Orthotics are like structured insoles that are designed to support your feet and there are many different types available to suit your individual need.
Often orthotics are used to help improve the foot alignment and function to reduce pain or discomfort in the feet or legs. Orthotics are commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis, other heel pain.
Sometimes orthotics are used to help improve the function of a child’s feet or legs. This may include in-toe walking, tip toe walking, out-toe walking, to help with sensory processing issues or to help with gross motor developmental delay.
Orthotics can also be used to offload areas where there is too much pressure causing pain, corns or sores (including diabetic ulcers). People with rheumatoid arthritis often find this useful as changes occur to the structure of their foot.
Because orthotics can be used for so many different things, there are several different types available. These can be split into two main categories:
Because orthotics can be used for so many different things, there are several different types available. These can be split into two main categories:
- Custom Orthotics
- Prefabricated orthotics
Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet. We take a plaster cast of your feet and then make the orthotics specifically for the shape of your feet. This allows us to accommodate the specific needs of your feet. Custom orthotics can be made from a variety of different materials and covers to give you the level of support you need, while still maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Prefabricated orthotics are already made to accommodate the standard foot. These can them be modified to match your feet as best as possible. Prefabricated orthotics are useful where only a small amount of correction is needed or only temporary support for injury rehabilitation is required. Prefabricated orthotics also tend to be cheaper than custom orthotics and so are useful for children as their feet are constantly growing and they may not require much correction.
There are several types of prefabricated orthotics available and various materials can be used to make them. Some are rigid for stronger support and correction, while others are softer for less support and more offloading. Some are even heat mouldable.
At Fix podiatry, we can guide you towards the orthotic option that we believe will suit your needs and achieve the desired outcome the best.
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