Heel lifts are mechanical devices that are inserted into your shoes which lengthens the shorter leg, thereby creating a level base/platform for the spine to rest on. They attempt to reduce stresses that may be placed upon the Achilles tendon and the ankle, knee and hip.
Heel lift therapy is safe, non-invasive and an inexpensive treatment modality used in the health care profession in the aid of leg inequality. Orthotics are similar to heel lifts although are custom made products produced to correct the underlying condition which can get expensive. Heel lifts correct anatomical short legs that are often caused by trauma, birth defect, asymmetrical growth or surgery.
Providing as much detail as possible for the practitioners is essential in helping them prescribe heel lifts if their condition is in need of the device. After the history is taken, patients are taken through a physical examination that involves patients standing with their feet a shoulder width apart and the clinician examining their body landmarks. Firstly looking if the patients showing any signs of unilateral pronation in their feet, followed by an inspection of the back of the knees noting any extra flexion and internal rotation of a certain knee. Secondly an inspection of the top of the pelvis, sacral dimples and scapula are performed to see if any unleveling has occurred. Finally an examination of the patient’s lumbar spine range of motion is performed noting any restrictions in any of the movements.
To determine if a patients in need of a heel lift from observing an unleveled pelvis, the clinician asks the patients to rock up on the lateral aspect of each foot and if the pelvis remains unleveled than an anatomical short leg is present and a heel lift is required in the treatment of the condition.
At Lakeside Chiropractic our professional team are able to assist you in managing your condition and stop the constant pain in your muscles or fix the waddling gait caused by the leg length discrepancy, by prescribing heel lifts.
We are located in Joondalup – central to Perth’s northern suburbs on 3/45 Central Walk. Surrounding suburbs include Mullaloo, Woodvale, Kallaroo, Edgewater, Hillarys, Alkimos, Connolly, Yokine, Beldon, Padbury and Craigie. With HICAPs available in our clinic we make your visit as efficient as possible with no need to go to your Health fund for claiming. Call us on 9300 00958 or book online via our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au. We look forward to seeing you shortly.
