Do you often find yourself experiencing foot pain after a long day on your feet? Or maybe you struggle with posture or want to enhance your athletic performance? Custom orthotics may be the solution.
This blog post explores why custom orthotics may be necessary, how they benefit your feet, and how to them.
Custom orthotics are specially designed inserts inside your shoes to support and correctly align your feet. They are built custom to your feet to address any specific issues you may be experiencing. While over-the-counter shoe inserts can provide some relief, they often lack the precision and support that custom orthotics offer.
There are several reasons why you might need custom orthotics:
The benefits of custom orthotics extend beyond just relieving pain and discomfort. Below are some ways they can improve the health and function of your feet:
Improved support
Custom orthotic insoles provide support where you need it most, whether in the arches, heels, or balls of your feet. This added support can help distribute pressure and reduce strain on muscles and ligaments.
Better alignment
By correcting misalignments in the feet, custom insoles can help improve overall body alignment, leading to better posture and reduced risk of injury.
Enhanced shock absorption
Custom orthotics are made from materials that offer superior shock absorption, helping to cushion your feet and joints from the impact of walking, running, or jumping.
Overuse injury prevention
Overuse injuries are a common concern. Orthotics can help prevent these injuries by providing stability and support to the feet, reducing the risk of strain and overuse.
Getting custom orthotics is straightforward. You can expect the following while being fitted for custom orthotics:
1. Schedule a foot assessment
The first step is to schedule a foot assessment with a chiropodist or foot specialist who can assess your feet and discuss your needs and concerns.
2. Physical Exam
During the assessment, your feet are examined to identify issues such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns. If you have pain or foot concerns, let your chiropodist know. It also helps to inform your chiropodist about any activities or sports you engage in regularly plus the footwear you own and wear.
3. Gait analysis
A video gait analysis helps evaluate how you walk or run to identify biomechanical issues contributing to your foot pain or discomfort. The gait analysis is part of a biomechanical assessment, which also includes a range of motion and weight-bearing assessment. All three help create a more comprehensive overview of your feet.
4. Customization
Based on the assessment and analysis findings, your orthotics are designed to address your unique foot structure and alignment issues. Casting captures the foot in a subtalar joint neutral position. At Feet First Clinic, chiropodists use plaster, 3D scanning or foam to cast your feet.
5. Fitting
Once the orthotics are made, you return to the specialist for a fitting. The chiropodist will ensure the orthotics fit comfortably inside your shoes and provide the necessary support and alignment.
6. Follow-up
Follow-up appointments can be helpful to monitor your progress and adjust the orthotics to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.
If you suffer from foot pain or discomfort, consider the benefits of custom orthotics and take the first step toward happier, healthier feet. At Feet First Clinic, we can help.
Book your consultation and visit us at 2481 Bloor Street West in Toronto. We’re open Mon – Fri from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and alternating Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
