Foot pain keeping you grounded?

Posted by Dr. Jonathan Walker on February 17, 2009 under Foot Pain, Orthotics | Read the First Comment

On almost a daily basis we have patients complaining of foot, ankle, and knee pain. Most people do not realize that there are simple, non-invasive treatment options for foot pain. At Ocala Chiropractic Center we utilize a cutting-edge technology called the Orthotic Group Gait Scan. Our GaitScan™ System is a revolutionary diagnostic tool for assessing our patient’s biomechanics. GaitScan™ has an industry high 4096 sensors and scans at an industry high 300Hz (scans per second).  These measurements provide us with a sophisticated explanation of foot mechanics and assists us with orthotic and/or shoe solutions.

First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what an orthotic is. Orthotics are simply supportive inserts that fit in the sole of your shoes. They can range from a $5 pair of Dr. Scholls purchased at the drugstore to a custom fitted pair prescribed by a physician.

Lack of proper care, ill-fitting shoes and general foot neglect are responsible for the majority of foot problems. Custom orthotics can be made to help support the areas of the feet that are not properly functioning. It’s important to understand your feet have direct impact on the rest of your body and support you with each step.  A small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body, causing pain and discomfort. 

When you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight. Even walking can produce more pressure than the sum of your body weight. The American Podiatric Medical Association says that the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime or more than four times the circumference of the globe. That is a lot of walking with ill-fitting shoes or painful feet!!

In some cases foot ailments can be an early signal of more serious medical problems like arthritis or diabetes. Women have four times as many foot problems as men because they have a long history of wearing high heels and/or pointy toe shoes.

Orthotics can be cast to fit virtually any shoe, and in many cases are covered by your health insurance if medically necessary. The Orthotic Group brand orthotics we use at Ocala Chiropractic Center have a lifetime guarantee! A wide variety of custom shoes are also available with orthotics built right into them!

Remember if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your ankles, knees or hip joints ….the direct cause may be the function of your feet or ill-fitting shoes. Don’t spend another day in pain- call us at 352-732-5590 to see if you can put an end to your foot pain!