More than 70% of people suffer from excess pronation, which is when the foot rolls inwards when walking. This not only affects your posture, but can cause problems in other parts of the body.

The human foot was originally designed for walking on natural surfaces like soil and sand. But thanks to civilisation, we now give our feet a daily pounding by walking and standing on hard, flat, unnatural surfaces like pavements and floors. This causes our feet to flatten and twist (ie. excessively pronate) in order to make ground contact.

Like the foundation of a tall building, problems in your feet can have far-reaching effects throughout the body and commonly cause heel pain, aching legs, knee pain and even back pain.

WHO SUFFERS MOST?
Excess pronation is a common problem, but only 7% of sufferers seek professional help. Most people don’t realise their feet pronate or associate the problem with other ailments, such as a sore back.

THOSE AT GREATEST RISK ARE:

• People who stand most of the day, such as nurses, teachers, retail assistants, builders and factory workers.
• People aged 50+. With age, the muscles and ligaments in the foot can become weaker, contributing to fallen arches.
• Athletes. Sports and running puts extra strain on ligaments.
• High-heel wearers. Fashion shoes can create excessive pressure points on the ball and heel of the foot.
• People carrying excess weight, or tall, heavier-set people such as rugby players.

ORTHOTICS CAN HELP
An orthotic is a corrective insole device that realigns the foot to a neutral position.

Orthotics allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. Orthotics can reduce pain not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back.

ORTHAHEEL ORTHOTICS
Orthaheel orthotics realign the foot and lower limbs, with a 4-degree rear foot wedge – this helps to correct body posture and restore natural foot function. Comparatively an arch support will only act as a crutch for your foot.

The Orthaheel range of orthotics fit into most types of shoes, providing medical-grade support and relief at an affordable price.

Designed by a leading podiatrist, they’re made from high quality, flexible material that provides shock absorption and stability for your foot.

ORTHAHEEL SHOES
In addition to insoles, Orthaheel has a range of jandals, sandals and cross-trainers available with a built-in orthotic insole.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS 4-degree rear foot wedge, with heel cup walls for realignment Scientifically proven to help realign feet Lightweight and durable Full length inserts have shock absorption pads on the forefoot and heel Available at pharmacies and specialist footwear stores.

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For more information phone 09 915 9519 or visit www.walkpainfree.com
SSL New Zealand, PO Box 100 091 NSMC, Auckland.

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