Custom orthotics are made from an impression made of your foot that captures the contours of your foot and fits you specifically. No one else can wear your orthotic, and it can’t be taken off a shelf and handed to you the same day. There are many ways to capture the contour of your foot, but a sitting or laying cast of your foot is the gold standard.
Types of Custom Orthotics:
Custom orthotics are typically classified based on their function (supportive, accommodative, or corrective) and the materials used to create them. Here are the main types:
1. Functional Orthotics:
Functional orthotics are designed to control foot motion and improve alignment, often recommended for individuals with biomechanical imbalances like overpronation or supination. They are made from rigid materials like carbon fiber or plastic, providing a stable base for the foot, improving movement efficiency, and reducing the risk of injuries.
2. Accommodative Orthotics:
Accommodative orthotics, on the other hand, provide cushioning and distribute pressure evenly across the foot, making them ideal for individuals with conditions like diabetes or arthritis. These orthotics are made from softer materials like EVA foam or gel, offering flexibility and comfort while reducing pressure points and preventing irritation.
3. Corrective Orthotics:
Corrective orthotics are specifically designed to address structural issues like high arches, flat feet, or bunions. These orthotics are typically made from a mix of rigid and soft materials to correct foot posture, restore proper mechanics, and prevent long-term damage from poor alignment.
4. Sport-Specific Orthotics:
For athletes, sport orthotics are customized to enhance performance, prevent injury, and offer stability, shock absorption, or flexibility depending on the sport. These orthotics often use lightweight, high-performance materials to ensure both support and comfort during intense activity. The main differences in custom orthotics lie in their material composition, biomechanical purpose, and level of customization.
Differences in Custom Orthotics:
Rigid materials are generally used for correcting foot mechanics, while softer ones are for cushioning and comfort. Some orthotics are created based on detailed foot impressions, while others involve advanced scanning techniques like 3D imaging for precise customization.
- Material Composition: Materials can vary in terms of rigidity and cushioning. Rigid orthotics are typically used for correcting foot posture, while softer materials are used for cushioning and alleviating pressure.
- Biomechanical Purpose: Orthotics designed for correcting foot mechanics differ from those focused on providing comfort or accommodating a medical condition.
- Customization Level: Some custom orthotics are made based on detailed impressions of your feet, while others may involve more advanced scanning techniques (e.g., 3D scans).
What Makes Custom Orthotics, Custom?
If you have a very flat foot, you don’t want to capture that bad position in a cast by standing on it while capturing the contour. We want to capture the position that your foot needs to be in, not the position that is giving you pain. After the casts are made, they are sent to a lab where they are handmade from models made of your foot from the casts.
The orthotics are made according to the prescription written by our Albuquerque podiatrist. They can be hard or soft, cushioned or plain. They can be full length with pads to fit a running or hiking shoe or thin and slim to fit a dress shoe as needed. That is why they are called custom. They are made to the specifications that your foot needs and what “you” need to use them daily.
Fitting Them to Your Feet
After they are
fabricated, they are sent back to our Albuquerque podiatry office, who will then personally fit them to your foot. Many times they need to be broken in and then can be adjusted as needed to personalize that fit even further. There are many sources for orthotics and many podiatrists who make them. Make sure your podiatrist is fully customizing your orthotics to your needs and wants without compromising the goals of the treatment plan for your foot. I take great pride in ensuring that we use only the finest materials, the best casting methods, the best orthotic lab, and the best experiences to ensure the highest possible outcomes for all of our orthotics.