This Foot Orthotics Guide Covers Everything From the Initial Consultation to Your Final Fitting
Millions of Americans either struggle with chronic foot pain or will develop it at some point in their lives. Considering how much we use our feet for daily activities, exercise, and recreation, it’s no surprise that it’s such a common problem.
What is surprising is there’s a solution some people overlook: custom orthotics. These are tailor made shoe inserts that provide targeted support and cushion to the areas of your feet that need it most, helping reduce pain and discomfort while improving your mobility.
After reviewing whether custom orthotics are worth the investment, we’ll delve into what it’s like to get foot orthotics in a step-by-step guide.
Are Custom Orthotics Worth It?
If you’ve struggled with foot, knee, or hip pain in the past, chances are you switched to more supportive footwear or bought shoe inserts at your local pharmacy.
For some people, this makes a world of difference. However, if you have a severe or chronic foot condition, custom orthotics are the best way to find permanent relief and support.
Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics are tailored to your unique anatomy and needs using detailed measurements of your feet. This makes foot orthotics the ideal choice for addressing plantar fasciitis, flat feet, arthritis, sports-related injuries, deformities, and other foot conditions. Foot orthotics are also ideal for neck and back pain that originates from a foot issue. For many people with these conditions, custom orthotics are worth it!
Here’s what to expect from your custom orthotics.
- You could get targeted pain relief. Foot orthotics alleviate discomfort by promoting proper alignment and relieving pressure points.
- You may enjoy improved mobility. Custom orthotics support your specific walking gait, helping you achieve pain-free and more natural movement.
- You may prevent your condition from worsening. Foot orthotics prevent further complications by reducing pressure on sensitive areas and providing support where it’s needed.
- You won’t need to buy a new set for a long time. Custom orthotics are made from high-quality materials and last much longer than generic shoe inserts. With proper care, foot orthotics can last up to five years.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics and prosthetics are two medical solutions most associated with promoting pain-free mobility. Here’s what you can expect when working with a licensed orthotist near you.
Initial Consultation
Your first step is meeting with a licensed orthotist or healthcare professional specializing in orthotics. During this meeting, you and your provider will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to understand your needs and goals.
Foot Examination
Next, your orthotist will thoroughly examine your feet, looking for foot deformities – like hammertoes, bunions, or flat feet, pressure points, and signs of misalignment. This step helps identify the root cause of your discomfort, pain, and balance issues.
Gait Analysis
Learning how you walk and move is one of the most important parts of designing and fabricating custom orthotics. Your orthotist will analyze your gait, observing how you distribute weight across your feet as you walk. This assessment highlights issues like pronation, supination, and uneven weight distribution. Pronation occurs when your feet roll inward as you walk; supination occurs when your feet roll outward.
Foot Impressions and Scans
Next, your orthotist will take impressions or 3D scans to capture the unique contours and dimensions of your feet. This ensures a precise fit that provides optimal support and comfort.
Custom Orthotics Fabrication
Using the data collected, your custom orthotics will be crafted in a specialized off-site facility. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made from high-grade, durable materials that can endure years of daily wear before requiring replacement.
The fabrication process takes about four to six weeks. Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the order and the manufacturing facility’s workload.
Final Fitting and Adjustments
When your custom orthotics are finished and sent to your orthotist, you’ll return for a final fitting appointment. Your orthotist will confirm your foot orthotics comfortably fit in your shoes and make any necessary adjustments. They’ll also provide guidance on how to use and care for them.
The benefits of custom orthotics aren’t immediate. You may experience slight pain or discomfort in your feet as you adjust. It may also take several weeks before you are completely comfortable and mobile using foot orthotics for a full day. Orthotists refer to this as “the break-in period.”
Your orthotist will tell you what to expect as a new orthotics user, including red flags that indicate your orthotics require an adjustment.
Step Into a Personalized Solution That Supports Your Comfort and Mobility
Custom orthotics are worth it when you consider the immediate and long-term benefits they deliver. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are specially designed with your unique foot shape, walking gait, and pressure points in mind. This makes orthotics the ideal choice when managing painful foot conditions that affect your mobility.
Take the first step into a more comfortable and pain-free year by contacting a custom orthotics and prosthetics specialist near you.