing. In the old days (3 years ago), a mold of each foot was made by hand. Now we use technology to scan perfect foot impressions.

Reason Three:

Chiropodists and Podiatrists use only accredited labs to manufacture the orthotic device to precise specifications that are unique to you, hence the term, “custom-made”. Custom made orthotics are never taken “off the shelf” and they are never shipped directly to you.

Reason Four:

Chiropodists and Podiatrists take the time to fit your new orthotic device to your sports shoe. Just like in a good marriage, small adjustments often need to be made when the two get together. On premise equipment takes care of these modifications quickly and easily.

Reason Five:

Chiropodists and Podiatrists encourage follow up visits and check ups to make sure everything is working properly. The foot is an intricate structure containing 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. Feet change too! That’s why routine foot care is so important.

That was a very long answer to a relatively short question, wasn’t it? But then, that’s how Chiropodists and Podiatrists are… thorough. Start a conversation with your Chiropodist or Podiatrist about your favourite sport today!