December Newsletter: Custom Orthotics Could Be What You Need to Fight Foot Pain

Spinal Decompression from Our Chiropractor near You in Winter Park, FL

If you have back or neck pain, the conditions can reduce your range of motion and prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. At Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, we offer various treatments, including spinal decompression, to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall health. Before you schedule your appointment, keep reading to learn more about this treatment!

How Spinal Decompression Works

This therapy involves the use of a specialized decompression table that applies controlled traction to the spine. The gentle stretching reduces pressure on spinal discs, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract. This process also increases blood flow and nutrient exchange, which supports the body’s natural healing response.

Conditions That Benefit from Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the back and neck. Many patients find relief from chronic pain and mobility issues caused by pressure on the spine. Common conditions that respond well to this treatment include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs – Reducing pressure on the discs helps them return to their normal position.

Sciatica – Relieving nerve compression can ease pain that radiates down the legs.

Degenerative Disc Disease – Creating space between the vertebrae can slow disc deterioration.

Chronic Back or Neck Pain – Stretching the spine alleviates tension and improves flexibility.

What to Expect During Treatment

A session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients lie on a motorized table while our chiropractor adjusts the traction to target specific areas of the spine. The treatment is gentle and relaxing, with most patients experiencing little to no discomfort. Several sessions may be needed to achieve lasting relief and maintain spinal health.

Contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury for an Appointment Today

If you’re considering spinal decompression, contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, at (407) 951-5500 today. Our team is ready to answer any questions you have and assist with scheduling your appointment. When you need a trusted chiropractor near you, our team is here to help!

Custom Orthotics Could Be What You Need to Fight Foot Pain

Sore, aching feet are a common problem in the U.S. In fact, 51 percent of adults surveyed by the American Podiatric Medical Association reported struggling with daily activities due to foot pain. Custom orthotics can ease pain and make walking and standing much more comfortable.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that cushion, align, and support your feet. The inserts are available in both over-the-counter and custom varieties.

What Is the Difference Between Drugstore and Custom Orthotics?

Over-the-counter orthotics use a one-size-fits-all approach to relieving foot pain. While the shoe inserts may be helpful for some people, they might actually worsen pain for others. Custom orthotics are designed by your chiropractor to address your specific foot issues. The inserts are made from a physical or digital impression of your foot to ensure a perfect fit.

Who Can Benefit from Orthotics?

Orthotics relieve pain caused by a variety of foot conditions, including:

Overpronation. Overpronation occurs when the inside of your foot turns too far inward when you walk. In addition to causing pain in your feet, overpronation may also disrupt the natural alignment of the bones in your legs, hips, and back, triggering pain in these areas. If you overpronate when you walk, you may be more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions. Orthotics align and support the foot, preventing this inward turn.
Arch Issues. Both low and high arches can cause foot pain. Arch problems may also affect the alignment of your spine and legs and cause pain in your knees, hips, or back. In addition to supporting the arches, orthotics reduce pain by distributing pressure equally over the surface of the foot.
Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause pain and swelling in the joints in the feet. Orthotics cushion sore feet and make walking less painful.
Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, occurs when the band of connective tissue that connects the heels to the toes becomes inflamed. Every year, about 10% of the U.S. population develops plantar fasciitis, according to Medscape. Wearing orthotics reduces stress and inflammation in the fascia and helps it heal.
Overuse. Foot pain is more common in people who stand for hours, run, or play sports. Orthotics decrease pressure, offer extra cushioning, and prevent your feet from moving too much in your shoes.
Aging. The layer of fat covering the bottoms of your feet thins with age. Without that natural cushion, walking and standing can become painful. Orthotics support and cushion your foot, relieving and preventing soreness.
Other Conditions. Orthotics are also helpful in decreasing pain caused by bunions, bursitis, hammertoes, heel spurs, sprains, and diabetes.

What Are the Type of Custom Orthotics?

Your chiropractor will recommend a type of orthotic depending on your foot condition. Orthotic types include:

Rigid Orthotics. These orthotics are made of inflexible materials, like plastic carbon fibers or stainless steel. Rigid orthotics are ideal if your foot pain is caused by abnormal foot motion. The orthotics align the foot and reduce motion. They can be helpful for plantar fasciitis and arch pain and may also reduce pain in the legs, hips, and back.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics. Semi-rigid orthotics consist of a hard inner core covered by a softer material. These orthotics offer support and cushioning, while also improving balance. They're a good choice if you run or walk for exercise and are also helpful for flatfoot, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, hammertoe and foot alignment issues in children. Semi-rigid orthotics may offer a good option if you find rigid orthotics uncomfortable.
Soft Orthotics. Ideal for cushioning, soft orthotics feature several layers of foam. In addition to improving comfort and absorbing shock, they also reduce pressure that can cause blisters and calluses. These orthotics can be helpful for people who have age-related foot pain, diabetes, bunions, and arthritis.
Heel Cups. Heel cups only cover the heel portion of shoes. They ease pain caused by Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and other conditions.

Ready to ease your foot pain with orthotics? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.

Sources:

Medscape: Plantar Fasciitis, 1/22/2019

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/86143-overview

American Podiatric Medical Association: Public Opinion Research on Foot Health and Care: Findings from a Survey of 1,000 US Adults, 3/2014

https://www.apma.org/files/APMA2014TodaysPodiatristSurveyAllFindings.pdf

Medscape: Plantar Fasciitis, 1/22/2019

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/86143-overview

Healthline: Orthotics: Are They the Answer to Your Foot, Leg, or Back Pain? 3/19/2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/bone-health/orthotics#takeaway