Custom Orthotics and Shoe Inserts Explained By Our Albuquerque Podiatrist

A foot orthotic is a device that is used to brace, support, or protect the foot or a part of the foot.

What are Foot Orthotics?

Good question! Foot orthotics are referred to by many names. Some common names used to describe foot orthoses and related products are arch supports, shoe inserts, orthotics, orthoses, custom orthotics or orthoses, prefabricated orthotics or orthoses, just to name a few! Needless to say, this can all be very confusing to patients or consumers who are interested in understanding prescription and non-prescription foot care products and devices.

Do You Need Orthotics and if so, What Type of Orthotics is Best for You?

There is no simple answer to this question. In some cases, a simple over-the-counter orthotic may be all that is required to relieve minor pain or foot fatigue. On the other had, minor symptoms may be an indication of a more serious medical problem that may require a podiatrist’s attention. To compound matters, some diseases or conditions have an asymptomatic stage in which pain can be absent or may be intermittent even when the condition is progressive. In such cases, early intervention can be very important. The best way to determine if you need an orthosis is to consult your podiatrist.

Custom Orthotics

One method of categorizing foot orthotics is to divide them into groups according to prescription and non-prescription foot orthotics.  Prescription foot orthoses are prescribed by a licensed podiatrist and are not available without a prescription. Prescription foot orthoses are typically custom made but there are some varieties that are pre-manufactured and not custom made.

Over- the-Counter Orthotics

Non-prescription foot orthoses are often referred to as “over-the-counter” devices and may be obtained with or without the assistance of a licensed podiatrist. Non-prescription orthoses are sometimes custom made but are typically pre-manufactured. Over-the-counter orthotics are manufactured using predetermined shapes or pre-made models, or are made by injection molding or computer milling. Over-the-counter orthotics are not made from the patients own foot anatomy and are more generic or general in shape.

Types of Foot Orthotics:

There are many types of foot orthotics and there are different ways that we can attempt to categorize them. It is somewhat difficult to categorize foot orthoses due to variations in orthotic device design and manufacturing.

One method of categorizing foot orthoses is to divide them into groups according to prescription and non-prescription foot orthoses. Non-prescription foot orthoses are often referred to as “over-the-counter” devices and may be obtained with or without the assistance of a licensed podiatrist. Non-prescription orthoses are sometimes custom made but are typically pre-manufactured. Prescription foot orthoses are prescribed by a licensed podiatrist and are not available without a prescription. Prescription foot orthoses are typically custom made but there are some varieties that are pre-manufactured and not custom made.

Another way to categorize foot orthotics is by their method of manufacture. Custom foot orthotics are individually made, and are typically manufactured using the patient’s own foot anatomy by creating a model of the foot (a cast, impression, impression foam, scanner, etc.). The anatomical model serves as the foundation of the form used to produce the orthosis.

A custom foot orthosis is a device that is designed to brace, support, or protect the foot or a part of the foot. The biomechanical benefit derived from a custom foot orthotics is largely related to the shape and physical properties of the device. The shape of an orthotics is determined by the original cast of the foot and by any shape modifications made to the cast during the manufacturing process. While modification of the cast influences the shape and is critical in the production of an orthosis, the fundamental shape of an orthosis is first governed by the patient’s individual foot anatomy and the physiological position in which the foot is cast. The importance of a good quality cast of the foot can not be overstated!

Prescription Foot Orthotics:

There are basically three types of prescription foot orthoses. The two most common types of prescription foot orthoses are accommodative orthoses and functional orthoses.

Accommodative Orthosis:

An accommodative orthosis is a device that is designed to pad and protect the foot or a part of thefoot. An accommodative orthosis supplements the foot's natural padding and may be designed to reduce pressure through accommodation in certain areas.

Functional Orthosis:

A functional orthosis is a device that is designed to influence the position and/or motion of the foot through the application of biomechanical principles. A functional orthosis is the most biomechanically advanced type of foot orthosis and is only available by prescription. It influences the position or motion of the foot, altering the forces acting on the foot. A functional orthosis requires a significant degree of expertise to prescribe and manufacture.

Functional Hybrid Orthosis:

In some cases, the characteristics of an accommodative orthosis are combined with those of a functional orthosis to create a hybrid orthosis.

Prescribing accommodative, functional, or hybrid orthoses should be done by a podiatrist who has been educated and properly trained in their to use.

An orthosis is an orthosis, or is it?

Foot orthoses and related devices are available from a variety of different sources these days. Custom and non-custom foot orthotics, arch supports, and shoe inserts may be obtained at retail establishments, via the internet, or from professional healthcare providers. There can be major differences between foot orthoses from different sources, so finding an orthotics specialist who is qualified in biomechanics and foot orthotic therapy is very important. A prescription foot orthotic is a medical device that should only be provided after an appropriate biomechanical examination. A biomechanical examination enables a podiatrist to understand the patient’s individual needs so that a proper foot orthotics can be prescribed.

The process of prescribing a prescription foot orthosis requires a qualified podiatrist. There are many variables which influence the prescription process. Careful consideration of the patient’s individual biomechanics, medical condition, health history, and other needs must be done in order to develop a treatment plan and the proper orthotic prescription. The value of the services of a qualified podiatrist should be recognized by patients when considering the need for foot orthotic therapy. A qualified medical podiatrist is important component in achieve favorable outcomes with foot orthoses.