Custom Orthotics
Orthotics are insoles that can be put into a pair of shoes to help correct foot alignment issues, reducing foot pain, fatigue and inflammation. Chronic foot malalignment can contribute to lower back, hip and knee pain as they body compensates for the lack of support from the feet. There are many different types of orthotics, the two main categories are off the shelf orthotics and custom orthotics.
Off the shelf orthotics can be purchased in many sports and outdoor stores; however, these types of orthotics are not specific to a patient's foot and may not meet their unique needs. Off the shelf orthotics have many benefits though and are a great product for patients with minor foot pain and no significant foot injuries. Patient with long standing foot pain, collapsed or high foot arches, bunions, hammer toes or more complex foot and ankle pain and injuries, may require a custom orthotics.
Conditions that may benefit from Custom Orthotics
Plantar Fasciitis
Foot & Heel Pain
Mortons Neuroma
High or Low Foot Arches
Bunions
Lower Back Pain
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Chronic Ankle Sprains
Occupations requiring prolonged standing
This list is not exhaustive. Other conditions also benefit from custom orthotics.
What to Expect
A full medical history will be taken along with a discussion of a patients symptoms, sports activities and occupation demands. What shoes the patient will be wearing the custom orthotics in will be reviewed, as there are a wide variety of orthotics for different shoes and sports.
A complete assessment of the feet and lower body will be completed including: gait analysis (walking), foot and ankle mobility and strength, pelvis alignment, and hip and knee mobility. Functional movements such as squatting and standing on one foot, may be evaluated as well to get a complete overall picture of how a patients feet and lower body are functioning.
Plaster casts of a patients feet will be made with the ankle and foot in an ideal biomechanical alignment. Once the casts have dried on the patients feet, they are removed and a 3D model of each patients unique foot remains. Custom orthotics are made from these casts at Paris Orthotics.
The casting process can be slightly messy. Please wear or bring shorts to the appointment for the assessment and the casting process.
Orthotics Assessment
Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics assist in supporting and realigning the bones in the feet and ankle joints. When the foot is out of alignment, the rest of the body has to compensate which can contribute to lower back, knee, and hip pain. Patients that spend a lot of time standing on their feet at their job are more at risk of developing these compensations, which can lead to other injuries and pain.
Custom orthotics have many benefits such as: reduced foot pain and inflammation, correction of foot alignment, reduced foot and lower leg fatigue, reduction in strain on pelvis hips and knees.
Custom Orthotics
If you have further questions or concerns regarding custom orthotics, please contact the clinic.
For more information on custom orthotics, please visit: Paris Orthotics