You may have seen “orthotic inserts” available from supermarkets, pharmacies or footwear retailers. Your podiatrist may also offer “prefabricated” orthotics. These options appear easier and cheaper to buy – so why choose custom orthotics? Let’s have a chat about what makes a custom orthotic so special.
What is a custom orthotic?
The ‘custom’ in custom orthotic stands for custom-made just for you. A custom orthotic is made using a physical cast or 3D scan of your foot. This stage means the orthotic is tailored to your feet; so the orthotic can accurately and effectively provide the support, cushioning and control needed. For example, if a problem area on your foot needed to be offloaded, the area would be marked and the orthotic made so that the adjustment aligns perfectly with your foot.
What is the alternative to custom orthotics?
In comparison to custom orthotics, the ‘over the counter’ or ‘prefabricated’ orthotics provide the ‘average needed’ support and cushioning for ‘the average foot’. The problem with this is that not everyone has a completely average foot, and not everyone needs the average treatment. These options will often not match your foot well, be unable to provide the level of adjustment your feet require, or may even put pressure on the wrong areas of your foot. Think of pre-made orthotics like buying a suit off the shelf from a store versus buying a tailored suit.
What will I get from a custom orthotic?
As discussed above, a custom orthotic will provide accurate correction for your feet and lower-limb problem. Your podiatrist will assess your lower-limb biomechanics in both static (standing) and dynamic (walking/running) motion. They will use this information along with the 3D scan of your foot to create an orthotic for your specific needs. So why choose custom orthotics? They provide you with the best chance to recover from pain and stay happy on your feet. Find out how you can get custom orthotics.