Custom Orthotics

What Is An Orthotic?

A custom Molded Orthotic device is a specialized shoe insert that is tailor-made for the individual’s foot type, type of activity, and footwear style. With the proper accommodations specific to the need and activity of the person, the orthotic will alleviate unnecessary stresses and strains along with ground reactive forces that are the primary cause of pain and injury not only in the foot and ankle but also in the knees and hips and the lower back. By using the most advanced methods in computer scanning and 3D imagery while manually manipulating the foot and ankle in the desired weight-bearing position, we are able to duplicate the most exact position for the most optimal gait pattern.

Why does an individual need custom-molded orthotic devices
As a person walks, jogs, runs, sprints, or simply stands, reactive forces are driven into the foot and ankle and knee, hip, and lower back by two to three times the weight of the patient based on momentum and force. You have to keep in mind that the ground does not move but the foot which acts as a mobile adapter to the specific terrain or activity is directly affected by this force which is then translated to the ankle knee hip and lower back. The proper custom-molded orthotic device creates an even platform as well as the accommodations and padding needed for the person and activity. In many ways, it acts like a cushion that softens the forces driven into the foot and ankle. This makes daily living which constitutes some sort of strain and stress on the body comfortable as well pain-free while preventing injuries from occurring.

Our insoles have more miles than your car.

Custom Orthotics Process 

The proper steps and methods of individual assessment and the preparation of the custom orthotic.

Each individual is unique to their own biomechanics and pattern of gait as well as weight, height, gender, and age. The activities that the individual chooses also make the person very unique. When taking the initial steps in assessing the patient based on their pain pattern, balance issue, deformity, or simply preventing future problems some basic steps have to be followed.

1. The initial patient interview, which focuses on activity level, foot structure, types of footwear worn, height, weight and age is extremely important for providing a road map to creating a successful custom-molded orthotic device.
2. Weigh bearing assessment which includes gait analysis, balance testing, and strength testing is also extremely important in sculpting the successful custom orthotic device.
3. Joint mobility, flexibility, range of motion as well as knee, hip and lower back position when walking.
4. Prone analysis of the foot and identifying the landmarks of the foot while capturing the subtler neutral position of the foot and ankle and its relation to the knees hips and lower back.
5. Identifying any limb length discrepancy with the proper technique and measurement compared to the other limb.
6. 3D digital computer scanning while the individual is in weight-bearing position and the foot is being manipulated and placed in the exact position needed for optimal effectiveness in gait pattern.
7. Marking of prominences and areas of discomfort and incorporating them into the on into the digital scan.
8. Having a close relationship with the lab making the orthotic devices and an open means of communication with the lab
9. Proper fitting of the orthotic to the patient once the devices arrive.
10. Making any changes necessary to make the patient comfortable if the initial orthotic is not exact.