Improving Your Posture with Orthotics

Your posture affects more than just how you look. Your posture also affects your entire body, including your digestion, headaches, and your breathing. Chronically poor posture is also linked to neck and head pain and can even lead to arthritis.

But there’s more that you can do about your posture than just trying to be conscious of it. Putting custom orthotics in your shoes can actually have an enormous benefit on your posture. In this blog, the providers at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine explain more about how orthotics can improve your posture.

What are causes of poor posture?

In many ways, our modern life creates the ideal conditions for poor posture. Looking down at your phone puts a lot of pressure on your neck, as does looking at a computer screen all day.

If you have a standard office job, you probably don’t get much exercise, either. Sedentary lifestyles are a common cause of poor posture. 

If you’ve experienced an injury — even a long time ago — your posture may be affected, too. After an injury, many people tend to hold their muscles in a guarded position, which leads to poor posture. 

Muscle weakness can also lead to poor posture. You can work at improving your muscle strength by doing exercises that are intended to strengthen your core.

Stress can lead to poor posture as well, as you may breathe less deeply. 

Finally, bad habits can lead to poor posture. If you repeatedly hold your spine in incorrect positions, they can seem normal and more comfortable. You will need to retrain your posture.

Why posture matters so much

You may think that good posture only matters if you’re in the military and have to stand at attention on a regular basis. But good posture affects so many other things, including the following:

Chronic disability

If you have bad posture habits, it could lead to chronic disability. Slouching or sitting in a slumped over position can have negative effects on your spine health. You could actually end up with chronic neck or back pain.

Shallow breathing

When you have poor posture, you won’t breathe as deeply. This affects all of your organs because it means that you’re not getting as much oxygen as you should. This can impair your thinking, increase your blood pressure and heart rate, and even increase fatigue.

Negative moods

Your posture can even have a negative effect on your mood. One study found that being conscious of your posture and sitting upright had a significant effect on improving your mood.

How orthotics can improve your posture

Orthotics are custom-designed inserts for your shoes that can improve a lot of your foot conditions. One of the possible benefits of orthotics is that they can correct your posture.

Your feet are foundational to your gait and even your entire sense of balance. Orthotics are especially useful if you have musculoskeletal conditions. However, everyone can benefit from having a better sense of balance, weight transfer, and support. You’ll experience more balanced limbs and prevent future problems with your feet.

If you have poor posture and would like to ask about whether or not orthotics would work for you, contact the providers at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine today or request an appointment online.