In today’s fashion there are many shoes to choose from: a comfy sneaker, a tall stiletto, or an all purpose sandal. Each shoes has a different sole structure that can have effects on the body’s posture, all the way up the kinetic chain. For all types of shoes, Foot Levelers has developed custom orthotics! When patients are told that, many females ask, “What about my heels?”
Women have been warned their whole lives about the “pump bump”, a condition where a bone spur grows on the back of the heel causing deformity and pain. Even more are familiar with pain in the arch or ball of the foot, after wearing heels even for short periods of time. This is due to the changes that heel enact upon the natural body position. When slipping into a pair of high heels, the body weight redistributes, placing a significant burden on the balls of the feet. This pressure can lead to discomfort and conditions such as metatarsalgia and bunions. High heels also cause the ankles to be constantly flexed forward, ankle instability. The unnatural position of the foot alters the natural walking pattern, leading to an increased risk of tripping or falling. With the new weight distribution and increased ankle flexion excessive stress is placed on the knees and hips. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and long-term issues like osteoarthritis. One of the most concerning effects of wearing heels is the change in spinal alignment. Heels force the lumbar spine into an exaggerated curve, known as an anterior pelvic tilt. This can lead to lower back pain and increase the risk of spinal disc issues and nerve impingement over time.
The common, old-timey solutions seemed to be a heel pad to protect the back of the foot, to only wear heels when necessary, and/or suck it up and deal with it. NO MORE!! The women have spoken and Foot Levelers has responded with custom orthotics for dress shoes and heels. The thinner, shorter design fits easily into any dress shoe or heel allowing all day comfort and posture corrective qualities. With the patented 3-way arch support, get back to wearing fancy shoes to work while experiencing all day comfort.
Call to schedule an appointment today at 410-531-8000 or our website. For more information on orthotics visit Foot Levelers!