Your feet are the foundation for the normal balance and alignment of your body. Structural problems in the feet, even the slightest misalignment of bone and muscle can alter the way you walk and cause many problems such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, and Achilles Tendonitis.
Even medical conditions such as Arthritis and Diabetes can be helped with orthotics. To determine if you need orthotics, we have the latest technology in computerized analysis to assess the mechanics of your feet: introducing the TOG Gaitscan® system.
WHAT IS GAITSCAN™?
GaitScan™ is the most technologically advanced gait analysis system available today (4096 sensors and scan speed of 300 Hz/Sec).
It comprises a plate covered with thousands of tiny sensors that accurately measure the distribution of pressure through the sole of the foot in both standing (static) and walking (dynamic). The information from these sensors is then processed through specialized computer software to provide a 2D or 3D visual representation of the pressures under the feet and a detailed analysis report. This aids your Chiropractor in evaluating your foot function and determining your need for orthotic therapy. The Chiropractor will also make some observations and notes during the GaitScan™.
How your Gaitscan™ assessment works
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Scanning your foot
A standing stationary exam looks at weight distribution and pressure. A walking exam captures the distribution of pressure over time.
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Mapping your foot Pressure
The computer displays 2D and 3D visualization of your foot scan.
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Reports
Your scan information is presented in a series of reports that will be compared to an ideal foot scan. The report findings enable your chiropractor to discuss any abnormality and evaluate how to correct it.
WHAT DO MY FEET HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
Your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body. Like the foundation of a house, your feet support the weight of everything above them. When a small problem develops in your feet, a subtle change in the way you walk will cause a chain reaction of adjustments in your posture and walking mechanics. This puts stress on joints higher up in your body (knees, hips) leading to more serious problems down the road.
Custom orthotics made from your GaitScan™ help rebalance your feet, reducing pain and discomfort by enhancing your body’s natural movements. Custom made orthotics with the help of your Chiropractor adds to your overall well-being no matter where your feet take you.
Do you need Orthotics?
The information from the reports will allow your chiropractor to determine if you are a candidate for orthotics. If so, the custom made orthotics are created to your requirements and returned within 10 days. A referral from a medical doctor or general practitioner is also needed for insurance claims so please ask the front staff for any prescription notes to send to your doctor.
WHAT ARE FOOT ORTHOTICS?
Prescription foot orthotics are medical insoles that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. They work in a similar way that braces work on your teeth by gently exerting pressure on your feet to bring them back into proper alignment. They simply slip into your favorite shoes and are made of a flexible molded plastic (typically 2-3mm at their thinnest point). Orthotics stop the foot from rolling in or out (pronating or supinating).
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
The symptoms of poor foot mechanics can include any one of the following:
- Hip or Back Pain
- Leg or Knee Pain
- Arch or Heel Pain
- Localized Foot Pain
- Bunions or Hammer Toes
- Even Neck Pain
TYPES OF ORTHOTICS
There are orthotics for casual wear, dress wear, and for sports. The best orthotic for you is the one you will wear most of the time.
In some cases, you will want more than one pair to be able to have orthotics under your feet most of the time in different shoes.
The most popular are the RunFlex® for trainers and the SuperFlex® or DressFlex® for dress shoes.
FOOT FACTS
- 25% of all the bones in your body are in your feet
- Approximately 85% of the population has problems with their feet with only 15% having optimal function
- The average person walks 4 miles/day, or approximately 115,000 miles in a lifetime. That’s more than 4 trips around the world
- Every day your feet endure a cumulative force over 100 tons
- Your feet are the foundation for the normal balance and alignment of your body
- Structural problems in the feet, even the slightest misalignment of bone and muscle, can alter the way that you walk and cause many different problems
Most Common Types of Foot Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis (Arch Pain)
- Heel Spurs (Heel Pain)
- Achilles Tendonitis (Rear Foot Pain)
- Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain)
- Bunion Pain (Big Toe Pain)
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
DID YOU ANSWER YES?
If You Answer “YES” to any of the following, you may be a candidate for custom made orthotics.
- My back and knees are sore on a regular basis.
- I spend a good portion of my day on my feet.
- Standing, walking, running gives me joint pain (hips, knees, and back).
- I have visible foot problems (i.e. bunions corns, flat feet).
- My parents have problems with their feet.
WHAT NEXT
Contact your Chiropractor at Chiro-Active for a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. Your Chiropractor can determine your need for orthotics.
Your feet may be one of the reasons you are sore today…And may be the reason you will be sore tomorrow. Talk to us today for a GaitScan™ assessment of your feet.
