How to Get Custom Orthotics

You can get custom orthotics from foot specialists like a podiatrist, orthopedic specialist, or specialist clinic, where your feet will be examined, your gait analyzed, and scans of your feet taken to design orthotics specific to your feet. You can also get custom orthotics from online providers who carry out their assessments with tools like online 3D scans, video gait analysis, foot molds, footprints, and online questionnaires.

Key Takeaways

• To get custom orthotics, you need a consultation with a podiatrist, physical therapist, or chiropractor.

• Foot assessment and gait analysis help identify your specific needs.

• Impressions or scans create an accurate model of your feet, which is then used to create the custom orthotics.

• Orthotics are prescribed based on whether you need functional or accommodative support.

• Post-purchase fittings and adjustments ensure comfort and effectiveness.

• Follow-up visits and proper care help orthotics last and perform well

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts specifically designed to match specific user specifications. Unlike over-the-counter inserts that are designed for a general fit, these are user-specific and designed based on carefully gathered user data, which make them only effective for the user they were made for. Custom orthotics provide precise arch support, shock absorption, foot alignment, improved balance, and improved movement performance.

The Process of Getting Custom Orthotics

The process of getting custom orthotics will involve the following steps:

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

The first step is to see a qualified professional. Podiatrists, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, or chiropractors can prescribe custom orthotics. These professionals can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need orthotics and what type you need.

During the consultation, they will do the following to help them understand your unique needs:

• Review your medical history to know if you have a history of flat feet in your family.
• Ask about your daily activities and any conditions that affect your feet or legs.
• Conduct a physical examination of your feet, ankles, and legs for signs of pain, swelling, or structural problems.
• Carry out a gait analysis to observe your posture and the way you walk. It is especially useful because it can reveal hidden issues, like uneven weight distribution, that might not be obvious in a simple standing exam. Many providers use video or pressure plate technology to capture your posture and movement in detail. Others just rely on direct visual observation.
• Perform a range of motion check to see how functional your feet and ankles are. By doing this, they can identify stiffness, weakness, or abnormal movement patterns.
• They may also perform imaging scans, like X-rays, to determine if there’s an underlying biomechanical issue.

Foot Impressions or Scans

To design orthotics, your provider requires a precise model of your feet. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including the following:

• Foam Box Impression: This is the most common method used by professionals. To record the shape of your feet, you have to step into a foam block.

• Plaster Casting: In this method, the provider applies strips of plaster to create a mold.

• 3D Scanning: This method creates a digital image of your feet. It also captures fine details of your structure. 

The purpose of these impressions or scans is to ensure that the orthotics match your exact foot shape and size.

Writing the Prescription

Your provider will write a prescription based on the assessment and impressions. The prescription outlines the type of orthotic you need, its shape, and the materials to be used.

There are two main categories of custom orthotics:

• Functional Orthotics: These are made from semi-rigid or rigid materials like plastic, carbon fiber, or graphite. They are used to treat injuries such as tendinitis or shin splints and control abnormal movement.

• Accommodative Orthotics: These are softer, which makes them perfect for cushioning the feet. They are used to provide relief for conditions such as painful calluses or diabetic ulcers.

The prescription specifies which type will work best for your condition.

Manufacturing the Orthotics

After the prescription is complete, the orthotics are sent to a lab for production. Skilled technicians produce the inserts using your foot impressions or scans as a guide. The devices are crafted to exactly match your prescription.

The materials used vary depending on the condition being treated. For instance, soft orthotics are designed for comfort, while rigid ones provide structure and support.

This manufacturing process ensures that no two sets of orthotics are the same. That means each unit is designed specifically for the patient’s foot.

Fitting Appointment

When the orthotics are ready, you’ll have to go back to your provider for a fitting. This step is necessary to confirm the comfort and function of the orthotics.

Here’s what to expect from a fitting session:

• The orthotics are placed into your shoes.

• Your provider will watch as you walk to see if the devices improve alignment and reduce discomfort.

• If small adjustments are needed, the provider will trim or reshape the orthotics to improve fit.

All of these are done to ensure the orthotics support your feet without causing new pain.

Breaking In Your Orthotics

Custom orthotics require a break-in period before you will be able to wear them all day.

Start by wearing them for one to two hours daily for a week. After that, slowly increase how long you wear them each day. Doing this gives your body time to adjust to the custom orthotics.

During this adjustment stage, it is also recommended that you wear supportive shoes with firm midsoles. This is because soft or unsupportive footwear can reduce the effectiveness of the device and delay adaptation.

Bear in mind that it is common to experience mild soreness at the start. If you feel persistent pain or discomfort, quickly contact your provider for adjustments.

Follow-Up Visits

Your provider may schedule follow-up visits. These appointments are important for the following reasons:

• They ensure your orthotics are working correctly.

• Your provider might have to make adjustments as your body adapts.

• They allow your provider to track improvements in your symptoms. 

• In case your condition changes or new symptoms appear, your orthotics may need modification or replacement.

Caring for Your Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics last for years when properly cared for. Here are tips on how to care for them:

• Clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap.

• Do not soak them in water.

• Check them often for signs of wear. They may need replacement if the material becomes worn or loses support.

• Store them in a cool, dry place when they are not in use.

• Keep them away from direct sunlight or high heat. This will prevent damage to the materials.

Conclusion

Custom orthotics are made through a detailed process, which contributes to its high cost when compared to over-the-counter inserts. It all begins with a professional consultation and ends with a fitted device. Thankfully, companies like Stride Soles are now bringing down the price by cutting off the need for physical examinations.

By conducting the examination and assessment process online, these companies are able to deliver custom orthotics that are not only more affordable but also top of the line in quality. This has made custom orthotics available to more people who need them.