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Sunday, March 23, 2025

Orthotics Can Relieve Your Foot and Knee Pain

Orthotics

Custom Orthotics

Discover How Orthotics Can Relieve Your Foot and Knee Pain

Are you tired of foot pain holding you back? Orthotics might be the solution you’ve been searching for. These specialized shoe inserts are designed to support and align your feet, ankles, and lower legs, helping to alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent injuries. 

Whether you’re struggling with a specific condition or simply want to boost your daily comfort, orthotics can transform your quality of life. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how orthotics can address common issues using five highly searched solutions: custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis relief, arch support insoles for flat feet, orthotic inserts for running shoes, gel orthotics for heel pain, and over-the-counter orthotics for knee pain.

Custom Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Plantar fasciitis is a widespread condition that causes sharp heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick tissue running along the bottom of your foot. It often strikes with your first steps in the morning. 

Custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis relief are tailored to your foot’s unique shape, offering targeted support to ease strain on the plantar fascia. By evenly distributing pressure, they reduce pain and speed up healing, helping you get back to your routine faster.

Arch Support Insoles for Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, can cause overpronation—where your foot rolls inward too much—leading to pain in your feet, ankles, and even knees. 

Arch support insoles for flat feet are designed to provide the structure your arches need, maintaining proper alignment and reducing stress. These insoles stabilize your feet, improve biomechanics, and help prevent discomfort, making them a game-changer for anyone with flat feet.

Orthotic Inserts for Running Shoes

Runners put their feet through intense stress, with every stride delivering high impact that can lead to injuries like shin splints or stress fractures. Orthotic inserts for running shoes are crafted to absorb shock, provide stability, and enhance running efficiency. 

They distribute pressure evenly across your feet, lowering the risk of injury and boosting performance—perfect for both casual joggers and competitive athletes.

Orthotics for Heel Pain

Heel pain can stem from various causes, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendonitis, making every step a challenge. Orthotics for heel pain use soft, flexible materials that mold to your foot, delivering superior cushioning and shock absorption. 

By reducing pressure on the heel, they offer effective relief and all-day comfort, making them an excellent choice for anyone battling heel discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Orthotics for Knee Pain

Knee pain often traces back to improper foot alignment, which throws off your body’s balance and puts extra stress on your knees. Over-the-counter orthotics for knee pain provide an affordable, accessible fix by evenly distributing your weight and correcting alignment. 

These convenient inserts can significantly reduce knee stress, offering quick relief for those seeking an easy solution to persistent pain.

Conclusion

Orthotics are a versatile tool for tackling a range of foot and knee problems. From custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis relief to over-the-counter orthotics for knee pain, they deliver support, alignment, and cushioning to improve your daily life. 

Don’t let pain hold you back  Explore the world of orthotics and take the first step toward comfort and mobility. 

Consult Dr Craig Lowe at DirectOrthotics.com to find the perfect option for your needs today. 


Friday, December 1, 2023

The Biomechanics of Linear & Rotational Movement

The Biomechanics of Linear & Rotational Movement


Introduction

The biomechanics and ergonomics of movement is a difficult concept to understand.    We have a very complex set of neurological interactions between the Cerebellum, Inner Ear, Visual Cortex, Extraparamidal Element of the Spinal Cord, compounded by Mass Loading of Load bearing joints, Phasic Firing of Extrinsic and Intrinsic muscles, all which work in a synchronous interaction with each other to keep us from falling forward.     


The critical element of this chain of events is the anatomy and Tri Motion function of the foot, which allows us to move forward along with froward momentum created by gravity.    The complexity of the foot gives it the unique ability to absorb impact loading (heel contact along with the knee), and within a precise millisecond, it changes into a Rigid Adapter through complex joint wedge interlocking between the rearfoot (Sub Talar Joint) and midfoot (Midtarsal Joints) to that of a stabilizer.    In addition the 1st Ray (Navicular, medial cuniform, 1st Metatarsal and Hallux (big toe) needs to properly resist abnormal foot collapse (pronation) by plantarflexing during the midstance phase of the gait cycle.    Wow... what a mouthful of activity.

If the foot can not properly absorb impact loading and properly transmit these forces properly, then these abnormal forces will transition up the leg effecting one or more load bearing joints which over time can create injury and disease such as degenerative osteoarthritis.
 
General Foot Types:   There are many foot types, however these are the three basic foot types most commonly seen.
 
 

______________________________________________________________________
 

The Biomechanics of Linear Movement
 

As Biomechanical Specialists, we are concerned about the types of movements the athlete performs.   Linear movement is quite different than Rotational Movement.   Certain joints are affected by problems in linear movement, namely the rearfoot (Sub Talar), the midfoot (Midtarsal) and 1st Ray (medial forefoot column).   Upper joint areas are also vunerable, namely the knee which is severely affected from abnormal foot collapse, (pronation) which disrupts the normal hinge function of the knee.   The hip and spine are also affected by the same problem of pronation.   In controlling linbear movement, proper rearfoot to midfoot alignment (neutral joint positioning) is critical.  
 
