ORTHOTICS
Orthotics are orthopedic devices that are used to alter or modify foot function and are designed to treat, adjust, and support various biomechanical foot disorders. The most effective orthotics are custom-made devices that are crafted to meet the specific needs of a particular individual. Custom orthotics are created using an impression of the foot called a cast, which duplicates any misalignments in foot structure. Using the cast and computer technology, technicians in an orthotic laboratory design a device that balances out deformities and corrects misalignments. It is important to remember that your feet are the foundation of your body. How your feet perform can affect how your skeletal body feels and performs. The stability and efficiency of the foot and ankle promote better foot health and overall body.
Who Needs a Foot Orthotic?
If required, all ages can benefit from a foot orthotic. From discomfort in the foot to severe problems such as diabetic foot ulcers, a foot orthotic can help a wide range of patients. A detailed assessment from a footwear and orthotic expert such as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist can confirm if a foot orthotic will assist a patient with a particular foot, leg, or even back problem.
What Does a Foot Orthotic Look Like?
The appearance of a foot orthotic depends on what condition it is designed to treat and with what type of shoe it will be worn. Canadian Certified Pedorthists work closely with their patients on an individual basis to determine the type of over-the-counter device or custom-made foot orthotic that is most appropriate. The type of device depends on many factors including the patient's lifestyle, athletic activities (i.e., walking, running), foot type, and the problems they are encountering.
Depending on its purpose, the size of a custom-made foot orthotic may vary significantly from being the full length of the foot to a short device that ends behind the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot). Smaller devices are usually designed to fit in shoes that do not have a removable inlay, such as dress shoes. A foot orthotic can be made from materials ranging from soft foam to hard plastic, as determined by your Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
Why Is It Important to Put a Foot Orthotic in Proper Footwear?
A shoe acts as a foundation for the foot and provides a stable base for a foot orthotic to sit on. It is imperative for the patient to wear appropriate footwear, as the footwear itself is an important treatment method. A foot orthotic can be rendered less effective by placing it within inferior footwear, as the shoe may work against the features of the orthotic. The foot orthotic is only as good as the shoe it goes into.
How Long Will a Foot Orthotic Last?
The lifespan of a foot orthotic varies from patient to patient. The materials used to make the foot orthotic, the patient's foot structure, current levels of activity, age and physical condition all have an impact on the lifespan of a foot orthotic. The lifespan of a foot orthotic should be measured not by when the finishing touches (the cover material) wear out but by how long it meets the foot's changing needs for support, correction and pressure redistribution. If your symptoms begin to return it is a good idea to have your orthotic reassessed to determine if modifications or a new device are necessary.
What’s the Difference Between an “Orthotic” and “Orthosis”?
They are the same – “orthosis” is the clinical term that physicians and healthcare providers may use, and “orthotic” is the more commonly used term by the general public.
