GENERAL INFORMATION ON ORTHOTIC 

What is an Orthotic for the foot?

An orthotic is a device that is placed in a shoe under the foot. It can be provide a number of benefits to the foot during standing, walking and running. These include:

• Distributing forces across the bottom of the feet more evenly.

  • For example, someone with a painful callus on the bottom of their foot can experience relief of pain with an orthotic. The device can be constructed to shift or move forces away from the painful area of the foot.

• Controlling excessive movements of the feet.

  • Individuals experiencing pain from collapsed arches may have less pain in an orthotic device designed to control and re-position their feet.

  • Controlling foot movements can also reduce stress and pain in the leg, knee, hip and lower back.

  • Reducing the degree of abnormal wear patterns on shoe gear.

• Improving balance and control of the body during activities.

Non-custom  or Over-the-counter  arch supports

A device or insole that can be placed in the shoe in place of the liner that comes with a shoe. The non-custom or over-the-counter orthotic (better termed an insert) has a shape or fit that is generic or not unique to the individuals feet. This type of device is designed to fit feet with a average height arch and with a more classic shape through the arch. These types of devices will not always be comfortable nor will they be universally effective at reducing foot pain. In general these devices will last anywhere from 3 to 8 months depending on how they are constructed and how often you wear them.

Custom Constructed Orthotic Devices

A custom orthotic is one that is built specifically to your foot. Generally, our doctors will either take a non-weight bearing cast (Plaster  CASTING A PATIENT) of your foot or we can also scan your foot with our "Tomcat" device (laser scan with TOMCAT). The "Tomcat" laser scans the bottom of your foot while the doctor positions the foot in appropriate alignment. Whether we take a cast of your foot or laser scan it, our primary objective is to capture the unique shape of your foot in its most ideal position. The cast or scanned image of your feet, along with a unique prescription filled out by your doctor is sent to one of our Orthotic Laboratories for production of your orthotics.

Once You Get Your Devices

When you come back to our office to pick up your new devices there are several things you must be know. You will need to remove the liner in your shoe and replace it with your new orthotic. If you do not do this you may find the shoe somewhat tight around your foot with both the insert and the orthotic in the shoe together. In some cases, even with the liner removed, your new orthotic may  take up more room in your shoe. Generally, the liner that comes with a shoe is very thin. The result is a tight fit around your foot with your new orthotic in place. In some cases you will need to take your orthotics with you when you go to purchase a new shoe to assure an appropriate fit of your foot and the orthotic in the shoe.

You will need to increase the time you wear your new orthotics over a period of 3 to 6 weeks. The break-in period can vary from person to person.As the device has to rebalance your entire body and undo years of habbit   Do not expect the device to feel perfect when you first put them in. In some cases this will happen, but do not get discouraged if it does not. Your feet may need some time to become accustomed to having a greater degree of support, especially if your feet are quite collapsed.

Our nursing staff will provide specific instructions on how to increase the time in your orthotics.

Do Your Orthotics Wear-out?

Over time, especially with more continuous usage, your orthotics may become worn and tattered. The cover materials either on top or on across the bottom of the device may start to become thin or separate from the inner shell of the device. In most cases these covering materials can be replaced either by our  staff or in some cases we will send the orthotics back to the Laboratory where they were manufactured and be re-built. The cost to repair your orthotics can vary. You can speak with our nursing staff to find out how long it but the 1st recover is free when you purchase with Soft Soles Podiatry