Many individuals have asymmetrical feet or need a custom-made orthotic device to help relieve pain in their muscles and joints. While custom orthotics will cost more than off the shelf orthotics, an off the shelf orthotic uses a “one size fits all” methodology while a custom-made orthotic is designed specifically for the individual.
What is a custom orthotic device?
Custom orthotics are devices that are made specifically for one person’s feet in order to optimize the alignment of your lower limb starting at the foot and translating to the ankle, shin, upper leg and pelvis.
How are custom orthotics made?
Custom orthotic devices are specifically designed to correct foot issues and improve alignment all the way up the lower limb and even through the spine. It requires a detailed assessment of an individual’s gait as well as dynamic and static foot position. At Body Restoration, our assessment consists of taking a precise imprint of your foot using a foam cast as well as performing a gait scan using a digital casting device. We then combine this information with the patient’s area of pain, the wear patterns in the patient’s shoes and the skin changes on their feet to make an orthotic specific to the individual’s needs. The custom-made orthotics can be made to fit into your running shoes, dress shoes, flats, high heels or a combination of different shoes.
Who needs custom-made orthotics?
Not everyone will benefit from custom orthotics. It is important to assess and determine if the feet are “driving” the condition being treated. Failed load transfer through your feet due to poor alignment can influence many joints above such as your knees, hips, pelvis, low back and spine. It is important to receive a thorough assessment to determine if custom orthotics are the right solution for your individual problem.
Custom Orthotics Uses
Custom-made orthotic can be used for any of the following conditions as long as the feet have been shown to be the “driver” of the pain syndrome:
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Flat feet (pes planus)
- High arches (pes cavus)
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Low back pain
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, pelvis or low back
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Femoral acetabular impingement
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome
- Bursitis in the ankle, knee or hip
- Chronic ankle sprains
- Piriformis syndrome
- Achilles tendonopathy
- Patellar tendonopathy
- Gluteal tendonopathy
- Hamstring tendonopathy
- Recurrent Calf Strains
- Shin Splints
Take Home
Whatever your personal or professional lifestyle, think about what’s in your shoes and how a little customization could take you a long way to greater comfort, pain relief and injury prevention. If you are interested in being assessed or would like more information on our premium custom orthotics, please give us a call at Body Restoration to book a consultation.
References
- The Orthotic Group. Orthotic FAQ. Available from: http://www.theorthoticgroup.com/patientsite/OrthoticFAQ.aspx[last accessed 10/12/14]
- SBI Orthotic Laboratory. Orthotic FAQ. Website No Longer Available [last accessed 10/13/14].
- Rebalance Sports Medicine. Custom Orthotics. Available from: http://www.rebalancetoronto.com/sports-medicine-services/orthotics-downtown-toronto/[last accessed 10/13/14].
- Roger, Collier. Orthotics work in mysterious ways. CMAJ-Canadian Medical Association Journal. March 8, 2011. Volume 183:p 416-417.
