Custom Orthotics

Do your feet hurt? Is there pain in your forefoot, arch or heel? Do you feel like your feet need more support? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, orthotics may be the answer for you!

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 for moral syndrome, corns, calluses, early arthritic changes and so forth. A misaligned foot can cause an endless array of secondary problems.

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

• foot and ankle pain/li>
• knee pain
• hip pain
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica
• 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. OTS insoles are generic and are only marginally better than the original insoles that came with your shoes. OTS insoles are not the same as custom orthotics. Orthotics are made to the specific properties and shape of your foot. They are designed to realign and/or accommodate your foot deformity or misalignment. Custom-made orthotics are made to your unique foot profile. Once a plaster mould has been taken of your foot it generally takes 2 to 3 weeks for your orthotics to be manufactured.

Benefits of Plaster Cast Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are accurate. A plaster cast can record the precise details of a patient’s foot far more accurately than any other method.

The foot is correctly aligned. Since plaster casting is generally performed when the patient is in a non-weight-bearing position, it allows the chiropodist to properly align the forefoot and heel with the lower leg. This position is known as the subtalar neutral position. Only in this position is the foot properly aligned which ultimately yields a better 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 but only when you are wearing them. Orthotics are like eyeglasses. They are an external medical device that works only when you are wearing them. When you stop wearing your glasses your blurry vision returns. This is very similar to wearing your orthotics. Orthotics do not fix or cure your feet, they only manage the misalignment. However, with proper shoes and a well-made orthotic your pain can be effectively managed to the point that your symptoms will resolve. If you are looking for a long-term correction, an internal solution is required such as HyProCure. HyProCure works by addressing the problem internally, and in many situations, an orthotic is no longer required.

Contact us or book an appointment online to discuss having custom orthotics designed and fitted just for you.