There are certainly times in life when all of us could use support. With regard to our feet, support is one the important elements—along with balance and cushioning—that can have an effect on our overall levels of health and comfort. When your feet need some help with support or restricting abnormal motion, the custom orthotics we prepare for you here at Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle might just get the job done.

What’s the difference between custom orthotics and over-the-counter inserts?

As we look at orthotic devices, this is the best place to start. It is a common misconception that custom orthotics and store-bought inserts are the same thing. This is simply not the case. The key word in making the distinction is “custom.” The medical devices we prepare for you in our Colorado podiatrist offices are customized to accommodate your unique foot shape and work in conjunction with how your feet actually move.

The mass-produced inserts found on retail store shelves rely on a “one size fits all” approach that can offer extra cushioning and some arch support, but these are not intended, and should not be used to, treat medical conditions. There is also the possibility that a pair of store-bought inserts can hide or mask a foot or ankle issue that should be treated by a professional.

What can custom foot orthotics do?

Custom orthotic devices are rather versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. There are essentially two classifications of custom orthotics:

• Functional orthotics, which are used to control abnormal motion. This can be effective in correcting faulty biomechanics and thereby treating discomfort in the feet, ankles, legs, thighs, and lower back.
• Accommodative orthotics, which are designed to provide extra cushioning and support to specific, targeted areas of the foot. These are often used to care for diabetic foot ulcers, calluses, and other delicate conditions or issues.

The material an orthotic is constructed from can further define its intended function. Devices that are made out of rigid materials tend to fall into the functional category and often focus on controlling and restricting motion for the two major joints of the foot that are found beneath the ankle.

Soft materials provide additional cushioning and padding and can be worn under the sole of the foot, which further absorbs shock and relieves pressure from sensitive areas. Semi-rigid devices, which typically consist of a mix of rigid and soft materials, are often used in treating flat feet, as well as providing additional stability and support for sports or other physical activities.

Are they right for me?

Conditions that benefit from custom orthotics include hammertoes,bunions, arch issues, heel pain, neuromas, and Achilles tendinitis. In some cases, orthotic devices can even help to prevent an otherwise necessary surgery.

Whether or not a custom orthotic device is going to help your specific foot or ankle issue will depend on several different factors. The best way to find out if these valuable medical tools are right for you is to contact Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle and schedule an appointment with our doctors. He can perform a biomechanical exam of your lower limbs, take measurements, and even order X-rays to fully understand the issue affecting you. After a thorough evaluation, we will discuss the results with you and potentially recommend orthotics as part of your treatment.

Call Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle at (970) 949-0500 to reach our Avon office or (970) 668-4565 to connect with our Frisco, CO office. You can also schedule an appointment for either location online today.

What is a custom orthotic?

A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. Custom orthotics are prescription medical appliances that are made to correct your specific foot imbalance. They are individually fabricated over a three dimensional model of your foot. Custom orthotics work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot by redirecting and reducing certain motion that takes place during the gait cycle.

What are the differences between custom orthotics and over-the-counter inserts?

It is a common misconception that custom orthotics and store-bought inserts are the same thing. This is simply not the case. The key word in making the distinction is “custom.” The medical devices we prescribe are customized to accommodate your unique foot shape and work in conjunction with how your feet move.

Mass-produced inserts found on retail store shelves rely on a “one size fits all” approach that can offer extra cushioning and some arch support, but these are not intended, and should not be used to treat medical conditions. Custom orthotic devices are versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. There are essentially two classifications of custom orthotics:

• Functional orthotics are used to control abnormal motion. This can be effective in correcting faulty biomechanics and thereby treating discomfort in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips and lower back.
• Accommodative orthotics are designed to provide extra cushioning and support to specific, targeted areas of the foot. These are often used to care for diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses, and other delicate foot conditions or issues.

The material an orthotic is constructed from can further define its intended function. Devices that are made out of rigid materials tend to fall into the functional category and often focus on controlling and restricting motion for the two major joints of the foot that are found beneath the ankle. Soft materials provide additional cushioning and padding and can be worn under the sole of the foot, which further absorbs shock and relieves pressure from sensitive areas. Semi-rigid devices, which typically consist of a mix of rigid and soft materials, are often used in treating flat feet, as well as providing additional stability and support for sports or other physical activities.

