"Why Custom Orthotics Are Worth the Investment"
Custom orthotics are a prescribed medical device from a medical practitioner, usually a podiatrist. Custom means, the podiatrist uses casts, impressions, or scans the foot to perfectly capture it’s outline. A podiatrist-designed orthotic will assist the alignment and function of your foot. These orthotics will treat or prevent abnormal motion, or rolling, of the foot.
Someone with a specific need, or a problem such as a severely flat foot, will benefit from custom prescription orthotics. While more of an investment, they generally last longer than the off the shelf (OTC) or pre-made kind you get from the retail shops. Also, having the right orthotic for your foot type that are tailored to your individual needs. Custom orthotics are constructed with superior materials that are durable, light weight, and cushioned and long lasting. Whereas, OTS orthotics are pre-fabricated innersoles made from rubber, flexible plastic and tend to loose their integrity quickly.
Custom orthotics can be used to address a variety of foot and lower limb issues, including:
Sporting injuries (sprains and tendinopathies)
Arthritis and joint pain
Excess callus/corn formation
Digital deformities (bunions and hammertoes)
Benefits:
Reduce muscle fatigue: If tissue goes unsupported, you’ll lose stability, which could lead to over-pronation and fallen arches.
Pain reduction: Can help those with arthritis, diabetes, and chronic pain by improving gait and reducing muscle and ligament strain
Offloads high pressure area: helping prevent excess skin formation
Injury prevention: Extra support for your feet and ankles reduces your risk of further foot or ankle injuries, including fractures and sprains.
Prevention of progression of digital deformities: Custom orthotics can help with the management of bunions by reducing pain, improving function and deterring the progression of the bunion deformities
If you're experiencing foot or lower limb issues, consult a healthcare professional to determine whether custom foot orthotics could be a suitable solution for you. Orthotics may be the way to go to get relief, but a proper diagnosis is always recommended to make sure there isn’t any underlying health concerns.
