Foot Arch Analysis
Your feet are extremely sophisticated and complex structures. They have several bones, muscles, and tendons which work in unison to give you the ability to stand upright, walk, and run. Your arches help your feet have stability and bear the weight of activity. They also provide your feet with the flexibility they need to do their job.
The arch of your foot helps support your foot while you walk or run. Many foot problems and foot pain can be directly attributed to problems with the arches of the feet. The arch of your foot is formed by the metatarsal and tarsal bones which are supported by tendons and ligaments. The arch of your foot helps your foot support your weight and maintain good posture.
Foot arch analysis will tell Dr. Mac what type of arches you have. This is important to know to help you select the right type of shoes and if you need any orthotics. There are three main types of arches:
- Low arches, or flat feet, show almost the entire foot in an imprint test. Low arches are more likely to over-pronate and roll inwards. Low arches can make you more susceptible to arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain.
- Medium arches are the most common types of arch. Medium arches are fairly efficient, but you can still be at risk for ball of the foot or heel pain.
- High arches make the feet more rigid and are usually supinated. High arches leave less surface area for your foot to absorb the shock and impact of walking and running.
Foot arch analysis helps Dr. Mac pinpoint any problems you may have with your feet and prescribe orthotics to help with your posture, gait, and any foot pain you may be experiencing. Foot arch analysis takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. It is a valuable diagnostic tool Dr. Mac uses to help you have healthy feet and be pain free.
Custom Fit Shoe Orthotics
Your feet are a natural engineering marvel. They support your frame, bear your weight, and help you have balance and good posture. Your feet act as shock absorbers when you walk or run. At times you may experience foot pain which can be treated with orthotics which you wear in your shoes. Over the counter orthotics are available, but these will not give you the amount of support needed nor the exact location of the support you need for your feet. If you have any physical problems with your feet it is more important than ever to rely on custom fit shoe orthotics to help you walk and run, and give your feet the support they need so they can do the job of supporting you.
Custom fit shoe orthotics are made specifically to offer support and comfort to your feet. They are crafted for you, not for anyone else and are personalized to your needs. They are designed for the way you move, and for the contours of your feet. This precise design gives you the support and comfort your feet need.
A complete evaluation of your feet, legs, and ankles are performed by Dr. Mac before your custom fit shoe orthotics are manufactured so that they will match your unique pathology and foot structure. Custom fit shoe orthotics come in two main types.
- Accommodative orthotics offer additional support and cushion and are usually soft. They are used to treat painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, diabetic foot ulcers, and other conditions.
- Functional orthotics are used to help control abnormal motion and the pain this abnormal motion may cause. Functional orthotics are also used for the treatment of tendinitis and shin splints. They are made from a semi-rigid material such as graphite or plastic.
Dr. Mac will evaluate your feet, gait, and posture to determine which type of custom fit shoe orthotics are best for you.