What are Custom Orthotics?
These are medical shoe inserts that support and gently reposition the heel, arch, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones in the feet. Orthotics enable the structures in the foot to work together as nature intended, making each step pain-free.
Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, orthotics are created from non-weight bearing molds of your feet. These devices are designed to meet your specific needs.
These devices are typically made with comfortable materials that are very durable. They can be designed to fit in any type of shoe.
Purpose of Custom-made Orthotics
Custom-fit orthotics have been shown to help alleviate and relieve pain caused by the following common foot conditions:
How Do Orthotics Work?
The root cause of most foot problems can be attributed to poor foot structure. Even the smallest misalignment in the foot can cause significant pain or discomfort.
Misalignment in the foot usually causes foot conditions like bunions, corns, hammer toe, etc. If you suffer from these conditions, custom foot orthotics are recommended to pad and protect the foot.
Custom-molded orthotics function to not only support the arch, but also realign the structures of the foot. By doing so, it improves the structure of the foot and helps prevent bone misalignment, and tendon and ligament fatigue.
As your foot strikes the ground, orthotics within the shoe gently direct the structure into the correct position so as to reduce pain and stop inflammation.
How are Custom Orthotics Put Together?
Following a physical exam and diagnosis of the condition, your podiatrist may recommend orthotics as part of the treatment plan.
There are several methods that can be used to cast a mold or create an image of your foot — from computer-guided and laser imaging to just a normal cast. Once the image or cast has been taken, they are usually sent to a medical lab to be created.
Schedule an appointment with our Podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers for a bio-mechanical evaluation.