Are custom orthotics really worth it?
Read more to discover what custom orthotics are and how they’re the best investment for your foot health.
WHAT IS A CUSTOM ORTHOTIC?
Custom orthotics are a prescription orthotic made from a 3D impression of your feet. They’re made just for you to help improve, support or correct your foot posture.
Many injuries and conditions we see in our clinic occur as a result of abnormal foot and lower limb mechanics. Such abnormalities can have a significant impact on the feet, legs, pelvis and spine.
ARE CUSTOM ORTHOTICS NECESSARY?
Custom orthotics are specifically designed to suit your particular condition, foot type, weight and desired activity. Generally, custom orthotics offer greater control than other types of orthotics, in addition to being more durable.
Biomechanical correction is achieved by using high density foams and plastics which are specifically moulded to your feet. Research has shown that, in many cases, custom orthotics can relieve pain and prevent further disability. That said, not everyone is a candidate for orthotic therapy. We also specialise in footwear prescription; frequently, some simple advice is all that is needed.
You can rest assured we will only recommend custom orthotics when necessary.
Factoring in your symptoms, pathology, activity and footwear, your podiatrist will design an orthotic for your individual needs. Your prescription is then sent to a state-of-the-art orthotic laboratory where it’s is 3D printed and finished hand made by highly skilled technicians.
STEP 2: 3D SCANNING
To be able to capture your feet in their ideal position, your podiatrist will take a 3D scan of your feet. This will then be sent off to the orthotic laboratory where they will use this image to design your orthotics. This will then be stored making any future pairs very easy to re order.
TYPES OF CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
Custom orthotics can differ not only in the materials used but also in their shape. Depending on your foot condition, activity and what footwear you would like to put them in, the prescription will change. Options include:
FULL LENGTH ORTHOTIC
SLIM ORTHOTIC
3/4 ORTHOTIC
CHILDRENS ORTHOTIC
CONDITIONS
Orthotics are used to treat numerous foot conditions. Depending on what we are trying to achieve in your orthotic will determine what your Podiatrist will order on your orthotic prescription.
Orthotics are never a standalone treatment, and your podiatrist may recommend footwear changes, exercises and stretching.
Here are some examples of foot conditions that can be treated with orthotics:
- PLANTAR FASCIITIS
- BUNIONS
- KNEE PAIN
- FLAT FEET
- HIGH ARCHES
- BURSITIS
- NEUROMA
- FOOT INJURIES
- ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY
BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT
How are custom orthotics made?
Here are some examples of foot conditions that can be treated with orthotics:
Making custom orthotics is a multi-step process that first begins with a thorough assessment by a podiatrist. During this assessment, your podiatrist will ask you many questions about your symptoms as well as do a foot examination. This assessment of your feet usually includes a visual gait assessment.
If you require any additional imaging for your feet to assess an underlying pathology (such as X-ray or ultrasound), your podiatrist will refer you.
STEP 3: FITTING YOUR ORTHOTICS
It takes approximately 2 weeks to manufacture your custom made orthotics. At this appointment your podiatrist will check your orthotics to make sure we have achieved the desired correction as well as trim them to suit your shoes. Your podiatrist will talk you through wearing in your devices as well as make a time for a review appointment approximately 4 weeks after to ensure you are settling into your orthotics and your symptoms are settling.
