Are Custom-Made Orthotics Worth The Investment For Better Foot Health?

In a world where we prioritise comfort and well-being, taking care of our feet should be at the top of our self-care list. Your feet carry you throughout the day, making it crucial to ensure they are well-supported and healthy. One solution that often surfaces amongst patients in discussions about foot health is custom-made orthotics. Are they truly worth the investment for better foot health? Let's dive into the world of custom orthotics.

So firstly, what is a Custom Made Orthotic and how does it function?

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are specifically designed and prescribed by a podiatrist to address your foot concerns. The prescription made for custom orthotics are specific to YOUR foot measurements, biomechanics and foot structure.

What is the Science behind Custom Made Orthotics?

Custom orthotics work by providing support, cushioning, and alignment to your feet. By correcting biomechanical imbalances, they can alleviate pain, reduce strain on muscles and joints, and enhance overall foot function. They also change the way that you walk by redistributing pressure across the foot. Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or even back pain, custom orthotics can be a valuable tool in improving your foot health.

So, what's the difference between an over counter orthotic and a custom made orthotic?

As a podiatrist, I hear this all the time, not everyone needs a pair of custom orthotics but are they truly a better product and are they superior in addressing your biomechanics? Yes, they are, and here is the reason why they are so different to over the counter orthotics.

Prefabricated/ over the counter orthotics are:

• Generic and do not take into consider individual foot anatomical variations

• No customisation: they do not account for specific conditions such as high arch feet or structural imbalances that may be needed to be targeted with corrections in a custom made orthotic.

• Lack durability

• Potential discomfort: orthotics naturally change the pressure mapping of your feet, if an OTC is not suitable you may experience pain which may exacerbate the issue rather than solving it.

• Risk of compounding injuries if not worn correctly or if the wrong type of over-the-counter orthotic is chosen

• Cost-effectiveness in the Long Run: While initially cheaper, the need to replace prefabricated orthotics more frequently can make them less cost-effective over time compared to durable, custom-made alternatives.

• Lack of professional assessment and guidance: If you're purchasing a prefabricated orthotic without consulting a podiatrist for a biomechanical assessment, then the root cause of the underlying issues may go unaddressed or improperly managed.

  
  

However, if you do not need a custom orthotic and have no specific pains or ailments, a prefabricated orthotic may be a suitable option for you to increase comfort in footwear. It is best to consult with a podiatrist prior for a full assessment.

Custom Orthotics however are:

• Prescribed by a professional podiatrist to address your foot needs, specific to your foot anatomy, measurements and biomechanics

• Personalised fit: When you receive an orthotic, it is personalised to you to ensure a good fit and maximum comfort.

• Durability and longevity The materials that a custom-made orthotic is made of is durable and lasts longer than a prefabricated orthotic!

• Pain relief from chronic conditions: If you're experiencing chronic pain from arthritis, morton's neuroma, plantarfasciitis, achilles tendonitis, a custom orthotic may help realign your biomechanics to assist in recovering from your ailments.

• Different types of custom orthotics are available to suit your needs and footwear: there are sport style orthotics, thin or 3/4 style for flatter or thinner footwear. The possibilities are endless and your podiatrist will consult you about the most appropriate one for your condition and lifestyle

• Improved posture and alignment

An Example of a custom-made orthotic made for an individual with an amputated 4th and 5th toe, the orthotics acted as a prosthetic and improved overall function and mobility of the feet.

How can I be assessed for a Custom-Made Orthotic?

To assess your suitability for a custom made orthotic, booking in for a custom-made orthotic assessment by a podiatrist is crucial. Throughout this assessment, your podiatrist will assess your gait pattern, feet, knees, hip joints, muscles, tendons and take different measurements to find the root cause of your pain and if there is a medical need for custom made orthotic is needed, then it is prescribed.

So, in conclusion... is the investment worth it?

Custom orthotics are fantastic for addressing individual foot anatomies, anomalies, chronic conditions and alleviating pains/realigning your posture & biomechanics, they offer precision in support and comfort. However, not everyone requires a pair of custom orthotics. Consulting with our podiatrist can help determine the most appropriate orthotic solution to ensure optimal foot health, comfort, and overall well-being.

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