Methods such as casting or foam boxes and even Laser imaging can cause a series of errors in making a corrective Bio Engineered Device.     3DO (3D Orthodynamics) is more accurate because it does not rely on the "Art Form" associated with casting and foam box impressions.   This would also include Laser as well.   If the technician or physician does not compute the proper deformity and replicate this in the casts, we are waisting our time in manufacturing,   In addition, there are lab errors in the manufacturing process as well that add to the identified 27 error points associated with this Art Form.   
 
3DO Imaging starts with a stable and reproducible stance position and then software is used to reposition the foot geometry through dynamic analysis of Mass Displacement, Motion Analysis, Pressure Analysis, Body Balance, Symmetry, Gait Analysis and 3D Geometry.  


 
The data is then fed to manufacturing methods for custom manufacturing;
  • CNC Milling
 
  • Thermo-pressed Shell Manufacturing (best) which pre-stresses the plastic to take repetitive cyclic load conditions and not break down and loose correction.
 
 
 Linear Movement Types
  • Walking



    "Its time to go for a walk"
  • Hiking (Walking on variable terrain)
  • Running (Movement with linear velocity)
 
 
 
 


The Biomechanics of Rotational Movement
 
Rotational Movement requires the foot to supinate and pronate as the body repositions in different movements.   Goals of intervention are to allow the foot to have increased range of motion.   We use more flexible stressed induced plastics that can take repetitive stress and not loose their geometric positioning.   
 
 
Examples of Rotational Movement Types

  • Tennis, Racket ball and Basketball
  • Cleted Sports (Football, Soccor, Baseball)
 
 
 
 


Foam Box Impressions


Foam Box Impression Process
 

In situations where 3DO Imagers are not available, we advise the utilization of a Foam Box Impression Kit to manufacture Medical Grade Orthotics.
 
Important Considerations
 

Break In and Wear Instructions

Thank you for your order!
We hope you enjoy your new custom orthotics.

Wearing Instructions

1.      Initially, you should be wearing your new orthotics for approximately one hour the first day, two hours the second day, and three hours the third day, etc. If you do not experience discomfort, continue to wear your orthotics throughout the day. If any painful feelings arise, immediately remove the orthotics from your shoes and try again the next day.

2.      Always wear socks or stockings to avoid and minimize skin irritation.

3.      Certain shoes may not accommodate your new orthotics, however, they should fit the style you ordered. Different styles of orthotics are available for different shoe types and can be purchased at 20% off which makes them $149.00 per pair plus shipping.  
 
>>> Simply visit www.directorthotics.com/reorder for discounted pricing.
4.      On rare occasions your orthotics may make unusual noises such as “squeaks”. This is the result of the orthotic materials rubbing against your shoe material. We suggest that you try sprinkling baby powder into your shoes to reduce friction between the materials.

5.      Should your new orthotics start to wear or appear to be breaking down over time, DO NOT try to correct the problem yourself. This could potentially cause improper function and void any guarantee. Give us a call to discuss any issues.

 Trimming Instructions

Full length orthotics may need to be trimmed to fit your existing shoes. They are made slightly longer on purpose because (a) we do not have your shoe in our lab in order to make a perfect fit and (b) we do not want the orthotic to be too short and allow it to move forward and backward in your shoes.

If your orthotics need to be trimmed you may simply trim off excess material with sharp scissors. Your shoes original insoles make a perfect guide. Trim off a small amount of material at a time and test shoe fit often so that you do not take off too much material.
 
 


Information Form Label

 

Name:
 
Order#:
 
Address 1:
 
Address 2:
 
City:                         
 
State:
 
Zip:
 
             

 Please check any boxes where you are experiencing pain:

 

Heel:                            o Left                   o Right            o Both

Arch:                           
o Left                   o Right            o Both

Ball of Foot:                
o Left                   o Right            o Both
 
Please fill out info in section below
 
Please choose
Athletic
 
our orthotic
Dress     
 
style ordered:
Diabetic 
 
Shoe Size:
 
 
Age:
 
 
Gender:
o Male     o Female
 
Weight:
 
 

 

Optional Comments:

                                                                                                                                                                       

Prescription Forms for Physicians

 


 
Downloads
 
Orthotic Rx Form
 
Sandal Rx Form 
 
Repair Rx Form

Insurance Billing Codes

 
Comments:
As we all know, benefit payments are reliant on a number of issues including correct billing, proof of medical necessity, the qualifications of the consultant or claims examiner.   The outcome measurement report is a valuable outcome measurement document to demonstrate medical necessity.   X Ray reports and other supporting documentations should also be attached.
Some carriers pay and some do not.   What I have outlines above is an example of scenario's which could be played out.   Key elements are proper alignment of diagnosis (ICDA-9) to procedures (CPT).    Patients with serious orthopedic issues need your attention and intervention.  I recommend you fight claims which are arbitrarily denied.   Many times the consultant reviewing the claim is not qualified, (example RN or LVN).  
Especially in patients who have had complications from injury or surgery (example joint implant surgery), may need to have a letter explaining the value that static and dynamic 3D kinematic imaging and analysis provides in preventing more costly surgery.  Many surgical procedures fail because the pathomechanical etiology is not or has not been addressed. 


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Digital Orthotics - Biomechanical Imaging for Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego County

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