CUSTOM FIT VS. CUSTOM MADE ORTHOTICS
We’ve all seen the orthotics at the drug store, ya know, the Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles near the pharmacy counter, marketed to people who are on their feet all day. But did you know the world of orthotics spans way beyond what you can pick up at a Walgreens? We’re talking custom fit versus custom made orthotics and the varying benefits of each kind to maximize the skeletal structural health of your body.
Orthotics are prescription shoe insoles that you wear everyday to correct or support the biomechanics of your feet, aka walking, running, and standing. They can also help with foot pain that can be caused by medical conditioners like plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Orthotics can also ease bunion pain, ankle pain, knee pain, and joint pain caused by enduring persistent physical exertion. Folks who work or are involved in activities that require them to stand on their feet for long periods of time, or training athletes can find both support and relief by wearing orthotics. They are also good for children over the age of five years old to support their growing process.
Truly, orthotics can be beneficial to just about anyone. Your feet are the foundation of your entire being - and the rest of your physical health is most definitely dictated by how substantial and well taken care of your baseline is.
In most cases, medical offices that furnish orthotics for their patients have what’s called a library of orthotics that are preemptively made to forecast potential ailments that people may have. A common example could be hip to height difference, which is fairly pervasive amongst the general population. In other words, depending on your physical condition - they’ve probably got an orthotic for that. These are called Custom Fit Orthotics.
The problem with custom fit orthotics is that while they are custom to the particular condition of the patient, they do not fit the unique structure of the patient’s foot. Custom orthotics are exceedingly comprehensive in comparison, because they are designed using the blueprint of each patient’s specific footprint. In our office, we use a machine that takes a scan, basically a picture, of our patient’s feet, and generates a comprehensive report detailing important factors that will determine the structural support your body needs most. The report includes weight distribution, arch support and foot shape creating a truly unique orthotic that is made for you and only you, not a one size fits all situation.
There are three types of custom made orthotics
Multi use orthotic: for every shoe
Flexible Orthotics: for runners and athletes/crossfit, people who are very active
Partial Length: for wearing with flats that velcro to the shoe, it is not a full length of an orthotic but rather ¾ - orthotics for heels, and for men’s dress shoes
There are plenty of options and a substantial number of benefits to be had by wearing orthotics, but even more importantly - having them custom made. Support your body from the feet up!
