When you think of a chiropractor, you probably think of the spine. But at Backs in Action, we look at the body as an interconnected system. If the foundation of a house is uneven, the walls will crack and the roof will slant. Your body is no different: your feet are your foundation.
If your feet are misaligned, that imbalance travels up the “kinetic chain,” causing stress on your ankles, knees, hips, and eventually, your lower back.
This is why Custom Orthotics are a core part of our chiropractic services. They aren’t just for foot pain—they are a tool for total body alignment. Here is how custom orthotics can benefit you, depending on your lifestyle and stage of life.
1. For the Weekend Warrior & Elite Athlete
Whether you are training for the Vancouver Sun Run, hiking the Grouse Grind, or playing recreational hockey, your feet absorb massive amounts of force.
- Injury Prevention: Misalignment (like overpronation) can lead to shin splints, runner’s knee, and plantar fasciitis. Orthotics correct these biomechanical errors before they become injuries.
- Performance: When your feet are aligned, your muscles don’t have to overcompensate to keep you stable. This means more energy is directed toward your performance, power, and endurance.
2. For the “Standing Workforce”
Do you work in healthcare, retail, teaching, or construction? If you spend 6+ hours a day on your feet, you know the feeling of “heavy legs” and lower back fatigue by 5:00 PM.
- Fatigue Reduction: Standing on hard surfaces flattens the arch and strains the plantar fascia. Orthotics provide the structural arch support that standard work boots or shoes lack, significantly reducing muscle fatigue in the legs and lower back.
- Joint Protection: Proper cushioning absorbs the shock that would otherwise travel up to your knees and hips, protecting your joints from long-term wear and tear.
3. For Seniors and the Golden Years
As we age, the fatty pads on the bottom of our feet naturally thin out, and our arches can settle, changing our gait.
- Balance & Stability: Falls are a major concern for seniors. By providing a wider, more stable base of support and improving proprioception (your body’s sense of position), orthotics can improve balance and confidence when walking.
- Comfort: Orthotics can be designed with specialized soft top-covers to accommodate sensitive areas, bunions, or arthritic joints, keeping you mobile and active longer.
Why See a Chiropractor for Orthotics?
You might wonder why you should see a chiropractor for foot issues. The answer lies in the diagnosis.
At Backs in Action, our chiropractors don’t just look at your foot in isolation; we assess how your foot function is affecting your spine and pelvis. We use advanced diagnostic tools to analyze your gait (the way you walk) and create a prescription that corrects your specific biomechanical faults.
The Best Part: You Are Likely Covered
Many patients are surprised to learn that Custom Orthotics are covered by most Extended Health Insurance plans in British Columbia.
Because our orthotics are dispensed by licensed Chiropractors, they meet the strict criteria required by most major insurance providers. We handle the assessment, the casting/scanning, and the dispensing right here in our East Vancouver clinic.
Ready to Build a Better Foundation?
Don’t wait for foot pain to travel up to your back. If you want to check your coverage or see if orthotics are right for you, we are here to help.
