orthotics

The foot is comprised of 26 bones and is the foundation of the pedal system.  The foot functions to not only absorb shock (during the "unlocked" phase of the gait) but must then become a rigid lever in which to propel yourself forward (the "locked" foot during push off).  Failure of your foot to perform this biomechanical activity efficiently means that there will ultimately be forces and stresses transferred elsewhere.  This can show up as a multitude of complaints from over-use symptoms like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), shin splints as well as deformity anomalies such as bunions, callouses and hammertoes.

There is a great deal of mis-information regarding the use of orthotics and specifically, what constitutes a "custom orthotic."  By the term custom, we design a device that is specifically made for YOUR anatomy and to correct YOUR biomechanical problems.  Many companies and providers will claim custom orthotics, yet do no casting, measurements or gait evaluation to determine what your anatomical requirements may be.  Worse yet is being put on a treadmill by someone with NO formal education making shoe recommendations.  There are many mechanical problems that can take place with the foot.  The heel, the mid foot and the forefoot are three places that can have abnormal movement.  You can have lack of movement in one area and excessive movement in another. Altered foot mechanics leads to altered extremity mechanics. This can then translate up the leg into the spine creating a whole host of conditions. The foundation is the key!  Have your gait and mechanics checked by Dr. Costello today!

The Trouble with Off the Shelf Orthotics

Most off the shelf orthotics do nothing more than "jack up" your arch.  A quick test to see what you are buying. Can you depress the orthotic with your fingers? Now ask yourself, "how can that withstand the weight of my body?"  Simply put, it can't! Dr Costello will do a detailed foot and lower chain analysis, video frame by frame gait evaluation and if you are a candidate for orthotics, fit you with a custom foot orthosis designe FOR YOUR FOOT AND MECHANICS. You can't force your foot to do something it cant. That is a big problem for off the shelf orthotics.

Call today for you foot and gait evaluation!