What are custom made orthotics?
Custom made orthotics are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical problems with how you stand, walk, or run.
If you regularly experience foot, leg, or lower back pain as a result of a medical condition such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, or sciatica, custom made orthotics are worth considering. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they might even help you avoid surgery.
Who can benefit from custom made orthotics?
Anyone who regularly experiences chronic pain that affects the feet or legs is probably a good candidate for custom made orthotics. At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, the providers regularly prescribe custom made orthotics to:
- Correct foot deformities
- Improve foot and ankle function
- Provide ankle support
- Reduce the risk of future injuries
To be clear, custom made orthotics aren’t the same as inserts or heel pads that you buy at a drugstore. They’re highly customized and designed to support the unique curvatures of your feet and ankle.
What conditions can custom made orthotics treat?
Custom made orthotics are incredibly versatile and can ease pain caused by a variety of conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Lower back pain
- Bunions
- Bursitis
- Diabetes
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
- Plantar fasciitis
You might also benefit from custom made orthotics if you have underdeveloped foot and leg muscles, or your doctor discovers structural concerns, like one leg being shorter than the other.
Are there different types of custom made orthotics?
The providers at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado offer several types of orthotics including:
Rigid orthotics
Rigid orthotics are made of carbon fiber or plastic. They’re hard, inflexible, and designed to ease foot pain caused by strains or lower back pain. Rigid orthotics are also skinny, allowing them to fit comfortably inside of close-toed shoes and low heels.
Accommodative orthotics
Accommodative orthotics are soft, padded, and made from cushion-like materials. They’re designed to take pressure off of uncomfortable sore spots and to ease conditions like diabetic ulcers and plantar fasciitis. Because of their size, you usually wear accommodative orthotics with prescription footwear.
What is the process for getting custom made orthotics?
Prior to getting custom made orthotics, your Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado provider physically examines your feet and ankles and reviews your medical history. Next, your doctor takes a series of 3-D impressions of your feet and ankles.
Your doctor uploads these impressions to a software program and sends them to a laboratory. The laboratory manufactures your custom orthotics to the unique shape and structure of your feet, ensuring they fit comfortably and ease the pain.
If you regularly experience foot, ankle, or back pain, you may benefit from treatment with custom made orthotics. Request an appointment at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado today by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.
