Orthotics

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What are orthotics?

“Orthotics” or “Custom-Molded Orthotic Devices” or “Functional Accommodations” refer to individually-molded shoe inserts, medically prescribed by a licensed physician or Certified Pedorthist, after a complete medical history and physical examination are made. Similar to eyeglasses being prescribed by an ophthalmologist, orthotics are designed to accommodate or correct an abnormal or irregular pattern of movement by the bones of the feet, while weight-bearing.

How do orthotic devices work?

Orthotics make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and bio-mechanically efficient by altering the angles at which the foot strikes the ground. A simplified way of describing orthotics is to imagine that they bring the ground up to the foot, while it is in its proper position. That position is virtually always different from one patient to another, and even for each patient, over time, as the foot changes. Orthotics placed inside your shoes can absorb shock, improve balance, and off-load abnormal pressure away from sore spots. Podiatrists pioneered the field of orthotics and are at the fore-front developing even more high-tech orthotic devices and shoe gear today.

Aren't orthotics just for runners or other athletes?

Runners and athletes have special needs, but orthotics can help everyone. An imbalance in the gait cycle, even a small one, can change the attitude of the leg bones and therefore, your posture, and thus may affect your entire body.

Orthotics might help you if:

One side of the sole of your shoe wears out faster than the other.
You frequently sprain your ankle.
You have chronic heel, knee, lower back, or neck pain.
Your toes are not straight (bunions or hammertoes).
Your feet point inward or excessively outward when you walk (in-toed or out-toed).

What about shoe inserts and arch supports sold at retail outlets?

Over-the-counter arch supports/shoe inserts are generally affordable and may be helpful, but are not suitable for everyone. While improper orthotics can disrupt healthy biomechanics, gait, and posture, they can severely injure patients, potentially causing the need for surgery and/or permanent disability. Everyone should exercise caution about purchasing any medical appliance (orthotics) from a lay person or retailer. Remember, licensed Podiatrists and Certified Pedorthists are legally bound to provide medically necessary, prescribed devices - retailers are not.

My legs hurt, not my feet. Could orthotics help?

Strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back may be due to abnormal foot mechanics or slight differences in the length of the legs. Properly prescribed and fabricated orthotics are almost always helpful.

Can orthotics prescribed by a Podiatrist really make a difference?

Properly prescribed orthotics have relieved debilitating pain for thousands of people. Many people who could not take a step without pain are walking normally and living more active lives because of orthotics.

Can orthotics take the place of foot surgery?

Podiatrists usually recommend orthotics as the last conservative care option for many foot and ankle problems before recommending the more definitive surgery. Used early on as a treatment for a progressive deformity, orthotics will be more beneficial. In later stages, less success should be expected. Even when properly worn, custom-molded orthotics may slow or stop the progression of a deformity and thereby minimize or eliminate the associated pain, but they will never “fix” anything. That is why they are best described as “functional accommodations.”

What about people with diabetes?

For people with diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions, orthotics that do not fit properly can be dangerous. People with diabetes require special devices made of special materials, suited to their individual needs, which are usually different from those of non-diabetics.

Who makes the orthotics?

Once the impressions of your feet are made, along with the prescription, they will be sent to a certified orthotic laboratory to be fabricated. The process may take 1-3 weeks. Properly prescribed orthotics are not inexpensive, but can be very effective and long-lasting. They are an investment that should be respected and cared for like any other item of value.

Will I have to change the shoes I like to wear?

Orthotics will never work if you do not wear them. Once the decision for orthotics is made, the patient needs to likewise make the commitment to the treatment plan. The devices can be moved from shoe to shoe. However, they will not work in most men’s dress shoes, women’s high-heels and pumps, sandals, nor flip-flops. As a rule of thumb, if your shoes are tight normally, they will likely not work with orthotics. Most new shoes, will have a removable insert. Taking this out will allow for more room in the shoe for the orthotic and should be done, anyway. You should wear the orthotics at all times, including when at home. If you choose not to wear shoes in the house, it is suggested that you get shoes that can be worn in the house, only, so the orthotic benefit may continue. The orthotics should always be with the patient whenever purchasing new shoes, so that the appropriate size may be found using the devices. The technology in a shoe is essentially immaterial when using orthotics. The devices are going to be doing all the work. The job of the shoe is merely to hold the orthotic onto the foot. Orthotics turn an average shoe into a great shoe, while great shoes have little effect on the effectiveness of the orthotics.

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Orthotic Devices

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