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Written by our Canadian Certified Pedorthist
Foot pain can be a serious problem and custom foot orthotics are a great natural solution for reducing pain and providing comfort, especially if they are designed specifically for an individual's needs. Learn more about the different types of custom orthotics available and how to find the best ones for your feet.
What are Custom Foot Orthotics?
Our Custom Foot Orthotics (CFOs) are prescribed medical devices made by a Canadian Certified Pedorthist after a thorough assessment of your feet and legs. After assessing your gait and biomechanics, a 3D imprint of your foot is taken. This can either be a plaster cast or a digital scan which allows us to create a mold that is the exact size and shape of your foot. This ensures your orthotics are a truly custom device.
From there, we design your custom orthotics by selecting features to help with correction and cushioning to provide the optimum level of support for your feet. Your orthotics are built around your exact needs as a personalized solution to reduce pain and improve alignment so you can walk more freely and comfortably.
Your casts or scans are sent to our own orthotic manufacturing lab, Paris Orthotics, where your orthotics are carefully hand-crafted before being delivered back to our clinic for your use.
Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom orthotics provide a number of benefits to people suffering from foot, ankle and lower leg pain. Orthotics can help reduce the stress and strain on your feet, promote better posture and correct walking patterns that may be causing injury or pain. Additionally, custom-made orthotics are designed to fit the specific contour of your feet and can last longer than generic off-the-shelf shoe inserts.
What Types of Orthotics are Available?
There are several types of custom orthotics available, depending on your individual needs. After a thorough assessment, a Pedorthist will choose a shell material which is usually a firm material like plastic or carbon. From there other orthotic components such as top covers, heel posts, and forefoot extensions will be selected based on your activity level and footwear to provide the best fit and cushioning for your feet.
There are several factors that dictate which type of orthotic is made, including: foot type, current problems/symptoms, which footwear type the orthotics will be going into, patients’ lifestyle and activity level. Orthotics can be made for athletic footwear, cleats, skates, ski boots, casual shoes, dress shoes, and even high heels.
Conditions Custom Foot Orthotics Can Help With
Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of conditions related to the feet, ankles, knees and even back pain. These include:
plantar fasciitis
bunions
heel spurs
shin splints
hammer toes
flat feet
high arches
Wearing orthotics may help to support the ankle and foot joints while reducing the risk of injuries. In some cases they may even help correct deformities in the feet or improve overall foot and ankle function.
Our Certified Pedorthists are trained in all of these conditions to bring an informed and WHOLE-istic approach to your foot care.