Orthotics for Curing the Cause of Pain, Not it's Symptoms
Providing the correct diagnosis and remedy for curing sore feet or
lower body pain relies on properly distinguishing the symptoms from
the problem. Most people are aware of or have tried over-the counter
orthotics or purchased insoles from franchised orthotic chain stores.
They provide what are termed accommodative orthotics, designed to cushion
the foot from structural abnormalities, thus helping to relieve some
pain.
Though many patients spend a lot of money for these orthotics they
do not always address the cause of the problem. Why don't accommodative
orthotics always work?
Often times there is nothing wrong with the foot structure, but rather
it's the biomechanics or motion of the foot that creates the problem.
Imbalances of the muscles, ligaments and tendons that interconnect the
26 bones of the foot often result in abnormal foot motion. This abnormal
foot motion not only causes foot pain, but can also cause excessive
rotation of the lower leg resulting in stress concentrations in the
hip and knee cartilage. By diagnosing these slight imbalances of the
foot with our revolutionary
C. A. F. F. System and correcting them
with customized foot orthotics, not only will the foot, knee and hip
pain be relieved but also the devastating effects of osteoarthritis
may be prevented.
Why Over The Counter Orthotics May Not Provide Pain Relief
So why don't franchise or over the counter orthotics correct biomechanics?
– because they can't.
Even if a retail store had the CAFF System Technology (none do), store
employees and Podiatrists are prohibited by law from providing an orthotic
that alters the biomechanics of the foot. A prescription from a licensed
physician is required for a prescription orthotic. Thus if the over-the-counter
orthotic does relieve some foot pain, it does not mean the abnormal
biomechanics have been corrected since stores have neither the diagnosing
equipment nor the medical authority to correct it.
In order for a physician to prescribe a functional orthotic it requires
a complete medical and biomechanical evaluation. At St. Luke's Health
Alliance we use a unique sophisticated analysis system called the C.A.F.F.
System to prescribe a functional foot orthotic, that will treat patients
with foot pain, knee pain, hip pain and lower back pain.
