A Step By Step Guide to Custom Orthotics
The modern shoe store offers a dizzying array of “solutions”: gel inserts, memory foam cushions, arch support…
It’d be nice if chronic pain could be taken care of so easily. Here’s the thing: your feet are as unique as your fingerprints, and a generic, one-size-fits-all product can’t solve a specific, personal problem! For many people, custom orthotics are the actual answer. And in this blog, Step by Step Family Foot Care will walk you through everything you need to know about them!
The #1 Question: Aren’t These Just Fancy Insoles?
This is the most common misconception we hear, and the answer is a definitive no.
- Over-the-Counter Inserts: These are mass-produced cushions.
- They provide a generic layer of arch support and padding but are not designed to correct your unique foot mechanics.
- Custom Orthotics: These are prescription medical devices.
- They are crafted only after a comprehensive evaluation by a podiatrist, including a detailed gait analysis and a precise 3D digital scan of your feet.
Who Can Custom Orthotics Help?
Because they are tailored to the individual, custom orthotics are incredibly versatile and can provide relief for a wide range of people and conditions.
You might be a great candidate if you are:
- An Athlete: Looking to prevent overuse injuries, improve alignment, and enhance performance.
- An Upstanding Professional: A teacher, nurse, or construction worker seeking relief from the daily grind of standing on hard surfaces.
- Someone with a Chronic Condition: Managing the pain and instability from issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, neuromas, or arthritis.
The Process: From High-Tech Scan to Perfect Fit
Creating a truly custom orthotic is a precise, multi-step process:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a thorough examination of your feet, discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
- Gait Analysis: We watch you walk to observe your unique biomechanics, identifying issues like overpronation (feet rolling in) or other instabilities.
- 3D Digital Scanning: We use state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to capture a highly accurate, detailed map of your foot’s structure.
- Custom Fabrication: Your unique scans and our specific prescription are sent to a specialized lab where your orthotics are crafted from high-quality, durable materials.
- Professional Fitting: Once your orthotics arrive, we ensure they fit you and your shoes perfectly, making any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and function.
Two Main Types: Functional vs. Accommodative
Based on your needs, we will prescribe one of two main types:
- Functional Orthotics: Made from more rigid materials like carbon fiber, these are designed to correct abnormal foot function and control motion. They are ideal for addressing issues like tendonitis and shin splints.
- Accommodative Orthotics: Made from softer, more cushioned materials, these are designed to provide support and offload pressure from painful areas, such as diabetic foot ulcers or arthritic joints.
Get Your Perfect Pair With Us!
Skip the trial-and-error phase; stick with us instead! With a quick examination and a few simple questions, we can set you up with a pair of orthotics that deliver for you. Come see how conservative care creates exceptional results. You won’t be disappointed.
Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with your podiatry needs! To make an appointment with Dr. Debra B. Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready to help.
