Finding the right fit for your feet

By KELLY FOSNESS, DMG Writer
HOUGHTON — Whether you’re slipping into a pair of high heels or heading to the basketball court in a pair of sneakers, orthotics can be worn with just about any style of shoe.

According to Dr. Matt Solka, physical therapist at Body Mechanix in Houghton, orthotics are custom-made devices placed inside the shoe to assist with the biomechanical support of the foot. Orthotics provide relief for painful foot problems as well as offer a higher level of comfort for those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

“They can also increase what’s called the kinetic chain ... the way the foot reacts with the knee, the lower back and the rest of the body, so, the orthotics can actually correct knee pain, low back pain, problems with feet, ankle pain, bunions, planter fasciitis ...” he said.

Planter fasciitis, Solka said, is a tightening in the tissues of the feet.

“It creates a lot of foot pain in the bottom of the foot with lots of standing and walking,” he said.

Orthotics are different from the insoles purchased over the counter, Solka said. While he doesn’t discourage people from using them, he said there is a big difference between the level of comfort simply because orthotics are custom made for each foot.

“The one’s you buy off the shelf is a one-size-fits-all type of deal,” he said. “People’s feet aren’t just like any other part of the body. It’s not the same from person to person.”

Solka said they do orthotic fittings for all age ranges and the process is quite simple.

“We take a foam impression of the foot and then we send that off to the company, Sole Supports, and they create the orthotic to fit the impression of the foot,” he said. “We also do other measures of how the foot and ankle move together, how flexible the foot is and what the person’s requirements are.”

Each orthotic is custom made, not only to fit each individual’s foot, but to meet the demands of that individual’s body.

“We take measurements of height and weight, and different things like that,” Solka added.

Orthotics, Solka said, are made out of a polycarbonate plastic.

“It’s fairly flexible, but yet, they can change the flexibility and the components of what’s put into the plastic to make the orthotic more flexible or rigid,” he said. “We keep it the same weight for everybody, so, for somebody who may need more of a flexible or rigid orthotic, they don’t have a lot of build up or excessive weight from plastic material in their shoe.”

There are medical conditions that will predispose people to foot problems, Solka said, such as diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis.

Individuals who are overweight can suffer from foot problems, as well as ankle and knee problems, he said, and the orthotics can assist with that.

Women who are pregnant will oftentimes experience foot pain as well, Solka said.

“Hormones cause laxity in the ligaments of the feet and the weight gain over the length of the pregnancy causes the feet to spread and flatten,” he explained.

Wearing orthotics can help to avoid the spreading and flattening of the feet and relieve the pain.

Orthotics aren’t only used by individuals suffering from pain and foot problems, but by those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

“We get a lot of people in here, especially who are middle-aged and up, who are doing a lot of running or hiking, or just people that are spending a lot of time on their feet in general,” he said. “They enjoy the overall comfort of the orthotic and help prevent foot problems. Orthotics are just as much of a preventative measure as they are corrective.”

Solka, who recently obtained his certification in orthotics, said the devices can be fit for all styles of shoes from high heels and athletic shoes to sandals.

For more information, Solka recommends people visit Sole Support’s Web site at www.solesupport.com.

The Web site offers brochures, newsletters, frequently asked questions and other helpful information.

Kelly Fosness can be reached at kfosness@mininggazette.com