How Are Custom Orthotics Made?

If you’re in a lot of pain whenever you stand, walk, or run, or you have a medical problem such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or arthritis, you may need custom orthotics. These custom-made inserts are tailored just for you and your health needs, and they can help get you the pain relief you need.

At Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Matthew Hinderland, DPM, Jordan Cameron, DPM, Trevor Whiting, DPM, and Joseph Fleck, DPM, offer custom-made orthotics for anyone who may need them. In this blog, we explain exactly what custom orthotics are and explore the whole custom orthotics process.

Explaining custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices that you place inside your footwear in order to correct issues with how you stand, walk, or run. They’re made to match your specific feet and fit all their contours. 

There are two different kinds of custom orthotics that we offer: rigid and accommodative. Rigid, or functional, orthotics are made from plastic or carbon fiber and are designed to help ease pain from aches and strains, as well as any pain in your lower legs that might come from shin splints or tendonitis. Accommodative orthotics are much softer and aim to help relieve pain from sore spots due to plantar fasciitis or diabetic ulcers. 

The custom orthotics process

To begin, our team of podiatrists determines if custom orthotics are right for you. If you suffer from any type of chronic pain in your feet and legs, and conservative methods of treatment have been unsuccessful, custom orthotics are probably right for you.

Our team then gives your feet and legs a thorough exam to figure out what kind of orthotics are best for you. We examine your gait, and we take note of how your hips, legs, and ankles move as you walk. We also take your medical history into account.

The next step is to take 3D impressions of your feet and ankles. These impressions are then uploaded into special software before they’re sent off to a laboratory to be constructed.

As these orthotics are made for your podiatric problems, the goal of wearing them is to ease any pain and discomfort you’re experiencing. Depending on the type of custom orthotics that you end up getting, you may need to purchase special footwear they can fit into.

Next steps

If you suffer from foot and ankle pain, or even lower back pain, custom orthotics might be your best next step. To learn if custom orthotics are right for you, contact our team to schedule a consultation. You can do this over the phone or online today.