by Mike Bryce

Created on: June 06, 2008

Do you suffer from foot, ankle, or knee pain? If so, orthotics may be able to help. Foot orthotics are braces for your feet. They support the arches and maintain the foot in a neutral position. The term orthotic generally refers to a custom made device. Over the counter, prefabricated arch supports are available at pharmacies and sports stores. Gel inserts provide cushioning, but are too soft to offer support. The problem with prefabricated insoles is that they are generic. An over the counter insert may have an arch that is too high or too low for your foot.

Custom made orthotics are constructed based on a three dimensional model of each foot. The foot model may be obtained through several methods, including: plaster casting, digital scanning, and foam box impression casting. When casting is used, a plaster model of the foot is created, and material (often plastic or foam) is heat molded and vacuum pressed against the model. The digital scanning technique uses computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing to create a custom orthotic. Both methods result in an orthotic that fits like a glove.

Foot orthotics can be made either full length or half length. With full length orthotics, you need to remove the insole (sock liner) that comes with the shoe. Many running, walking, and casual shoes have removable sock liners to accommodate full length orthotics. For dressier, tighter fitting shoes, half length orthotics are required.

Custom made foot orthotics vary in price from $300 to $600. The higher priced orthotics would likely be provided by a podiatrist, who, as a doctor, would charge more for his or her time than a pedorthist, orthotist, or chiropodist. The expense of orthotics is largely due to the fact that they are custom made. It is much cheaper to mass produce generic inserts than to manufacture custom orthotics for one patient at a time.

When considering which specialist to see for orthotics, patients should check with their insurance companies to see which providers are recognized and what documentation is required. Questions to ask potential orthotic providers include: Is their a fee for the initial assessment and/or follow up appointment? What is the turn around time? What are your qualifications? Can the orthotics be made to fit my current footwear?

There are two main types of foot orthotics: accommodative and functional. Accommodative orthotics are made from softer material and are often excavated to relieve pressure from painful areas of the foot. This type of orthotic is commonly prescribed for Diabetics and people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Functional orthotics are composed of denser material that supports the arch and corrects biomechanical faults. These rigid or semi-rigid orthotics help to reduce abnormal foot movements, such as overpronation or supination.

Orthotics are used to treat a variety of foot problems. Among the most common foot ailments are: plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and arthritis. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is an inflammation of the tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the sole of the foot. PF often causes pain in the arch, and at the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the bone. PF is aggravated by weight bearing and over pronation. Custom foot orthotics support the arch and allow the inflamed plantar fascia to heal faster. Metatarsalgia is pain and burning at the ball of the foot. Orthotics with metatarsal pads and forefoot cushioning can be used to treat metatarsalgia. Arthritc patients often benefit from softer orthotics that relieve pressure from painful joints.

If you are suffering from foot pain, consult with your family physician to see if custom made foot orthotics are right for you.

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