What are Custom Foot Orthotics?

In contrast to over the counter insoles, custom foot orthotics are prescribed following a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation. By addressing underlying gait imbalances, custom orthotics can effectively reduce abnormal forces on the feet, ankles, legs, knees, and lower back. This leads to improved alignment, stability, and shock absorption, promoting pain-free movement and enhanced overall function.  

Over the Counter, Prefabricated Insoles

Prefabricated, over the counter insoles are mass-produced insoles that provide general arch support and cushioning. They are designed to offer immediate relief for minor foot discomforts and less complicated biomechanical issues.

Choosing the Right Prefabricated Insole

Choosing the right prefabricated orthotic can be a challenging process for consumers, as many online descriptions and claims can be misleading or difficult to understand. Finding the correct prefab often involves trial and error to find the best solution for a specific condition.

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Which prefab is right for you?
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Modified Prefabs

Role of Healthcare Professionals in Modifying Prefabricated Insoles

Consulting a professional, such as a podiatrist or a certified pedorthist, can help ensure that you receive the correct prefab insole for your needs. These professionals can also modify the prefabricated device to enhance its effectiveness, a crucial step that requires expert knowledge and experience.

By seeking professional guidance, you can make more informed decisions and achieve better outcomes with prefabricated insoles.

When You Need Custom Orthotics

While prefabs can help alleviate mild pain and improve comfort, they are not tailored to an individual's specific foot structure or biomechanics and may not address the underlying cause of more complex conditions. If prefabricated insoles fail to alleviate pain or if a more complex biomechanical condition is present, transitioning to custom orthotics is recommended. That’s when it’s time to see a Podiatrist and or Certified Pedorthist for their expertise in fitting custom foot orthotics.

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Orthotics for flat foot
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Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom orthotics are highly personalized devices made from an impression of the foot. Advanced technology, such as a 3D scanning system, captures the exact contours of the foot. These contours are used to design an orthotic that matches the unique shape of each foot, as no two feet are exactly alike.

Custom orthotics are meticulously designed to not only alleviate excessive pressure on the feet and legs but also to absorb shock and redirect forces that can impact the knees, hips, and spine. By optimizing gait and providing targeted support, these orthotics can enhance performance in various activities while addressing a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions.

Sport-Specific Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics can be designed for the unique demands of specific sports:

  • Tennis, Pickleball, and Golf Orthotics: These sports require lateral (side-to-side) movements. Orthotics for these activities focus on stability and support during quick directional changes.
  • Everyday Activities (Walking): Orthotics for daily use provide overall foot support and improved alignment and can help prevent pain and fatigue associated with common musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Straight-Ahead Sports (Running and Cycling Orthotics): These orthotics are designed to optimize forward motion, enhance shock absorption, and help you walk further with less pain and fatigue.
A woman jumping over an obstacle in the gym.

Condition-Specific Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics can also be tailored to manage these and many other lower extremity conditions caused by specific biomechanical imbalances:

  • Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis: Provides the correct amount of arch support and cushioning to alleviate heel pain.
  • Orthotics for Neuromas: Reduces pressure on the forefoot through various corrections to relieve nerve pain.
  • Orthotics for Posterior Tibial Tendinitis: Supports the arch and prevents the strain on the tendon caused by abnormal pronation of the foot.
  • Orthotics for Peroneal Tendinitis: Stabilizes the foot to prevent abnormal supination (rolling outward) of the foot that is often responsible for this condition.
  • Orthotics for Arthritis (Foot, Ankle, Knee, Hip): Reduces stress on the joints by improved shock absorption and reduction of excessive joint movement.
  • Orthotics for Low Back Pain: Orthotics can be designed to correct abnormal foot and leg alignment that contribute to low back pain that occurs during walking.
  • Orthotics for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Orthotics can reduce abnormal forces that develop in your tibia (i.e. shin bone) during running.
  • Orthotics for Knee Arthritis: Orthotics can reduce stress on the knee joint by improving foot and leg alignment and improving shock absorption.
  • Orthotics for Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome: A common condition in runners, orthotics can reduce stress and torque on the knee, thereby reducing pain.
  • Orthotics for Iliotibial Band (IT band) Syndrome: Orthotics can improve stability and correct foot and leg alignment problems that contribute to stress and strain on the IT band.
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Footwear and it’s Role in Orthotic Effectiveness:

The effectiveness of foot orthotics is highly dependent on being paired with the right footwear. An orthotic can only support the foot effectively if the patient is fitted in the correct shoe. There is no one-size-fits-all shoe recommendation, as the ideal shoe choice varies based on individual biomechanics and the type of orthotic device.

Selecting the right shoe involves a careful evaluation of the person's foot structure, gait, and specific needs. Pairing a shoe with an orthotic requires a balance of support and cushioning, a science well-understood by podiatrists and board-certified pedorthists. With their expertise, professionals can ensure that the footwear enhances the orthotic's benefits, leading to improved comfort, support, and overall foot health.

Improved Patient Outcomes: Our Premier Orthotic Lab

When it comes to custom orthotics, choosing a premier lab with over 50 years of experience can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Our lab has been selected because of its proven track record of improving the lives of patients through meticulously crafted orthotic devices.

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3D foot scan

3D Scanning Technology:

Our lab partners utilize the latest technology available, including advanced 3D scanning systems, to ensure a precise fit and optimal functionality. This technology is based on the extremely accurate face ID technology of the iPhone and has been successfully used to produce large volumes of custom orthotics for over 4 years now.

Orthoticlink’s commitment to excellence extends to both patients and practitioners, providing confidence in the quality and efficacy of our orthotics. With decades of expertise, our top-tier lab is dedicated to delivering superior products that enhance comfort, correct biomechanical imbalances, and support overall foot and lower extremity health.