Many injuries in the feet and legs are related to imbalance, impact shock or a combination of the two.  In treating a  problem a true orthotic device is a custom made            biomechanical device that balances, supports, protects and/or cushions a particular of the foot around the individual's neutral position of the feet and legs.

Precise measurements of the ranges of motion of the joints of the feet and legs are taken by the doctor in order to        determine the  functional condition of the lower extremities.  The doctor computes a neutral position of the joints,          selecting a position of maximum efficiency.  He takes a    plaster cast of the foot in this position, filling and balancing this casted foot model in order to construct an orthotic      device which fills the void between the position of the foot and the flat surface of the ground contact.

Biomecanical orthotic devices may be made from various materials depending on the degree of control required, the physical status, activities and occupation and footwear for each individual patient.  Thus, when models of your feet are constructed at our office, Dr. McKinney is able to capture your best functioning position in those models.  Then, the form of your orthotic devices are contoured and angled over those models.  Finally, additional components called post controls are added to the front, rear, or both ends of the        orthotic devices and are ground to specific angles very much like glass lenses are.  Consequently, instead of supporting arches, biomechanical orthotic devices create more normal function of the feet and legs by maintaining the anatomical relationship between the segments of each foot and leg while the control post cause the orthotic devices to move or rock into specific positions at specific phases in the gait or    walking cycle.

These functional orthotics are designed scientifically to maintain your feet in the their neutral or normal position.  The orthotics will allow you to function in your daily            activities without abnormal stresses in the feet or legs.      Various materials are used for the construction of orthotics ranging from a rigid type of material to one with more        flexibility.

Rigid orthotics keep their shape and function over many years and thousands of miles and maintain balance of the foot and leg around a neutral position.