Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are "shoe inserts" fabricated to compensate for specific biomechanical faults. A custom orthotic limits the mechanical stress placed on te soft tissues and joints of the lower quarter, thereby limiting pain and disability. In contrast, to "over the counter" inserts, custom orthotics are individually created to address the unique construction of a patient's foot. Custom orthotics are fabricated from a plaster impression of the patient's foot and altered based on the findings of a complete physical examination and biomechanical analysis. From a mould of the plaster impression, a lab makes our recommended alterations by incorporating specific degrees of correction to the rear and forefoot of the orthotic.
Who Can Orthotics Help?
In general, custom foot orthotics may help any patient suffering from lower quarter pain and disability secondary to a biomechanical fault. Once the biomechanical faults are detected, the resulting mechanical issues may best be addressed through selective stretching and strengthening. Even changes in sleep postures, ADLs and work habits, for example, may effectively correct the dysfunction. Typically, alternative intervention is pursued first. If the mechanical issues do not correct the pain and disability cannot be minimized, a custom orthotic may be appropriate. Orthotics may be an effective choice in the treatment of foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain that is insidious in onset, especially if not responding to conventional therapeutic intervention. (However, previously dormant, non-symptomatic biomechanical faults may be "awakened" by trauma). Specifically, plantar fasciitis, Morton's Neuroma, medial or lateral ankle pain, medial knee pain, patello-femoral syndrome, trochanteric bursitis of the hip, general hip pain, and low back pain may be effectively addressed by custom foot orthotics. Regardless of the diagnosis, the symptoms must be linked to a specific mechanical fault before we will recommend an orthotic solution.
