Approximately 55.1% of all civilian workers in the U.S., roughly 92.5 million Americans, are required to stand for their jobs. But the human foot was not designed for that. Your foot is a complex structure containing 26 bones and dozens of joints. When you stand on hard surfaces for extended periods, those structures begin to fatigue.
At Concord Podiatry, with offices in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire, board-certified podiatrist Dr. David Biss frequently recommends custom orthotics to provide the support feet require, especially for those who stand for hours on end.
Unlike generic inserts found at big-box stores, custom orthotics are medical devices tailored to your exact foot shape and gait. They are designed to correct biomechanical imbalances that lead to chronic pain. Orthotics do more than just cushion the foot. They help manage various foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
Custom orthotics improve your overall alignment and weight distribution. When your feet are not adequately supported, it creates a chain reaction through your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. If your feet pronate (roll inward), your legs rotate internally, which can lead to chronic back pain. By stabilizing the foundation, custom orthotics ensure your weight is evenly distributed across the foot.
This alignment is crucial for workers who carry heavy loads or walk on uneven surfaces. By keeping your skeletal system in its neutral position, you reduce the strain on your muscles and ligaments, allowing you to finish your shift with less fatigue.
Custom-made orthotics are fabricated with high-quality, medical-grade materials designed to last for several years. This makes them a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Because they are molded from a 3D scan or cast of your foot, they address your specific pressure points and arch height.
Customization also allows us to account for your specific job duties. A professional athlete needs a different level of rigidity than someone who stands behind a retail counter.
Dr. Biss can adjust the materials to provide either greater flexibility or greater control, based on your lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that the insert works with your foot rather than against it, providing a level of comfort that off-the-shelf products cannot match.
If your job is causing you foot or back pain, it’s time to consider custom orthotics. To get started, call or text Concort Podiatry today.
