My Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics, But What exactly Are They?

Orthotics are devices that are often mass-produced and can help provide your feet with the extra support, stability, and shock absorption that is required for optimal biomechanical function of the feet. Custom orthotics are medical devices prescribed by a foot and ankle surgeon/podiatrist that are based on a prescription specific to YOUR feet. They are custom made based on individual needs. There are two types of custom orthotics: accommodative and functional.

Accommodative orthotics

Accommodative orthotics can be used to accommodate or offload a prominent area. They don’t change the function of the foot; however, they support the structure of the foot as they reduce the amount of pressure, shock, and shear on your bones, joints, and tissues when ambulating. They can be used to offload painful calluses, bony prominences, bursitis and ulcers. Accommodative orthotics are widely used as part of diabetic foot care. You can add soft spots to accommodate your deformity or even a toe filler to fill the void of a missing toe in your shoes. There are many types of soft orthotic material that can be used for the top cover of an accommodative orthotic; however, Plastazote is the material of choice.

Functional Orthotics

Functional orthotics help with the function of the foot. They help rebalance forces across your feet and adjust the biomechanics so you don’t walk with pain anymore. They can control abnormal pronation, support and protect the ankles, and allow your feet to move through the entire gait with the foot more closer to its neutral/ideal position. They can be used to treat conditions such as tendonitis, fasciitis, flexible flat feet etc. They tend to be made from more rigid or semi-rigid materials however the top cover can be adjusted for your individual needs. Functional orthotics are great for heel pain, most sports injuries, and can even help delay the need for surgery if it is not desired at a specific time or if a child must wait for growth plates to close and for his or her skeleton to be more physically mature.

Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. And just like a crumbling foundation can cause problems throughout your house, poor foot biomechanics can force knees, hips, and back to adjust and compensate which can result in pain throughout the entire body. Orthotics help rebalance and adjust those forces so you can enjoy that morning and evening walk pain free!