Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Custom Foot Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are special shoe inserts designed to help people with foot problems.
These problems can include pain, discomfort, or issues with walking and standing. Orthotics are made based on the unique shape and needs of a person′s foot.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Here′s how they work:
Personalised Fit
Unlike regular shoe inserts that you can buy off the shelf, custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet. A healthcare professional, like a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist, will examine your feet and take measurements to create orthotics that fit you perfectly.
Support and Alignment
The main goal of orthotics is to provide extra support and help align your feet in the correct position. They can correct issues like flat feet or high arches, which can lead to pain and problems in your feet, ankles, knees, and even your back.
Pain Relief
By offering better support and alignment, custom foot orthotics can help relieve pain in your feet and lower limbs. They can reduce discomfort caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and various other foot problems.
Improving Function
Orthotics can also improve how your feet work when you walk or run. They can redistribute pressure across your feet more evenly, which can reduce strain on certain areas and make it easier for you to move around.
Different Types
There are various types of custom foot orthotics, depending on your needs. Some are more rigid for serious foot issues, while others are softer and more cushioned for extra comfort.
Fitting Process
To get custom orthotics, you typically need to visit a healthcare professional. They will examine your feet, discuss your symptoms and lifestyle, and then take molds or scans of your feet to create the orthotics that suit you best.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Custom foot orthotics can be used to address a variety of foot and lower limb conditions.
Here are some common conditions for which foot orthotics may be recommended by our podiatrists:
Flat Feet or Overpronation
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses or doesn't develop properly. Overpronation is excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running. Orthotics can provide support to the arch and help correct the alignment of the foot.
High Arches or Supination
High arches can lead to poor shock absorption and increased pressure on certain areas of the foot. Orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly and provide cushioning.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is a condition where the tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and causes heel pain. Orthotics can help provide arch support and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Achilles Tendonitis
This involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Orthotics can help reduce strain on the Achilles tendon and provide cushioning.
Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Orthotics can help alleviate pressure on the bunion and improve joint function.
Morton's Neuroma
This is a painful condition involving thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes. Orthotics can help relieve pressure on the affected area.
Shin Splints
This term refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia) often caused by overuse. Orthotics can provide shock absorption and cushioning to reduce stress on the shinbone.
Lower Back Pain
Issues with foot alignment can also impact on the lower back. Orthotics may help improve posture and reduce lower back pain.
Diabetic Foot Issues
People with diabetes may develop foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Orthotics can provide support and cushioning to prevent issues such as ulcers and pressure sores.
Arthritis
Orthotics can help provide support and alleviate pain for people with arthritis in the feet and ankles.
Sports Injuries
Athletes often use orthotics to prevent and manage injuries caused by repetitive movements and impact during sports.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of orthotics depends on the individual’s specific condition, the design of the orthotics, and how well they are fitted and used. If you’re experiencing foot or lower limb pain, it’s recommended to consult our podiatrists to determine if custom foot orthotics could be beneficial for your situation.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Our Process
Foot Scanning
To create the custom orthotics, the patient′s feet are scanned using specialised equipment. This scan creates a 3D digital model of the feet, capturing all the unique contours and dimensions.
Designing the Orthotics
Your podiatrist uses specialised software to design the orthotics based on the 3D foot model. They can customise the shape, thickness, and materials of the orthotics to suit the patient′s specific needs.
3D Printing
Once the design is ready, the 3D printer takes over. It uses the digital model as a guide and builds the orthotics layer by layer (0.1mm), usually from a variety of materials suitable for orthotic use, such as flexible plastics or other supportive materials.
Finishing Touches
After the 3D printing is complete, the orthotics may require some additional finishing touches to ensure a perfect fit and comfort. These may include smoothing the surfaces or adding cushioning.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
3D Printing for Custom Foot Orthotics
Precision
3D printing allows for high precision, ensuring that the orthotics fit the patient′s feet perfectly based on the digital model.
Customisation
The design can be fully customised to address specific foot conditions or individual preferences.
Fast Production
3D printing can speed up the production process compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Lightweight and Durable
3D-printed orthotics can be lightweight yet durable, providing the necessary support without excessive bulk.
Easy Replication
If the patient needs replacement orthotics in the future, the 3D model can be saved, making it easier to replicate the same design.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to experience discomfort when you first get custom foot orthotics. This is because your feet need time to adjust to the new support they’re now getting! If you start by wearing your custom orthotics for short periods and increase the duration you wear them over time, the discomfort should subside. However, if pain persists, please consult with us and we’ll take a further look.
It’s best to use your custom orthotics in shoes with a removable insole and enough room in the toe area. Shoes like sneakers, athletic shoes, and dress shoes generally work well.
When it comes to orthotics, consistency is key! We recommend wearing them every day, especially when walking or playing sports. Over time, we may adjust how often you wear them based on your progress.
Generally speaking, custom orthotics tend to last between one and five years. However, this depends on how often you wear them, your activity level, and other factors. Ensure you see us for regular checkups to ensure they’re still in good condition and working well.
The use of 3D printing for custom foot orthotics offers several advantages:
- Precision: 3D printing allows for high precision, ensuring that the orthotics fit the patient′s feet perfectly based on the digital model.
- Customisation: The design can be fully customised to address specific foot conditions or individual preferences.
- Fast production: 3D printing has a much faster production process compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
- Lightweight and durable: 3D-printed orthotics are lightweight yet durable, providing the necessary support without excessive bulk.
- Easy replication: If the patient needs replacement orthotics in the future, the 3D model can be saved, making it easier to replicate the same design.