One of the most common questions I am asked in clinic is, “Do I need orthotics?” It’s a good question, however the answer isn’t always so straightforward.
We first need to review what an orthotic is to answer this question. An orthotic could be defined as an external device worn under the foot to help align and support the foot and give feedback to the neuro-muscular system. Orthotics do not necesarily have to support the arch, they can simply improve foot function, from pressure relief over joints, help in prevention of hard skin build up or to assist in more efficient joint alignment, even in some cases persons feel improvements in balance and performance.
Many people think orthotics are simply insoles that can be bought from a pharmacy or sports shop or retail store. Whilst these products can be very helpful for many people, a custom orthotic is a different device. It is designed specifically for your own feet and, more importantly, for the way you move.
At Coastal Podiatry, our first priority is understanding the cause of your symptoms or issues. Foot pain can arise from many different factors, including injury, overuse, changes in foot function, footwear, or underlying medical conditions. Rather than treating everyone in the same way, we carry out a detailed assessment to determine what is contributing to your pain or discomfort.
As part of this assessment, we are able to use modern gait analysis technology, including a gait scanner and force plate. These systems measure how pressure is distributed across your feet and how your feet function during walking. Combined with a thorough clinical examination and your medical history, this provides valuable information to help guide the most appropriate course of treatment.
Sometimes the best treatment is advice about footwear, a programme of stretching or strengthening exercises, or activity modification. In other cases, a custom orthotic may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
At Coastal Podiatry, we are able to provide Phits® 3D-printed custom orthotics. These are individually designed using the information gathered during your assessment and gait analysis.
Traditional orthotics, are often manufactured from plaster casts or foam impressions. Phits orthotics can be created using a blend of advanced digital footscaning technology, force plate-gait analysis information and precision 3D printing. This allows each device to be tailored to both the shape of your foot and the way it functions dynamically during walking or running.
The aim is not necissarliy to “correct” your feet, but to optimise how forces are distributed through the foot and lower limb. This can reduce excessive loading on soft tissues, improve comfort and promote more efficient movement.
Custom orthotics are not suitable for everyone, but they may help people experiencing:
Every recommendation is based on your individual assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Pressure Distribution and timing data
The success of any orthotic depends on making the right diagnosis. Simply placing an orthotic inside a shoe without understanding why the pain has developed is unlikely to provide the best outcome.
The aim is always to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. For some patients this includes custom orthotics, while for others a combination of footwear advice, rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle changes may be more effective.
Right fit right device
There are many discussions as to whether persons should use custom devices or simply purchase off shelf devices. We feel its about choice and best fit, use of the most up to date materials and taking good advantage of the best material science has to offer and being able to give that back to our patients. Often, a practitioner will introduce orthotic devices in stages, from a simple soft insole, to get the foot to become familiar with wearing devices, through to a pre-fabricated device and finally onto custom made orthotics. In our experience working with our clients and discussions with other practitioners, in most cases, patients feel they experience significant improvements when they are wearing the right device for them.
3D Scan of foot with dynamic force plate data overlay
Custom orthotics are one of many tools available to help manage foot and lower limb conditions. When prescribed following a comprehensive assessment, they can play an important role in reducing pain, improving function and helping people return to work, exercise and the activities they enjoy.
If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain or are unsure whether custom orthotics are appropriate for you, perhaps a podiatry assessment is the best place to start. Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step towards finding the right solution.
You can book your appointment now on 07748 142169 and 01202 748 899
info@coastalpodiatry.co.uk
Further reading
Enhancing Functional Rehabilitation Through Orthotic Interventions for Foot and Ankle Conditions: A Narrative Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10659571/#sec3
Comparing the Utility of Custom Foot Orthoses vs Prescription-grade Prefabricated Foot Orthoses