Orthotics/Gait Analysis

Orthotics and Gait Analysis

Orthotics are customized insoles worn in the shoe and intended to correct abnormal or irregular walking patterns.

If a person’s foot is not functioning correctly, the bones and ligaments experience micro-trauma that can lead to all kinds of foot deformities and pain.

Additionally, if the foot is not functioning correctly, the ankles, legs, knees, hips, and lower back are not aligned correctly, and problems can develop throughout the entire body, including lower-back pain.

Orthotics perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by slightly altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

The Footmaxx System is a computer connected to a force plate (electronic mat) which uses special software to analyze the way a patient walks. The system is available for use exclusively by licensed practitioners.

Patients simply walk back and forth across the force plate and the computer scans the foot and step. What makes the Footmaxx System so unique?

The Footmaxx System allows a doctor to dynamically assess the way a patient walks while bearing the weight of the body, which is when patients usually experience pain. Also, this is the only computerized system of its kind because the proprietary software, Metascan, takes the digital patient data and generates a gait-and-pressure analysis, then specifies a prescription for custom orthotics if they are necessary.

Why is the Footmaxx System considered an advancement? The Footmaxx System is considered an advancement for several reasons.

Any doctor can use this system and get an accurate patient assessment, but the most important difference is that the patient assessment is dynamic and weight-bearing, and the orthotics are manufactured from the digital data, not a mold of the shape of the patient’s foot.

After all, it’s not the shape of the foot that causes the problem; it’s how the foot functions while bearing the weight of the body.

percent of people suffer from some form of foot pain

million visits per year to medical professionals for treatment of plantar fasciitis

If you suffer from any of the conditions below, you might find relief from custom orthotics.

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Ankle Pain
  • Shin Splints
  • Hammer Toes
  • Neuromas
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Calluses
  • Bunions
  • Low-Back Pain
  • Diabetes
  • Plantar Ulcers
  • Intermetatarsal Forefoot Pain
  • Heel-Spur Syndrome
  • Iliotibial-Band Syndrome
  • Rocker-Bottom Feet
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease (P.V.D.)
  • Peripheral Polyneuropathy

Does everyone need orthotics?

No, definitely not. That’s another reason why this system is revolutionizing the orthotics industry. Because the system measures foot function and not foot shape, the Metascan software can generate a gait-and-pressure analysis which contains diagnostic information and offers a conclusion as to whether or not the gait-and-pressure pattern analyzed is outside of normal values.

If the gait pressure is not outside normal values, then the report will specify that orthotics are not necessary. This is a significant advancement because, if orthotics are not indicated, the doctor knows right away to look for alternative treatment methods.

Do you suffer from foot, ankle, knee, or lower-back pain? Are you a diabetic? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you should have a computerized gait-and-pressure analysis test to determine if your feet function correctly.

This ten-minute test is available at the Darien Center for Functional Medicine. Many foot, knee, and lower-back conditions can be successfully treated with orthotic therapy; a gait-and-pressure analysis test will tell you if you are a candidate for orthotics.

 

 

Orthotics are covered by many extended healthcare plans and can be worn in all types of shoes. A variety of orthotics, including dress, sportmaxx, non-prescriptive, and even sandals, can be custom ordered. We also have an extensive line of custom products, including diabetic and arthritic orthotics.

Make an appointment today and take a step toward pain relief!

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