Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom Orthotics | orthoticsnearme.ca

Foot care doctors prescribe and construct custom foot orthotics. Custom orthotics are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe to control abnormal foot function and/or accommodate painful areas of the foot.

Properly designed and built custom foot orthotics may compensate for impaired foot function, by controlling abnormal motion across the joints of the foot. This may result in dramatic improvement in foot symptoms.

Functional custom foot orthotics are usually made from rigid materials, especially plastics and carbon-fiber composites. They are constructed upon bio-mechanic measurements and/or a plaster impression of the feet, and modified based on the podiatrist’s evaluation of your problem. Custom orthotics are usually quite comfortable, and do not feel hard or uncomfortable in the shoe.

Rigid orthotics normally last for years, additions such as top covers and extensions may require periodic replacement. Rigid orthotics serves to control gross unwanted motion. It is not accommodating and offers no shock absorption or cushioning. This type of orthotics is indicated for the neurologic patient that has poor control of their feet.

Semirigid orthotics function to control or balance the misaligned foot as well as provide some flexibility and shock absorption. It has increased compliance and is the most common orthotic prescribed. Individuals with flat feed are the beneficiaries of this time of custom orthotics.

Some patients, for example the very elderly, may not tolerate rigid functional orthotics. Under these circumstances, the foot care doctors prescribe an orthotic made from softer materials with specific accommodations for painful areas. Many different materials can be utilized, such as rubber, cork, leather, and soft synthetic plastics. A soft orthotics’ function is to provide cushion, improve shock absorption, decrease shear force, and redistribute pressure. This type of orthotic is indicated for a rigid foot. It provides little support which is not needed in this particular instance. The most important aspect is to cushion the rigid foot and decrease the force so that injury is prevented.

Your foot doctor evaluates, diagnoses, and treats your unique foot or leg problems. If wearing orthotics is indicated, he or she can utilize the most advanced methods of custom orthotics construction. If complications develop, the podiatrist is to evaluate and treat those offering alternative treatments, be they medical, orthopedic, or surgical.

Orthotics that are prescribed by the podiatrist are custom made for your feet, should not be confused with over-the-counter arch supports. These may help the occasional patient with minor arch discomfort, but they frequently fail because they do not properly control foot function and/or do not properly fit the patient’s feet.