Orthotics, unlike typical shoe inserts, are prescribed by a podiatrist to help provide your feet with cushion and support. They can also aid in correcting a specific foot condition that you may be dealing with. Conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and flat feet can highly benefit from the use of orthotics, and orthotics may assist you in alleviating pain that often comes with those ailments.
Orthotics can come in many different shapes and sizes and can be made from different types of materials. The purpose of a custom orthotic is for it to match your specific needs. Some orthotics may be rigid or functional, while others are soft and accommodative. Rigid orthotics are made to help ease foot aches and strains, and they’re made from harder materials like plastic or carbon fiber. Soft orthotics serve to take the pressure off of uncomfortable areas of the feet, such as sores or foot ulcers. This type of orthotic is typically made from soft, compression materials.
Custom orthotics are made to mold to your feet and should fit your shoes perfectly. If you feel like the orthotic isn’t fitted properly, it’s extremely important you let your podiatrist know right away so they can assist in getting you as comfortable as possible.
In order to ensure your orthotic is doing its job, it’s recommended that you keep a healthy line of communication with your podiatrist and visit at their requested schedule. Doing this will keep track of gradual improvement and will allow you to discuss any possible adjustments needed. If you feel orthotics are a treatment option for you, we recommend you meet with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss how to improve your foot health.
Custom Orthotics Q & A
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are medical devices the team at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists uses to treat foot problems. The practice has a 3D laser scanner so they can provide you with the right orthotic for your foot problem.
Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists provides functional and accommodative orthotics.
Functional orthotics
The team uses functional orthotics to correct abnormal foot mechanics. These types of orthotics are made from rigid material that supports the foot to improve its structure and function.
Accommodative orthotics
The team at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists uses accommodative orthotics to cushion and support the foot. These types of orthotics are made from soft materials and may ease painful corns or stop the skin from rubbing against shoes and forming corns.
What conditions benefit from custom orthotics?
The skilled podiatrists use custom orthotics to conservatively treat mechanical foot problems. The team aims to use custom orthotics to place your foot into its neutral position. This is like prescription eyeglasses that give you 20/20 vision.
Some of the conditions that benefit from custom orthotics at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Flat feet
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: Inflammation of the calf tendon
- Running and athletic injuries
- Shin splints
- Biomechanical foot conditions: Fallen arches, overpronation
- Morton’s neuroma
- Pediatric Sever's disease: Heel pain
- Tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Diabetic foot ulcers
Many patients who get custom orthotics from Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists are surprised that the orthotics can control their foot problem without surgery.
What happens during a custom orthotics evaluation?
The team at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists provides a comprehensive exam when you come in for your custom orthotics evaluation. First, they ask about your foot or ankle concerns, the types of shoes you wear, and your usual activities.
They examine your feet and may take X-rays or CT scans to look for deformities or other foot problems. Once they understand your foot and ankle needs, the team uses 3D laser scanning to create a perfect digital image of your feet.
The digital scanner then uses this image to make your custom orthotic. Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists partners with Northwest Podiatric Laboratory (NWPL) for your custom orthotics so you get the thinnest, most durable, and comfortable orthotic possible.
All custom orthotics from Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists reposition your feet to their perfect position, allowing it to function normally again.
To schedule your custom orthotics evaluation, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists, or schedule an appointment online today.
