A custom foot orthotic is a prescribed medical device that helps improve your foot function during the gait cycle and helps reinstate normal body alignment.
CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS IN GUELPH, ONTARIO
At Guelph Rehab Centre, a complete biomechanical assessment and gait analysis is conducted to determine the cause of the foot disorder. One of the ways to correct or accommodate the issue, is to prescribe a custom made foot orthotic that can be inserted into your footwear. The device acts to place your foot into a neutral and balanced position, allowing your foot to either function more effectively or to offload abnormal pressures.
If a custom made orthotic is deemed necessary for you, a 3D laser scanner is used to take a volumetric mold of your foot in a non-weightbearing, subtalar joint neutral position. This scan is then sent to our lab where the device is manufactured.
A custom made orthotic acts as part of your long term treatment plan by altering your lower limb function. Through this, they may reduce the unbalanced forces acting not only on your feet but also your knees, hips and lower back.
Orthotic devices are not limited to adults! There are many congenital or inherited foot disorders that present during childhood, and custom foot orthotics may help to correct and/or prevent further progression of such issues.
Custom made orthotics can also be designed for accommodative purposes, to offload areas of abnormal or high pressures. For example, patients who suffer from Diabetes or those with arthritic conditions, the actual foot function may not be able to be altered due to the bony alignment or nerve dysfunction. In these cases, an accommodative orthotic device can be prescribed.
HOW ARE ORTHOTICS MADE AND HOW DO ORTHOTICS WORK?
Our custom foot orthotics are created by taking a 3-Dimensional mold of your feet, via a laser scanner system (the latest in advanced orthotic scanning). Your feet are held in a neutral position (subtalar joint neutral) for the most optimal alignment in a non-weight bearing stance. Within minutes your foot structure is captured and the appropriate mold is designed and manufactured in the laboratory.
Custom foot orthotics may help in the management of:
- Flat Feet, High Arches
- Heel and Arch Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ankle instability
- Tendonitis
- Painful callus and corns
- In-toed (“pigeon toed”) or Out-toed (“Charlie Chaplin”) gait
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Bunions and Flexible Hammer toes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHOTICS
Pain in the ankles, back or feet may be a signal it’s time to replace yours, especially if you’ve been using them for jogging or other athletic activities that create wear and tear. Take a visual. If there are cracks or broken pieces you need new orthotics to address deformities and correct alignment.
They sure do. The uneven appearance of your shoe can tell you replacements are required. If you’ve had knee surgery, recent weight gain or other changes in lifestyle it’s likely time to consult with us to see if you need to be fitted again.
There are lots of conflicting theories out there about whether you should wear them all the time or only when exercising…. Come see us for a consult on what’s best for you and/or try different routines on your own to see what works for you.
Most last 1 to 5 years. Typically, orthotics last 2 to 3 years depending on how you much you wear them and how well you care for them.
There will be subtle but definite changes in your gait and you may experience discomfort. Therefore, we recommend breaking them in slowly by increasing the amount you wear them daily and work up to your normal routine. Some clients feel comfortable immediately whereas for others it often takes a couple of weeks for the compensations to take effect and for your foot to adjust. A 1 month follow-up after the orthotics have been fitted and dispensed to you is provided to ensure you have adjusted well to the orthotics and changes in your alignment and gait.
After your initial consultation and fitting with Guelph Rehab, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks for them to be shipped back so we can meet to make sure the fit is sound.
