Custom Orthotics

When persistent heel pain, ankle pain, or other discomforts are a problem, custom orthotics might be part of the solution.

Custom orthotics are tools we often turn to when structural abnormalities in a patient’s feet are connected to a source of pain or discomfort, or when the way that forces are distributed across their feet needs to be adjusted in some way.

Why do we recommend orthotics so often? Because they are very effective! While custom orthotics are not part of every treatment plan (no one treatment ever is), they have helped many patients achieve improved mobility and quality of life.

And with the new Go 4-D system we’re proud to use at our office, we can provide you with ideal custom orthotics with greater ease and precision than ever before!

How Do Custom Orthotics Help?

The musculoskeletal structure of the foot is very important, not only for supporting the weight of the body, but also for allowing it to move efficiently. There are a ton of moving parts working in tandem to get the job done.

However, if there is an abnormality in the structure of the foot, it can throw off the way that weight and forces are applied to muscles and joints throughout the body. Problems such as flat feet, overpronation, or high arches can lead to an excess amount of pressure being centered in areas that were not built to endure them, increasing the potential for strain and injury.

As the body tries to adjust to abnormal shifts in movement, it can lead to strain in the legs, knees, hips, or lower back as well—not just the feet!

Custom orthotics alleviate these symptoms by addressing the fundamental irregularity in structure. They typically come in the form of inserts that are inserted into the shoes. They provide exact amounts of cushioning and corrective support to maintain greater stability and shift excess pressure away from vulnerable areas.

Custom orthotics, however, do not permanently “fix” the structural abnormality. Surgery is the only treatment that can do so in most cases, but custom orthotics can provide a conservative means of finding relief.

Prescribing and Creating Custom Orthotics With Go4D

Custom orthotics are designed specifically to the shape of an individual patient’s feet, much like prescription glasses are designed specifically for one person’s eyes.

Before we ever recommend custom orthotics (or any other form of treatment), we must ensure we fully understand the root of the problem. That requires a physical examination, and may also include asking questions about how your symptoms are affecting your life.

If we determine that custom orthotics would be a beneficial part of your treatment plan, we then capture the shape of your feet. Molds or casts would need to be made in the past, but our Go 4-D system provides an easier and much more accurate way.

Capturing an image of your foot now requires only standing on a high-resolution, medical-grade 3D laser scanner. Not only does this provide an accurate re-creation of your foot from all angles, but the process also incorporates a gait plate with 40,000 sensors built into it. By walking across the plate, we can also gather crucial data on where excess pressure concentrates within your feet as you move.

Using all of this information and our expertise, we can prescribe an exact custom orthotic build that is sent electronically to a lab for 3D printing. No more worries about casts breaking or getting lost in shipment!

The 3D printing process is much less wasteful than previous methods of production (any waste can be re-fed into the printers), and it also allows for a much higher degree of variability in different parts of the orthotic. Custom orthotics can accommodate different parts of the foot more effectively, all with comparable durability to old compositions.

Ultimately, it means you get a better fit and better performing custom orthotic for your feet.

A Few Things to Know

Once your orthotics return from the lab, we make sure they fit you well. However, there is still a break-in period. We’ll provide you with instructions for when and how often to wear your orthotics, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them daily over the first few weeks. This helps ensure you adjust to your orthotics properly, with minimal discomfort.

It is also possible that further small adjustments to the orthotics will be necessary as you get used to them. If you feel discomfort that is unexpected, or pain continues past a certain period of time, let us know right away!

Finally, while custom orthotics are built to be durable, that does not mean they will last forever. Just like shoes, they will eventually wear down with enough use. It is important to periodically check in on your orthotics (usually once per year) to ensure they still providing relief or if they should be replaced, if necessary.

Get the Care You Need for Your Persistent Pain

Whether custom orthotics or another form of treatment is best for your foot pain, it’s important to understand and start addressing the source of the problem sooner rather than later. Not only will you start to feel better faster, but you may prevent future complications as well.