Custom Orthotics

>> Dress Shoe Orthotics

 

Custom Foot Orthotics

The Entire Podiatry Clinics take great pride in the orthotic therapy we offer our patients.

What are Custom Orthotics?
A custom orthotic is typically made from a precise plaster cast of your feet. The podiatrist will hold the patient’s foot in a specific position while making the plaster cast in order to achieve the appropriate alignment and function. This plaster cast is then used to make a custom orthotic specific for your feet.   Just as contact lenses or glasses improve vision, orthotics will help your podiatrist improve your foot function.  They can be used to relieve pain, improve skeletal alignment or improve the function of your foot and lower limb.
Depending on the purpose of the device, it may be made of a hard, soft or a combination of materials. Hard (rigid) orthotics are typically used to control function and give support. Soft orthotics are designed for shock absorption, as well as relief from pressure and friction.
Orthotics are designed to fit in just about any type of shoe including dress shoes, athletic shoes and work boots. They can even be made to work in ski boots or ice skates.

What are Orthotics Designed to do?
Depending on the design, orthotics can cushion and support your foot by redistributing the pressure areas on your feet. They can also be designed to support and improve the alignment of the bones in your feet and legs. Improper foot alignment can lead to a wide variety of foot, knee, and lower back problems. By improving the alignment the body is able to function more efficiently with less stress on the muscles and ligaments that hold you together. Many different styles and types of orthotics can be designed in order to alleviate various types of pain in the feet, knees, hips and lower back. These can range from soft flexible types to very rigid types.

Manufacturing Custom Orthotics

The proper manufacturing of custom orthotics is an essential component in determining proper patient fit as well as patient acceptance.  This process determines whether or not you receive quality devices that will best treat your condition.  As with everything, there are well-made orthotics and poorly-made orthotics.  The ability of an orthotic device to eliminate your pain is dependent on the quality of the orthotics.  The quality of the orthotics is dependent on three primary steps:

1. The cast of your feet.
2. The prescription the podiatrists writes (based on the examination and the podiatrists knowledge and experience).
3. The work of the orthotic lab in producing your orthotics.

What Entire Podiatry Offers Patients who require Orthotics >>