David Jung | March 11, 2022
Are you suffering with agonizing knee, hip, or back pain that keeps coming back without any apparent cause?
The problem, surprisingly, might be caused by your feet!
Fortunately, there is a non-invasive, drug-free pain relief solution that could be perfect for you – Orthotic shoe inserts.
You might have seen shoe inserts online, in your local supermarket, or at a shoe retailer, and in this blog article we will cover some common questions that we get asked about them such as:
- What are orthotic shoe inserts?
- Who needs orthotic shoe inserts?
- What type of orthotic shoe inserts are available?
- Do I need orthotic shoe inserts?
What Are Orthotic Shoe Inserts?
Dr. Andrew Moscatiello, one of our doctors of physical therapy explains: “Orthotic shoe inserts are used for a variety of reasons, but in the simplest of terms, they are used to re-align or compensate for inadequacies in the foot and ankle and place them into the most anatomically efficient position.
They simply fit into your shoes and allow for more normalized joint kinematics throughout your body, significantly reducing your pain and discomfort and helping to prevent injuries.
If your feet are currently in an incorrect position this can cause muscle imbalances and overuse or underuse of muscles – commonly the knee, hips, or lower back muscles, which then take the responsibility of helping to properly align your body.
A big benefit of using orthotic shoe inserts is that they are very easy to use, and they can be an extremely powerful tool for pain relief.”
Who Needs Orthotic Shoe Inserts?
There are lots of people who have visited our clinics and benefitted from the orthotic shoe inserts we offer such as people with:
- Plantar Fasciitis or other foot conditions
- Heel pain
- Flat feet
- High foot arches
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Morton’s neuroma
- Previous injuries to their lower legs
- Jobs that involve lots of walking, or standing
- Ankle, knee, hip, back or neck, and shoulder pain (these could all be caused by foot imbalances)
Watch the video below where Dr. Andrew explains how Arthritis in the big toe creates problems with walking and leads to pain in the knees, hips, and lower back.
What Types Of Orthotic Shoe Inserts Are Available?
Orthotics can be placed into several categories with varying price points ranging from off the shelf, semi custom, to fully customized.
The problem with “off the shelf” orthotic shoe inserts is that they are generic, and not customized to your specific foot structure and therefore they are very unlikely to provide the correct support you need to fix your imbalances and ease muscle pain. Without expert advice, it may not even be the type you need!
In fact, buying “off the shelf” may actually make the problem WORSE!
The cost effective alternative is to get semi-custom orthotic shoe inserts (which are a cost effective alternative we provide at Lion Physical Therapy).
These shoe inserts are molded to your feet which ensures that your foot position and weight distribution are correct, and in turn, the muscles which are currently causing you pain (and are overworked, and tight) are in less demand.
And now for the answer to the big question…
“Do I Need Shoe Inserts?”
The answer is… maybe.
Ultimately, the best way that we can help you determine if your knee, back, or neck and shoulder pain is caused by issues with your feet is to visit one of our clinics in Greenpoint or Long Island City.
We have clinics in Greenpoint (Brooklyn), and Long Island City (Queens). To arrange a visit, you can call us at 347 561 8002
If you are frustrated with long term aches and pains which are stopping you from doing the things you love:
- Running, climbing, and/or exercising,
- Taking the dogs for a walk, and
- Enjoying your summer holidays without having to rely on painkillers…
And your tight muscles and stiff joints are making your everyday life a challenge:
- Difficulty getting out of your bed or from your work desk after a long work day,
- Struggling to walk up the stairs, and
- Finding the weekly shop more difficult each week…
Then we are here to help!
If you want the best, orthotic shoe inserts, then call us at 347 561 8002 and speak to one of our team to arrange an assessment to determine if orthotics are right for you.
In this assessment, we will discuss your specific problems, and identify the best route to easing your pain in a quick, natural, and drug-free way. If we feel that your feet are a contributing factor, we may recommend orthotics.
We will order your orthotics and once they have arrived at our clinic, we will contact you to arrange a fitting session at a time that is convenient for you. In this fitting session, our doctor will explain how to use them, how to look after them, and how to switch them between shoes.
Alternatively, if you aren’t quite sure whether orthotics are right for you, and you would like to find out more information, we offer a limited number of FREE discovery visit where you can speak to a member of the team on a 1-1 basis, and learn:
- What is the underlying cause of your aches and pains? (hopefully nothing too serious!)
- Roughly, how long will it take to fix my problem?
- What to do to help – which doesn’t include painkillers, resting or surgery etc.
- What other, natural, drug free methods are there to speed up recovery alongside treatment?
To arrange a FREE discovery visit, click the link below:
https://www.lionphysicaltherapy.com/brooklyn-physical-therapy