Orthopedic Shoes and Custom Orthotics Can Help Avert or Minimize Back Pain

There are no shortages of water-cooler conversations or coffee break exchanges in which people have recounted how they experienced some degree of back pain; falling asleep in an awkward position on a couch, too much gardening for one day, lifting a heavy object, and straining for an item on an upper shelf are just a few of the circumstances that have left these individuals feeling stiff and sore and caused them to move slowly and gingerly.

Hopefully, in at least the majority of these situations, any pain or injury was short-lived and the individuals were able to resume their customary physical activities and routines within several days.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as some people might be exposed to more persistent/chronic discomfort in their back, feet, or knees; and this can be particularly frustrating when the precipitating incident may not have been considered that severe when it first occurred.

In point of fact, cause-and-effect relationships can initially be viewed with reservation, at least until they are studied to greater lengths; one such circumstance is the link between improper footwear and back pain. On the surface, people may question how their choice of shoe can be connected to back, nerve, and/or spinal problems; yet footwear styles can indeed have a significant impact/effect on back health, leading to such conditions as:

• Sciatica
• Bone spurs
• Bulging or slipped discs
• Soft tissue stress or strain
• Degenerative spine disorders

Just how and why can such situations occur?  When people walk, run, or stand, their feet act as shock absorbers, in a manner of speaking, fundamentally preventing or protecting the back, spine, and weight-bearing joints from being jarred every time a foot strikes the ground. Improper footwear can negatively affect the way that feet absorb these ‘shocks’ and, over time, can lead to the types of conditions noted above.

Generally speaking, shoe styles that Scarborough residents might want to avoid, due to higher associated incidences of back, bone, muscle, and/or joint pain, would include:

• Sandals
• Flip flops
• High heels
• Stiletto heels

Conversely, the following types of footwear are commonly recommended to individuals across Toronto to help them in preventing or minimizing back pain, etc.:

• Running shoes
• Specially-designed (orthopedic) shoes
• Custom orthotics (insoles or inserts placed inside the shoe)
• Minimalist shoes (reduced cushion, thin soles, lighter weight)

Scarborough Residents May Benefit from Orthopedic Shoes or Custom Orthotics

In some instances, choice of footwear may not be the sole reason for experiencing back pain or other types of pain and discomfort; an individual’s walking style, often influenced by the structure of their feet and/or arches can also be a contributing factor.

Therefore, to help alleviate the pain, it will be important to find the correct style of shoe or footwear for one’s precise foot shape and the manner in which they customarily walk; for residents of Toronto, a solution may be available through a visit to the Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic in Scarborough.

The foot care professionals at Comfort Stride can determine the origin/cause of the issue and fit patients with custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes to provide such benefits as:

• Pain/injury prevention
• Appropriate arch support
• Better body weight distribution
• Preservation of foot health and mobility
• Avoiding potentially costly foot surgeries

To learn more about the foot care services available from the experienced professionals at Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic, including orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics, visit our Orthopedic Shoe Services  and Custom Orthotics page.

If you or any family members are experiencing persistent or chronic back pain, it may be the result of improper footwear and/or a concern with the arches of your feet.  Call the Comfort Stride Foot Care Clinic in Scarborough today at 647-989-7794 or Contact us to book a consultation with one of our specialists.