Custom Foot Orthotics
An 'orthotic' is a device designed to restore your natural foot function and slides into your shoes to improve your balance, posture and overall alignment. Many complaints such as heel pain, knee pain, shin splints, arch and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function and the loss of 1 or more of the 3 arches that support your whole body. This can cause a chain reaction of pain- from your feet to your knees, to your hips, to your back and all the way up to your shoulders and even your neck!
We use Foot- Levelers from Roanake , Virginia to make various types of custom fit flexible orthotics to each individuals specific needs. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, and help to restore the balance between the 3 arches in the foot, leveling all the structures above which in turn helps alleviate pain and problems in other areas of the body, such as the knees, hip, lower back.
In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and they provide shock absorption.
Who needs orthotics?
Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to walking or excessive standing, especially on hard concrete floors, or individuals that experience ankle/foot/knee/leg pain while being active in sports. Also individuals with bunions, achilles tendonitis, flat feet, heel pain, knee pain, shin pain, plantar fascitis, etc. would also benefit from orthotics.
How do I get fitted for custom orthotics?
The custom orthotics we fit our patients with are flexible orthotics so they provide the ultimate in shock absorption and comfort. The feet are cast in a standing position in a foam cast kit and it takes approximately 7 days before we receive the custom fit orthotics back from Foot Levelers.
How long will my Foot Orthotic Last?
Usually between 12 to 18 months.
Does it take time to get used to orthotics and what do I need to know once I receive them?
Your feet may need time to adjust to the correction in your orthotic. Therefore orthotics should be gradually used to begin with. During the first 48 hours of use, use the orthotics for approximately 3-4 hours. After this period of time it is recommended you use the orthotics for 6-8 hours. Some individuals however may not need a break-in period and quickly adapt to their flexible orthotics. We highly recommend that you wear your orthotics in your home versus going barefoot or with slippers so that you still maintain the best foot aligment and arch balance. Be sure to take out any arch support in your current shoes prior to inserting your custom orthotics and slide your new orthotics into new shoes when you are trying them on in the store for the best fit. Any shoes that you have with uneven heel wear should not be worn especially with your new orthotics.
