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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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- Why do my heels hurt when I get up in the morning or if I've been sitting for a while and then get up?
Ask your doctor about Plantar Fasciitis. A condition caused when the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes get inflamed and microscopic tears occur.
- What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are a number of factors that may possibly cause plantar fasciitis. One factor may be wearing shoes with a mid-foot cutout and or shoes that are too soft. Soft shoes and soft inserts or gel type heel pads may feel good at first, but may not be helpful in the long run.
- What is a midfoot cutout?
To check for a midfoot cutout, place the shoe on a flat surface such as a table, look at the sole from the side. If there is an open space where the arch of the foot will be, such as a separate heel and toe area; this is a midfoot cutout. Push down inside the shoe in the area of the arch, if this flexes easily, this area is not reinforced. Now imagine every time you walk in that shoe, the middle of your foot will flatten and overextend the wrong way (like a hinge effect). This will cause tired feet and could possibly, eventually lead to Plantar Fasciitis.
- Do I need custom foot orthotics or can I use over the counter orthotics?
This is a good question to ask your physician. Most people do fine in over the counter foot orthotics vs using custom foot orthotics. However, in certain cases custom foot orthotics are warranted. OTC orthotics are much less expensive and are often tried first.
- How are custom foot orthotics fabricated?
This depends on the type. For the type of orthotics we fabricate on site, the following process is followed:
Initial visit includes, assessment, history, notes and foot impressions are taken (negative casting).
Plaster is poured into the impressions and allowed to dry to make a positive reporduction of the foot.
Positive mold is modified and smoothed with rasp and screep material.
Positive mold is placed in a vacuum forming unit and the first layer of material is heated in a convection oven and vacuum molded over the positive plaster mold and allowed to cool. One or more (often two) layers are bonded and heat molded over the original layer.
Rough orthotics are trimmed to function inside the footwear.
Client is fit and orthosis fine tuned as necessary using feedback from the client, visual assessment etc.
The Orthotist is obligated by law to re-assess and correct any reported problems as needed without an additional charge for a period of ninety days. Clients are encouraged to return for a re-check.
- Are flip flops bad?
I don't see why. Stick with the flat firm ones, stay away from the soft thick squishy flip flops. Thin flat flip flops promote natural walking.
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