Custom Orthotics
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription devices made specifically for your feet and designed to fit inside your shoes. Unlike standard over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are prescribed based on an assessment of your foot structure, joint movement and the way your feet function when standing and walking.
Orthotics can be designed to improve support, redistribute pressure and influence the way forces move through the foot during walking or activity. Depending on the problem being treated, they may help reduce stress on painful areas, improve foot mechanics and make standing, walking or exercise more comfortable.
Custom orthotics are not necessary for every foot problem. At Alberta Family Podiatry, we first assess the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend orthotics when they are likely to provide a meaningful benefit.
Conditions That May Benefit From Custom Orthotics
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Flat feet and excessive pronation
- High-arched feet
- Bunions and other forefoot problems
- Metatarsalgia and pain under the ball of the foot
- Arthritis and painful joints
- Tendon problems, including Achilles and posterior tibial tendon conditions
- Recurrent pressure areas or calluses
- Certain sports- and activity-related foot problems
Orthotics do not treat every condition in the same way, and having one of these problems does not necessarily mean that custom orthotics are required. An examination can help determine whether abnormal foot mechanics or pressure are contributing to your symptoms and whether orthotics are likely to be beneficial.
Could Custom Orthotics Help Your Foot Pain?
Schedule an appointment with Alberta Family Podiatry to find out whether custom orthotics may be appropriate for your condition. Call us at 587-355-3992 or use the text button on this page to contact our clinic.
How Custom Orthotics Work
Custom orthotics work by changing the way pressure and forces are distributed through the foot when standing, walking or running. Depending on the design, an orthotic can support certain areas of the foot, reduce excessive movement, improve stability or relieve pressure from painful structures.
The goal is not simply to support the arch. Orthotics can be designed to address specific mechanical problems identified during your examination. Small changes in the way the foot functions can influence how forces are transferred through the heel, arch, forefoot and toes.
Because every patient’s foot structure and mechanics are different, the design of a custom orthotic can vary considerably. The type of device, materials, amount of correction and cushioning are selected according to the condition being treated, your activity level and the footwear in which the orthotics will be used.
How We Make Your Custom Orthotics
The process begins with an examination of your feet and an assessment of your foot structure, joint movement and walking mechanics. If custom orthotics are recommended, the prescription is designed specifically for the condition and mechanical factors identified during your examination.
We use a 3D digital foot scanner to create an accurate three-dimensional scan of your feet. This provides the detailed measurements and contours needed to manufacture your orthotics without the need for traditional plaster casting.
Your digital scan and individualized orthotic prescription are then sent to a local orthotic laboratory in Calgary, where the devices are manufactured according to our specifications. The materials, support, correction and cushioning can be customized based on your foot mechanics, activity level, footwear and the condition being treated.
Once your orthotics are completed, they are fitted to your feet and footwear to make sure they are comfortable and functioning as intended.
Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Insoles
Over-the-counter insoles can provide additional cushioning and support and may be appropriate for some patients with mild symptoms or general foot fatigue. They are manufactured in standard sizes and shapes and are designed to accommodate a broad range of feet.
Custom orthotics are different because they are prescribed for the individual patient. Their design is based on an examination of your foot structure and mechanics, a 3D scan of your feet, and the specific problem being treated. This allows the amount and location of support, correction, pressure relief and cushioning to be customized.
A custom device is not always necessary. When an over-the-counter insole is likely to provide adequate support, we can recommend that option. Custom orthotics are generally considered when a more individualized approach is needed to address a particular mechanical problem, painful condition or pressure area.
Getting Used to Your Custom Orthotics
New custom orthotics often require a short adjustment period while your feet and body become accustomed to the changes in support and foot mechanics. We generally recommend wearing them for shorter periods at first and gradually increasing the amount of time they are worn each day.
Some mild pressure or muscle fatigue can occur during the adjustment period, but the orthotics should not cause significant or persistent pain. If an area feels uncomfortable or the devices do not fit properly in your footwear, contact our clinic rather than continuing to wear them through significant discomfort.
Custom orthotics can be adjusted after they are made. If necessary, we can modify the fit, cushioning or other aspects of the device to improve comfort and function.
For additional information about Podiatry and foot health in Canada, visit the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association.
