Custom-made plantar orthotics are a medical device made to stabilize, realign and properly redistribute pressure on our feet. Orthotics work on your feet like glasses work for your eyes. Custom-made orthotics help reduce the strain on your body by properly re-aligning your feet. They fit inside your shoes like any insole but provide advanced support and control.
Myth
Orthotics are bulky and are difficult to fit in shoes.
Reality
From running shoes to high heels, using innovative techniques and materials, your podiatrist can produce an orthotic adapted to your lifestyle.
How do custom-made orthotics work?
Many people think custom-made orthotics make your feet weaker. On the contrary, custom-made orthotics are not crutches for your feet. They help re-position your feet so you use the right muscle at the right time. This not only helps you reduce muscle fatigue but also helps you use your muscles more efficiently.
What is the process of making a custom-made orthotic?
Many reasons can justify the need for making a custom-made plantar orthotic. It could be to treat an injury, to recover from an injury or to prevent an injury.
1. Gait and posture evaluation
Your podiatrist will first start with a gait and posture evaluation. This is an examination of the foot, posture, walking and running pattern. This will help your podiatrist determine if you have any mechanical defect in your feet that will cause pain or injury.
2. Taking a cast of your feet
In order to correct the mechanical defect in your feet that is causing an injury, your podiatrist needs to provide you with a custom-made plantar orthotic. To make your custom-made orthotic, your podiatrist will first start by taking a cast of your feet. This cast is taken using fiberglass to ensure that your orthotic is made precisely to the shape of your foot.
3. Prescribing and making the custom-made orthotic
According to your gait and posture evaluation, your podiatrist will be able to prescribe and make an orthotic adapted to your needs and problem. The orthotic will not only correct the mechanical defect but will also be adapted to your shoes and your sport.
4. Following-up with your orthotic
Your podiatrist, after dispensing your custom-made orthotic, will follow-up with you to adjust it if necessary. Your podiatrist will also follow you up closely in order to monitor if your pain and injury. Your podiatrist might also suggest other treatments to complement your custom-made plantar orthotic.