Custom Orthotics

No two people’s feet are alike, which is why having custom orthotics is vital to solving many foot-related issues.

Orthotics are designed to reduce or control abnormal motion of the foot. Typically, foot-related pain will occur when the foot is attempting to compensate for an abnormal alignment of the foot or lower leg.  These compensations will manifest themselves into a variety of ailments including: plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, hammertoes, neuromas, shin splints (anterior tibial tendinitis), arch pain, sciatica, patella femoral syndrome, corns, calluses, early arthritic changes and so forth. A misaligned foot can cause an endless array of secondary problems.

Regular ultrasound therapy treatments can also work wonders when used in conjunction with orthotics or other treatment options.

You can benefit from custom orthotics if you're suffering from:

• Foot pain
• Knee pain
• Foot misalignment (including those with a high or low arch in their feet)

Is There a Difference Between Off-The-Shelf and Custom Plaster Cast Orthotics?

Most definitely! Grocery stores and drugstores often sell Off-the-shelf (OTS) devices and insoles. These can range from full-length memory foam insoles to small gel heel cups. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and usually have a “scientific”-looking brochure enclosed with them. Do not be fooled by the fancy marketing. OTC insoles are generic and are only marginally better than the original insoles that came with your shoes. OTS insoles are NOT the same as a custom orthotic. Orthotics are made to the specific properties of your foot. They are designed to realign and/or accommodate your foot deformity or misalignment and no one else's. Perhaps the only downsides of a plaster cast custom orthotic is the time required to create the orthotics and if a patient doesn't have a lot of control of their foot, it might be difficult for them to hold still. It can take anywhere between 3 to 6 weeks for your othotics to be delivered.

Benefits of Plaster Cast Custom Orthotics

It's accurate. A plaster cast can record the precise details of a patient's foot far more accurately than other methods. This can make it the best choice to assist in the treatment of certain ailments. Ones such as foot control issues or severe deformities require the capture of every subtle detail.

The foot is aligned. One downside of the impression foam method is that the foot must press down into the foam. This can cause some inaccuracies depending on how the foot flexes when it presses into the foam. A plaster casting, however, is made with the foot in a flat position. This way, the forefoot and heel are aligned.

Podiatrists, also known as Chiropodists can mark it. The outer surface of a plaster cast can hold a pencil or marker mark well. This way, the chiropodist can indicate which areas of the foot need relief. Lab workers can find this information useful as they make the foot orthotic.

Do Custom Orthotics Provide Long-Term Correction?

The short answer is no. Orthotics are able to control some of the motion of the foot while you are wearing them; however, once you stop wearing the orthotics, your foot will return to its original shape, and generally your pain will also return. For a long-term correction, an internal solution is required, such as HyProCure. 

Book an appointment to discuss having custom orthotics designed and fitted just for you.