What are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are medical devices used to correct the alignment of your foot and ankle. The orthotic can be fitted into various different shoes such as a dress shoes, runners, and flats. When standing or walking, your feet and ankle absorbs the pressure from the ground and redistributes this force evenly up towards your knee, hip, and back. Poor alignment of your feet can lead to an inability to properly absorb this force. This will cause unwanted stress in the lower body leading to an increase risk of injury. Custom orthotics are shaped to your feet and will keep your foot and ankle in a neutral position allowing it to efficiently absorb forces.
Do I need custom orthotics?
Not everyone is a candidate for orthotics since it depends on what is the cause of your injury. During your consultation your physiotherapist will discuss with you whether or not orthotics are right for you. Let's use an example. If like many of us in Toronto, your job requires you to wear dress shoes and you also have flat feet. Also, you are required to walk and stand a lot then orthotics would be effective at reducing stress to the lower body and spine. However if you are suffering from hip pain which is forcing you to limp leading to foot pain then it is best to rehabilitate the hip since it is source of the problem.
What would my appointment be like?
Your physiotherapist will analyze your foot and ankle position in standing and walking. They will look at the wear patterns of your shoe and for callus formation on your foot to look for abnormalities. The appropriate materials used for the orthotics would be discussed depending on the type of shoe they are fitted for. A mold would be taken of your foot and this will be sent to the lab for manufacturing. The orthotic will arrive in a week or two. Your physiotherapist will discuss with you a plan on how to wear them and slowly adjust to them.
What conditions could custom orthotics help treat?
You may be a candidate for orthotics if you have any of the following conditions listed below. Your physiotherapist will explain other treatment options which will allow you to make an informed decision.
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Plantar fasciitis
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Morton’s Neuroma
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Flat feet/ High arches
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Chronic ankle sprains
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Bunions/ hammer toe
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Achilles tendonitis
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Low back pain
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SIJ dysfunction
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Degenerative Disc Disease
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Osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, pelvis or low back
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome/ Runner’s knee
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Patellar tendonitis
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Iliotibial band friction syndrome
For Custom Orthotics, book an appointment at Rebuild Physiotherapy in Toronto today!