Who needs orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics can help relieve pain and fatigue associated with improper biomechanics throughout the body. In order to walk, stand or play, pain-free, the body requires a stable foundation provided by your feet. When there are problems with that foundation, symptoms may show up in your feet or throughout the rest of your body. Symptoms may include:

• Localized foot pain
• Bunions, tailor’s bunions or hammertoes
• Heel and arch pain
• Foot and ankle tendinitis
• Shin splints
• Knee, hip or back pain

Children, teenagers and adults of all ages can benefit from the use of foot orthotics to treat and prevent many foot conditions. Whether a custom orthotic device is going to help your specific foot or ankle issue will depend on several factors. The best way to find out if prescription foot orthotics are right for you is to contact Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle and schedule an appointment with our doctors. We will perform a thorough biomechanical exam of your feet, ankles and lower limbs, evaluate your gait, and may order X-rays to fully understand the issue affecting you.

How long does it take to break in orthotics?

We often refer to the “orthotic break-in period”, however this really is a misnomer because in most situations the orthotic is not what is being broken in, but your feet. Prescription foot orthotics that are designed to change the alignment and function of feet and lower extremities can take some getting used to. In most cases, we will recommend gradually increasing time spent in the orthotics slowly over the first week. Some patients will feel great from the first steps in their new orthotics, while many will still feel pressure or adjustments taking place for several weeks. In most situations we will reevaluate patients in new orthotics after the first month of use in order make sure the fit and function are as expected. If patients are still having problems beyond the initial break-in period or if new symptoms are presenting during this time, we’ll schedule an appointment to assess whether the orthotics need to be adjusted for better comfort.
Should custom orthotics be worn all the time?

The more you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get from them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you may benefit from a second pair of custom orthotics designed for a specific activity. A lower profile style of orthotic can be made for use in dress or business shoes. Sport specific orthotics may be prescribed for use in ski boots, cycling shoes or other athletic footwear.

How should new custom orthotics feel?

Custom orthotics are designed to realign the foundation of your body and will affect how your feet function. This may cause a number of new sensations in your arches, ankles, lower legs, knees, hips or back. This is to be expected and is usually a sign that the orthotics are doing their job. Some people feel that they are riding higher in their shoes or they are rolling towards the outside of their feet. A feeling of pressure under the ball of the foot or in the arches is common. All of these are normal sensations and will improve during the break in period.

What kind of shoes are best for custom orthotics?

For the most part shoes that have removable insoles will work best with custom orthotics. Shoes with firm, stable soles will provide a platform for the orthotic to sit on. A firm heel cup that is deep enough to keep your foot in place is also beneficial.
Will my muscles get weaker wearing custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics will not cause muscle weakness. Properly fit custom orthotics will position your foot and align joints to allow muscles and tendons to function in an optimal position. This helps to minimize fatigue, relieve pain and allow muscles to be used more efficiently.

How long do orthotics last?

The useful life of a pair of custom orthotics depends on several factors including the type of orthotic, intended function and materials used. A typical pair of custom foot orthotics will last for an average of three to five years. However, the lifetime of your orthotics will also depend on their daily wear and tear. If you only wear orthotics for a few hours each day or split time between multiple pairs of custom orthotics in different footwear, your orthotics may last longer. Similarly, if you have a very active lifestyle involving running and hiking, your orthotics may wear out sooner.
When should orthotics be replaced?

Custom orthotics will last three to five years on average. However, that doesn’t mean that you should wait for three years before thinking about replacing your orthotics. Some signs that your foot orthotics may need to be replaced:

• Return of symptoms: If you are experiencing a return of the symptoms that caused you to get orthotics in the first place, this may be a signal that your foot orthotics need be replaced. New symptoms may require changes to or an update of your orthotics.
• Excessive signs of wear: Custom orthotics are usually designed to provide a balance of cushion and support; if your orthotics start to feel hard, unstable or uncomfortable, or show visible signs of excess wear, you should be reevaluated.
• Outgrown orthotics: Children and teenagers will often be able wear their prescription orthotics through one to one and half shoe size changes. Here at Eagle-Summit Foot & Ankle, we recommend having orthotics for growing kids rechecked for appropriate fit every six months.