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Dr.Kimberly Huynh |
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April 30, 2026· 6 min |
If you’re experiencing foot pain, knee discomfort, or even lower back tension, your feet may be playing a
larger role than you think.
Because the feet are the foundation of the body, changes in foot mechanics can affect alignment and movement
throughout the entire kinetic chain. At Paradise Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic, we focus on both foot
function and whole-body biomechanics to help address the root cause of discomfort—not just the symptoms.
Custom orthotics are medical-grade inserts designed specifically for your feet. They aim to:
- Support the arches
- Improve alignment
- Redistribute pressure
- Enhance movement efficiency
Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are based on your individual structure, gait, and lifestyle
demands.
Custom orthotics may be beneficial if you:
- Have persistent foot, heel, or arch pain
- Experience knee, hip, or lower back discomfort
- Stand or walk for long periods
- Notice uneven wear on your shoes
- Have known structural differences (e.g., flat feet, high arches)
A proper assessment helps determine whether orthotics are appropriate for your specific case.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet occur when the arches are low or collapsed, causing increased contact with the ground. While some
people remain asymptomatic, others may develop strain in the feet, knees, hips, or lower back over time.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics provide structured arch support, helping improve alignment and reduce excessive strain through the
lower body.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition often presents as sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. It involves
irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue under the foot.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics support the arch and cushion the heel, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving load
distribution during walking.
High Arches (Pes Cavus)
High-arched feet tend to be more rigid and less effective at absorbing shock. This can increase pressure on
the heel and forefoot, and sometimes lead to instability.
How Orthotics Help:
Custom orthotics enhance shock absorption and redistribute pressure more evenly, helping improve comfort and
balance.
Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain)
Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the forefoot, often described as aching or burning. It is commonly associated
with increased pressure on the metatarsal heads.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics can include forefoot padding to offload pressure while supporting the arch, improving overall weight
distribution.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop from long-term strain at the plantar fascia attachment. Pain may
occur when surrounding tissues become irritated.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics reduce pressure at the heel through cushioning and may include modifications such as heel pads or
cut-outs depending on the location of the spur.
Achilles Tendonosis
This condition involves pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often related to overuse or tight calf
muscles.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics improve lower limb alignment and may include a slight heel lift to reduce tension on the tendon.
Knee Pain
Foot mechanics play an important role in how forces are transmitted through the knee. Excessive pronation or
supination can contribute to uneven joint loading.
How Orthotics Help:
By improving foot positioning, orthotics help reduce abnormal stress on the knee and support more efficient
movement patterns.
Lower Back Pain
Imbalances at the feet can affect posture and load distribution through the spine.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics help support alignment from the ground up, improving how forces travel through the body and reducing
strain on the lower back.
Forefoot Varus
Forefoot varus is a structural condition where the front of the foot is tilted, often leading to compensatory
movement patterns.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics help rebalance the foot and promote more even weight distribution, reducing strain throughout the
kinetic chain.
Leg Length Discrepancy
Differences in leg length can impact posture and gait, sometimes leading to discomfort in the hips, knees, or
lower back.
How Orthotics Help:
A customized lift can be incorporated to improve symmetry and reduce compensatory stress.
Pediatric Foot Concerns
As children grow, their feet and gait patterns continue to develop. Some may exhibit excessive pronation,
toe-in, or toe-out walking patterns.
How Orthotics Help:
When appropriate, orthotics can help guide development, improve stability, and support more efficient movement
without restricting natural growth.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can affect circulation and sensation, increasing the risk of pressure-related injuries.
How Orthotics Help:
Soft, multi-layer orthotics help reduce pressure points and protect sensitive areas, supporting overall foot
health.
Leg Length Discrepancy
Even small differences in leg length can lead to postural compensation and joint strain.
How orthotics help:
Orthotics help by incorporating customized heel lifts to improve balance.
Arthritic Foot Pain
Arthritis can lead to joint stiffness, pain, and reduced shock absorption.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics provide cushioning and reduce joint stress, improving comfort during daily activities.
Recurrent Ankle Sprains
Previous ankle injuries can lead to instability and altered movement patterns.
How Orthotics Help:
Orthotics improve balance and control excessive motion, helping reduce the risk of re-injury.
Not everyone requires orthotics. The best way to determine this is through a biomechanical assessment and
gait
analysis, where we evaluate:
- Foot structure
- Walking patterns
- Joint alignment
- Load distribution
This allows us to determine whether orthotics or another approach would be most beneficial.
If you’re unsure whether orthotics are right for you, an assessment is the best place to start.
At Paradise Chiropractic, we offer custom orthotics, orthopedic shoes, and medical compression socks to
support your feet and overall function. We prioritize patient comfort and education at every step of your
wellness journey, and our team is here to support you at every stage of your goals.
📞 (604) 496-0626
📧 info@paradisechiropractic.ca
🌐 https://paradisechiropractic.janeapp.com
