Custom Orthotics
WHAT IS A CUSTOM ORTHOTIC?
A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look like insoles, but are biomechanichal medical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. 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. Custom orthotics fit directly into your shoes as comfortably as an insole – and they have the advantage of having been made from precise measurements taken of your feet and are based on your body’s specific need.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Call to book an appointment with Dr. Davey. He will evaluate your situation in detail to determine if you would benefit from custom orthotics.
Dr. Davey can then prescribe custom orthotics to help correct your specific foot and body imbalance. You can help by discussing any foot, leg, or back problems, and even by simply asking if your feet could be part of the problem.
SHOULD I WEAR MY CUSTOM ORTHOTICS ALL THE TIME?
The more you wear you custom 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 may want a second pair of orthotics designed specifically for that activity.
WHY DO NEW CUSTOM ORTHOTICS FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE SOMETIMES?
Since the custom orthotic works to re-align the structure of your foot you may feel pressure in some areas as the custom orthotic attempts to do it’s job.
For this reason custom orthotics should be worn a little bit at the start and slowly worn more as the feet and body get used to them. Once you have gotten used to them, custom orthotics should be the most comfortable thing you wear.
If they aren’t then mention it to Dr. Davey so that he can adjust them for you.
WHAT KIND OF SHOE DO I NEED FOR MY CUSTOM ORTHOTICS?
Generally speaking, most shoes will work with your custom orthotic. We also offer a large variety of carefully selected footwear that can accommodate custom orthotics, as well as custom sandals and clogs that have your prescribed device built right in.
WILL MY MUSCLES GET WEAKER WEARING CUSTOM ORTHOTICS?
Custom Orthotics will not reduce muscle tone. They will help position your foot so you will be using the right muscles at the right time, minimizing fatigue and allowing your muscles to be used more efficiently.
CONDITIONS TREATED
The foot is a complicated and detailed part of the body. It is very important for human movement and support. Due to both it’s complexity and its inluence the foot has the potential to develop problems that can effect many aspects of the body.
Poor foot structure and/or function can lead to poor mechanics of the feet as well as ankles, knees, hips and back.
Indications of poor foot structure and/or function can include a variety of symptoms and conditions. If you suffer from any of the following problems there is a very good chance that custom orthotics would be beneficial.
Some indications may include:
- Tired Feet
- Bunions and Hammer Toes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Pain
- Arch Pain
- Pain in the Balls of the Feet
- Ankle Pain
- Leg Pain
- Knee pain
- Hip Pain
- Back Pain