Orthotics
What
are Orthotics?
The term "orthotic" can refer to almost any device which
is worn inside a shoe. Items called "orthotics" are available
from physicians, other medical professionals, in shoe stores, infomercials,
retail stores and even at trade shows. There are three very different
types of "orthotics" - custom, customized and
off-the-shelf. The educated consumer should be aware of each type.
Custom functional foot orthotics are prescription medical devices
made from custom molds of your feet. The physician takes into consideration
many factors when both acquiring your foot impressions and when writing
your personal orthtotic prescription. The laboratory then creates
the orthotic to control the alignment and function of the foot in
order to treat and/or prevent injury-causing force on bones, joints,
tendons and ligaments. They can also act to redistribute pressure
on the bottom of the foot to relieve pain from excessive pressure
or calluses.
Another type of foot orthotic is known as "customized"
rather than "custom." These devices can be difficult to
distinguish from custom foot orthotics and, unfortunately, are sometimes
marketed as authentic custom foot orthotics. Typically the orthotic
is made by adding extra components to a pre-manufactured insole. Sadly,
patients are often told that these are custom - and charged
a custom orthotic price.
Off-the-shelf orthotics or "arch supports" are usually
found in retail stores. Like everything else, some are better than
others. And one brand might work well for your feet while another
brand works well for your friend's feet. Quality off-the-shelf
orthotics usually cost $30.00 - $50.00.
How Does a Custom Orthotic work?
In general most foot pain is the result of a faulty relationship between
the bones and muscles of the foot. Even the slightest misalignment
can result in significant discomfort.
Orthotics realigns the structures of the foot and leg to prevent bone
mal-alignment as well as muscle, tendon, and ligament fatigue. They
are often used after surgery to help stop the recurrence of foot deformities.
How Does an Orthotic Work in Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
The primary purpose of orthotic therapy in most foot and ankle problems
is to reduce abnormal force on the body structure that is being injured.
In the case of plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome, the primary problem
is excessive tension on the plantar fascia. Thus, in this situation,
the primary function of custom orthotics should be to decrease tension
on the plantar fascia. In other foot problems, the primary function
of the orthotic will be different as will the orthotic prescription.
Below are some links to some labs our doctors commonly use to custom
create your orthotics:
http://www.solesupports.com/
http://www.integrityortho.com/
http://www.nwpodiatric.com/
http://ace.wonderarch.com/
