Custom orthotics are insoles that are custom-built from 3D scans, foam impressions or plaster molds of your feet, rather than an ‘off-the shelf’ choice. And, unlike the generic type of insoles, a custom orthotic will match your foot shape exactly. There are many conditions for which this kind of support can help you, both in terms of increased stability and less pain.
Conditions They Help With
There is some evidence to suggest that custom orthotics provide targeted pain relief. As they redistribute pressure across your feet, this reduces stress on problematic areas, or where pressure is applied unequally due to inconsistencies in your gait. This has the potential to eliminate the source of your pain. For people suffering with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or other types of heel and foot pain, custom orthotics can often provide drastic improvement in their symptoms.
Proper foot positioning allows the foot to be properly supported, and so people with flat feet have described them as helpful. Likewise, they may help in cases of particularly high arches or over pronation. Even better, custom orthotics may reduce the likelihood of developing secondary problems in your knees, hips, and lower back.
However, in order to provide the kind of support that is necessary, custom orthotics will shift the way you walk, and how you feel on your feet in general. The nature of the treatment comes with its own adjustment period. If you consider it, your muscles and joints will have grown used to moving in a certain way, and changing that will come with the odd aches or pains until you have adapted. It is also important to understand that custom orthotics on their own are not a magic fix, they are designed as a tool to support proper movement.
How Do We Decide Whether Custom Orthotics Are a Viable Option?
At Park Road Podiatry in Coventry, we use Phits+ custom orthotics. They are extremely high-quality, and crafted using cutting-edge technology and premium, durable materials. If any of the conditions above are something that you’re suffering from, then please make an appointment and speak to one of our excellent podiatrists. We can advise you on whether or not custom orthotics would be an appropriate choice.
From there, we will begin with a comprehensive foot assessment and gait analysis. We use FootScan, which is a dynamic pressure plate that assesses how your feet move, how much pressure is placed on them, and where potential issues could arise. It uses 3000 high-speed sensors to capture real-time data. It combines static (standing) and dynamic (moving) information, giving us a full picture of your foot health. We will also be able to give you advice on the whole picture, including footwear and insight into other conditions that could be causing your problems.
Your orthotics are made using the latest Phits+ precision technology. You will have follow up appointments with us to ensure the perfect fit. While custom orthotics require an initial investment, they’re exceptional value when considering their durability and health benefits. Quality custom orthotics typically last several years with proper care. At Park Road Podiatry in Coventry we are pleased to be able to offer Phits+ custom orthotics to our patients.
If you’re suffering from one of the following conditions or experiencing these symptoms, please get in touch:
- Chronic back or lower body pain
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arch problems
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Neuropathy
- Paediatric foot care problems
- Sports injuries
- Generalised heel and foot pain