Will They Help Me?
| Below are some of the more common symptoms that can be
developed due to improper foot biomechanics. All of these problems can be helped
by Aerodyn orthotics.
Lower Back & Hip Pain
Foot pronation causes internal leg rotation. This has the effect of tilting
the pelvis forward and increasing the curve in the lower back resulting in aching
and stiffness. |
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Knee Pain
Internal rotation of the lower leg due to
over pronation of the foot results in a change of alignment between the upper
leg bone (femur) and the lower leg bone (tibia). This alters the "tracking"
of the kneecap (patella) with subsequent irritation behind and around the patella.
Pulling, aching or sharp pain around the front of the knee is the result.
It is also common to develop cartilage, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries
of the knee when the foot pronates excessively. |
Shin Splints
This term encompasses a variety of overuse injuries in the shin area. Due to
medial weight bearing and rotation of the leg, the muscular structures within
the leg become fatigued and overused. Controlling this rotation with Aerodyn Orthotics
reduces stress in this area.Diabetics can develop numbness and loss of circulation in the feet. This numbness and circulation loss puts them at risk for developing open sores on the feet called ulcerations. To help prevent excess rub and friction in certain areas on the feet, accommodative orthotics are recommended. Diabetics who do not have numbness or circulation loss (as diagnosed by their doctor) do not need to have accommodative orthotics. If the foot has a deformity, like a bunion or hammertoe, then accommodative orthotics are necessary.
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Heel Pain (Heel Spur Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis)
Because the arch flattens out excessively in an overpronated foot, the long
ligament under the arch becomes stretched with inflammation occurring where the
ligament attaches under the inside of the heel bone (calcaneus). Traction of the
ligament is significantly reduced by supporting the arch of the foot with Aerodyn
Orthotics.
Individuals with high arches may require orthotics as well, but they do not respond as well. Orthotics can help slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes, but they will not prevent this process. Orthotics may help with some pain at a bunion, but they will not "cure" the bunion. When the motion in the foot is contributing to the problem, orthotics are generally recommended. If the foot is stable and does not require support, the bunion, hammertoe, neuroma, tendonitis or even plantar fasciitis may not require custom made orthotics for treatment. These individuals may do well with a pre-fabricated orthotic. |
Achilles Tendonitis
As the foot rolls inwards,
the heel leans inwards too. Since the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of
the heel, vertical alignment of the heel is important for Achilles tendon and
calf function. Aerodyn Orthotics hold the heel as close as possible to vertical
and therefore alleviate this painful problem. |
Accommodative orthotics are made from many different types of material. Some are made of a foam type material, others made from cork and others have covers ranging from soft spongy material to leather. The type of material depends on the type of foot. Many accommodative orthotics, made for diabetics, have two or more layers that form around the foot once they are worn. Three pairs are dispensed every year and they are replaced every 4 months. Other materials are longer lasting. A mold of the foot is taken by stepping into a foam box. In this case, it is important to take the mold standing, so that the orthotic can be made to form around the foot. |
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Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
Bunions are caused
by overloading of the inside of the ball of the foot as the foot pronates. Holding
the heel vertical allows control of the rest of the foot too, reducing medial
forefoot loading. Added to this the arch supporting ability of Aerodyn Orthotics
and it can be seen that the progression of bunion deformities can be significantly
slowed. |
Other
There are many more complaints which can be put down to improper foot biomechanics.
We have listed some of them here:
Iliotibial band syndrome, hamstring tightness/injury, calf tightness/injury,
ankle pain, recurrent ankle sprains, Sever's disease, 'growing pains', arch pain,
midfoot pain, claw and hammertoes, corns and calluses, neuromas, stress fractures,
tendonitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, compartment syndromes.Many insurance companies cover orthotics for certain diagnoses. The most commonly covered diagnoses are plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), flatfeet and diabetes. Many insurance companies cover the orthotics at 80%. This means the patient is responsible for 20% of the cost unless they have a secondary insurance. If the deductible has not been met, then the amount is applied to the deductible and the patient must pay the full amount. Orthotics are not cheap.
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Medicare covers orthotics for diabetics with neuropathy (numbness of the feet). Medicare does not cover orthotics for any other type of foot problem. Secondary insurance will not cover orthotics if Medicare does not cover them.
Podiatrists most commonly prescribe orthotics, but pedorthotists, orthotists, physical therapists and sometimes orthopedists will also provide orthotics.
Please consider Aerodyn Orthotics if you have any of the above
complaints. Supporting the foot around its neutral position can
provide relief and prevention.
Please feel free to email us if you have any specific enquiries. |
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