Custom Foot Orthotics
Ensure your orthotics fit you comfortably
At McCowan Foot Clinic, our Chiropodists will treat your foot problems such as foot misalignment, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, discomfort in the ankle, heel spurs, etc. with the most current methods. Our Chiropodists use their extensive knowledge of biomechanics to ensure your orthotics fit you comfortably, providing you with pain relief. We take steps for monitoring your progress to ensure long lasting pain relief.
The steps required to formulate a prescription for custom-made foot orthotics
At your initial visit to the McCowan Foot Clinic, our Chiropodist will take a medical history and conduct a thorough biomechanical assessment and gait analysis of your legs and feet. The Chiropodist will establish a management plan and discuss the use of custom-made orthotics for your feet, footwear and lifestyle.
A molded plaster cast will be taken of both feet in subtalar joint neutral position, in preparation for the fabrication of a pair of custom-made orthotics. A 3D Scanner imaging can also be used for making a custom-made orthotics.
When the orthotics are ready, you will be fitted for the orthotics in proper footwear and will be advised on how to gradually break into the new pair of orthotics.
After about 6 weeks of adjusting to the new orthotics, a follow-up visit or phoned follow-up will be scheduled to monitor your progress with the orthotics.
The longevity of the orthotics varies from patient to patient depending on their foot structure, activities and type of occupation.
Orthotics are like prescription eye glasses, as the foot changes in structure, the orthotics will have to be replaced to accommodate the new foot structure. Changes in the foot can take place within 1-3 years.
Benefits of wearing custom-made orthotics
- Alleviate pain in the foot, ankle, knees, hips and lower back
- Maintain proper alignment of your foot and leg and improve balance
- Customized arch and heel support
- Prevent progression of bunions and clawed toes
- Provide shock absorption and redistribution of pressure across the bottom of the foot
- Maintain general wellbeing by allowing you to be active longer when walking and engaging in sporting activities
Signs and symptoms of foot problems that may require custom-made orthotics
- Lower back and knee pain
- Shin splints
- Achilles tendinitis
- Heel pain
- Heel Spur
- Flatfeet (Pes planus)
- High arched feet (Pes cavus)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Metatarsal and Hallux pain
What is an orthotic?
Orthotics are made to help correct any misalignment in the foot, improve a person’s posture or alleviate pain in the foot or leg. Custom orthotics are different from over the counter inserts that you can buy at any store because they are specially made to conform to the unique shape of your foot.
With a pair of orthotics, pressure points, painful muscle strain and improper rotation of your foot are reduced, as your foot is functioning properly. You’ll need to wear orthotics as long as you want to avoid discomfort.