How orthotics work

Step Forward orthotics immediately align and support the bones in your feet, exercise and strengthen the muscles in the feet, align your body.

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Contacts

V. Kreves ave. 82B,

Kaunas LT-50385, Lithuania

Phone.: +370 655 20844

Fax.: +370 37 210177,

E-mail: info@stepforward.lt

Massage a suitable oil or gel around the toes, tendons, heels and calluses every morning and evening. Be patient with the following exercises and massaging. Step Forward orthotics will align and support the bones in your feet and excercise the muscles. Consistent attention over several months can alleviate many long-standing discomforting conditions in the feet.

• To exercise the feet, try rolling your feet on a golf ball.
• Also, hold both ends of a bath towel and place your foot in the middle of the towel. Now use it to apply pressure as you twist, turn, push and pull the foot.
• Be PATIENT, FAITHFUL and CONSISTENT.

Hammer Toes

This is when your toe muscles become weak, torn or unbalanced and the toes are no longer straight. The knuckle of the toe bends downward while the closer joint bends upward. The following examples are suggested:

• Take hold of the toes and slowly bend them forward stretching the muscles and tendons. Massage the olive oil on the tendons, work the toes downward, trying to get them under the ball of the foot. The best position is thumb on toes and fi nger under the ball of the foot. Push down the thumb. This will pull muscles and tendons further up in the leg in some people.
• Push each toe IN and twist. Pull each toe OUT and twist. This exercises the inner muscles and tendons.
• Reach down while standing and take hold of each toe to straighten them out. Use your fi ngers to actually stretch the toe muscles and tendons that have shortened.
• Now squeeze each toe. “Pain is GAIN.” Do this slowly. The muscles and tendons have weakened. The discomfort as you squeeze is a process of putting everything together. Do each toe for 20-30 seconds. You may feel improvement and less discomfort in 2-3 weeks. You MUST continue.
• While standing, place the heel of one foot over the hammer toes of the other foot. Push the toes downward. Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat several times and on the other foot.

Bunions

This is a condition where the big toe angles toward the other toes, creating an unsightly bump at the base of the toe. There may be a bunion on the little toe too and calluses under the toes and on the sides.

• Wearing shoes with adequate room for the toes is essential. Even the straps on sandals (if the straps are in front of the joint) will pull the big toe inward. Do not wear any shoes that are tight and crowd the toes!
• The best exercise for this condition is to grab the big toe of the left foot with your right hand as you pull the toe out slowly and gently. At the same time, with the left hand hold the joint in with your thumb. You must use pressure OUT on the toe and IN on the joint. Then rotate the big toe clockwise 30 seconds, then anti-clockwise 30 seconds. Then swap feet. Repeat every other day for 12 to 18 months.

Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis & Bone Spurs

• The plantar fascia is the muscle group that runs acrossthe bottom of the foot from heel to ball of foot. It isdesigned as our “suspension system”. It works really well on sand, grass, gravel and dirt. It gets insuffi cient use when we walk on hard fl oors and in shoes, thus becoming stiff and tight.
• When a stiff & tight tendon is knocked or bumped, it cannot stretch enough so it starts to tear (usually away from the heel) causing a painful infl ammation (plantar fasciitis) that is most painful for the minute or two when getting out of bed, or out of the car after a long drive.
• The body will try to strengthen the tear by depositing calcium at the site. This becomes the heel spur.
• You need to get the muscles strong and stretchy again. The best solution is either spending the rest of your life on the beach (never come inside again) or wearing a flexible orthotic (such as Step Forward orthotics) which will exercise the tendons and muscles.

Tips for Success with Step Forward orthotics, Shoes & Feet

• Vigorously massage and release tension from feet whenever they are feeling tired or sore.
• Remove added arch support from shoes. A flat foundation for the orthotics is essential.
• Discard shoes that are worn out or too small. Discard shoes with improper wear patterns.
• Remember the orthotics are a tool, not a crutch. The more you wear them, the better your feet will be.
• Change shoes. Do not wear the same pair two days running. This is best for your feet and for your shoes.
• Purchase shoes as big as you can stand them! Feet grow throughout life, especially during pregnancy.
• For extra cushioning under the orthotics, try a flat insole.
• For open back shoes or sandals “peg” the heel of the orthotic with self-adhesive Velcro dots.
• Clean the orthotics monthly. Warm soapy water  (dishwashing detergent) is all you need.
• Restore the spring to the orthotics each month or three by bending them backwards heel to toe.