What is an Orthotic

What is an Orthotic

An orthotic is a prescription insole used to correct biomechanical abnormalities in order treat foot pathology, alleviate pain and improve gait. There are many commercially made devices such as cushioned heel cups or prefabricated insole for shoes sold over the counter in local drug store or other retail establishments that are made for comfort and do not correct the underlying condition. They are not a true orthotic.

Prescription orthotic are created using a plaster mold or 3D laser scanner to capture the foot in the neutral position as well as the overall anatomy of the foot. These foot impression are sent to an orthotic laboratory where an orthotic is specially made that balances out deformities and correct misalignments according to the patient’s prescription. The patient receives the custom orthotic in approximately 10 business days.

Orthotics are available in a variety of styles to fit various shoes and individual lifestyles.

Who should use an Orthotic?

Almost anyone can benefit from orthotics. Orthotics can help alleviate many common foot conditions. A thorough assessment by a trained chiropodist is essential.

What signs might indicate the need for orthotics?

• Uneven shoe wear
• Bunions
• Heel and arch pain
• Hammertoes
• Knee, leg, or lower back pain
• Flatfeet or overpronation
• Rigid High arches or over supination
• Shit splints
• Foot pain such as arch pain, heel pain, metatarsalgia
• Misalignment syndromes
• Children’s problems including in-toe, out-toe and flat feet
• Neuroma
• Sport Injuries
• Arthritis

What are Orthotics

Custom foot orthoses or simply “orthotics” are medical devices used to relieve or prevent foot pain. They fit into shoes like a pair of insoles, but they are designed to stabilize your feet to reduce stress and strain when standing and walking. The greatest benefit of custom orthotics is that they are made from the precise molds of your feet and that any modifications are tailored and built directly into the device for each individual needs.

The goal of orthotic therapy is to improve pain or prevent complications that are created from abnormal foot mechanics and gait patterns. Improper foot biomechanics and alignment can lead to common problems such as arch and heel pain, bunions, knee pain, and even hip and lower back pain.

What should you expect at myfootspecialist.ca

Assessment and Prescription: During your initial or biomechanical appointment, a full assessment and gait analysis will be conducted. Your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, lifestyle, and typical footwear will also be taken into consideration. At the end of the appointment, the chiropodist will have a better idea of your general biomechanics and provide treatment options and a prognosis of whether you will benefit from custom orthotics. At this point, your chiropodist will also be able to write an appropriate prescription recommending custom orthotics.

Casting: In order to create a custom orthotics for each individual needs,  3-dimensional cast or molds must be made from your feet. These casts will capture the exact contours of your feet in the optimal position. These casts are commonly made from plaster.

Manufacturing: Once the casts are made, they will be shipped too a off-site laboratory where your Orthotics will be manufactured by hand using the raw materials prescribed by the chiropodist. Therefore, each pair of orthotics is truly custom and tailored, made for each patient’s needs.

Dispensing: When your orthotics are ready, you will be booked a dispensing appointment with the chiropodist. At this time, the chiropodist will fit your orthotics into your shoes properly and you will be asked to try walking in them. Appropriate breaking-in period and orthotic care advice will be provided.

Follow-up: After 4 to 6 weeks our office will follow-up with you to ensure everything is going well with your orthotics. If you are having any issues or concerns, you will be asked to come back into clinic and we will try our best to resolve the issue for you.

Click here to book your orthotic appointment!