Could Custom Foot Orthotics Help You Move Better?

Let's dive into the world of custom foot orthotics. These specialized devices go far beyond simple drugstore arch supports; they are medically prescribed supports engineered precisely for your unique feet and how they interact with the ground.

What They Are:

Custom Foot Orthotics are individually crafted medical supports designed to fit your feet much more effectively and provide more targeted function/accomodation than generic, over-the-counter (OTC) inserts.

How They Help / Function:

The main purpose of custom orthotics is to address and improve your foot's biomechanics – the way your foot moves and functions during activities like walking or running. They are designed to:

• Provide support to feet that may not be functioning optimally from a mechanical standpoint.

• Help control abnormal or inefficient foot motion.

• Correct underlying biomechanical imbalances that can affect not just your feet, but potentially your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

• Re-establish a more even distribution of weight and pressure across the soles of your feet.

• Improve your body's overall alignment and efficiency, starting from the ground up.

The Process in Creating True Custom Orthotics:

Obtaining genuine custom foot orthotics involves a thorough and specific clinical process, ensuring the device meets your individual requirements:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: It starts with our Chiropodist performing a detailed clinical biomechanical evaluation. This involves assessing your feet both while standing still (static) and while walking (dynamic gait analysis).

2. Precise Casting: Our Chiropodist will take accurate 3D casts or impressions of your feet. Importantly, this is done while your feet are held in a specific "neutral" or corrected position, typically using a non-weight-bearing technique to capture the foot's optimal structure without distortion from body weight.

3. Laboratory Craftsmanship: The detailed casts, along with the Chiropodist's specific prescription derived from your evaluation, are sent to a professional orthotics laboratory.

4. Personal Fitting: Once your custom orthotics are ready, they are sent back to our clinic. You'll have a fitting appointment where the Chiropodist ensures they fit properly within your footwear and provides instructions for their use.

5. Adaptation Period: Getting used to the new support often involves a gradual break-in period. As your feet and body adapt, the goal is improved biomechanical alignment and function. Many patients find that once accustomed, the improved comfort and support make them feel essential for daily activities!

Key Takeaways about Custom Foot Orthotics:

• What they are: Prescribed medical devices, custom-made to support and enhance the function of your specific feet.

• Purpose: Aimed at correcting biomechanical issues, controlling abnormal foot movement, redistributing pressure evenly, and improving overall body alignment and efficiency.

• The "Custom" Difference: Genuine custom orthotics necessitate a detailed biomechanical assessment by a qualified Chiropodist and precise, non-weight-bearing 3D casting – setting them apart from pre-fabricated OTC inserts.

• Process: Involves a clinical evaluation, specific casting methods, prescription-based lab fabrication, and a professional fitting.

• Goal: To optimize foot and lower limb biomechanics, potentially alleviating pain and improving comfort during daily activities and sports.

Getting Custom Orthotics:

If you are suffering with foot, ankle, knee, hip, or even lower back discomfort, custom orthotics could be a beneficial part of your treatment plan. Here at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic in Toronto, we are committed to the rigorous clinical process required to provide truly custom orthotics tailored to your individual needs. This always includes a comprehensive biomechanical assessment and precise, non-weight-bearing casting. We invite you to book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and determine if custom foot orthotics are an appropriate solution for you.