What is an Orthotic?

An orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. The plastic body of the orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle. Since your feet are the foundation for your upper body this new alignment often helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.

Who needs orthotics?

If you experience fatigue or tired legs during route activities or if your feet are killing you, you may be a candidate for orthotics. Orthotics can even help with other problems like knee or lower back pain.

What specific conditions are helped by orthotics?

Orthotics can provide relief for Achilles Tendonitis, Arch pain, Metatarsalgia, Neuroma, Sesamoiditis, heel pain and many others.

How are orthotics made?

Orthotics are made from a mold of the patient’s foot. Corrective modifications are built into the mold then a thermoplastic material is molded over the foot. The plastic is trimmed to specific anatomical land marks then additional corrective postings are added to further assist in controlling and realigning the foot.

Why do my new orthotics feel uncomfortable?

Since the orthotic works to realign the structure of your foot you may feel pressure in some areas as the orthotic attempts to do its job. For this reason orthotics should be worn in two hour intervals and slowly extend the wear time over a period of two weeks.

What kind of shoe do I need for my orthotics?

For the most part any shoe that has a removable insole will work with your orthotic. Just remove the insole that came with the shoe and replace it with the orthotic.

Should I wear my orthotics all the time?

The longer you wear your orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of orthotics designed for that specific activity. (i.e. going to the gym after work)

Will my muscles get weaker from wearing orthotics?

Orthotics will not reduce muscles tone. They will help position your foot so you will be using the right muscles at the right time, reducing fatigue and allowing your muscles to be used more efficiently.

Will I become dependant on my orthotics?

If you call eye glasses or a hearing aid a dependency you may become dependant on your orthotics. Listen to your body if you have pain or discomfort that your orthotics helped to alleviate or minimize you may want to wear them all the time to prevent the problem from reoccurring.