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Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

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.

Why and when might you need custom orthotics?

Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need 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:

  1. Foot pain: Whether dealing with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or arch pain, custom orthotics can help alleviate discomfort by providing support and cushioning to the affected areas.
  2. Posture improvement: Misalignment in the feet can lead to poor posture, which can cause pain and discomfort in your knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics can help correct these alignment issues, resulting in better posture and reduced pain.
  3. Athletic performance: Athletes often rely on their feet to perform at their best. Custom orthotics can provide the support and stability needed to optimize biomechanics and prevent injuries during physical activity.
Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

How do custom insoles benefit your feet?

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

Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

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.

How do you get fitted for custom orthotics?

Custom Orthotics: When and Why You Might Need Them

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

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 positionAt 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.

Book your custom orthotics session at Feet First Clinic today

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.

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Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures. She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.