Custom orthotics are often mentioned in the world of physiotherapy and chiropractic. We’d like to talk about the reasons you might need them, the benefits of orthotics, and what they actually do!
To start, see if you answer “yes” when you ask yourself any of these questions:
- Do you experience consistent pain in your feet, back, hips, or knees?
- Do the arches in your feet look flat when you stand?
- Are there any visible changes to the structure of your foot over the years?
- Do achy or painful feet prevent you from doing activities?
- Are you up on your feet all day and finding it’s becoming more difficult to get through the day without pain?
- Do you experience burning pain in your feet?
Custom orthotics may be the answer for you!
Our goal at CW Rehab is to help our patients live healthy lives, which includes foot health. Our practitioners are experts at understanding, diagnosing, and producing custom orthotics that are right for our patients.
Read on to learn more about custom orthotics and how they could benefit you!
What are Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics are a type of orthopedic device that is custom-made to fit each patient. They are custom shoe inserts that you can put into almost any type of shoe to provide the specific support that you and your body need.
Where Can You Feel The Pain?
The following are the most common types of pain individuals feel when seeking out orthotics:
- Heel pain
- Pain in your big toe
- Foot arch pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Ankle, knee, or hip pain
- Low back pain
A pair of custom-made orthotics may be able to reduce pain in these areas and help you function better.
Who Should Wear Custom Orthotics?
If you are experiencing any of the pain from the list above, custom orthotics could be right for you.
As we age, our tendons, ligaments, and joints experience wear and tear and we are more susceptible to conditions like arthritis and heel spurs. However, foot dysfunction, injuries, and other ailments occur across all age groups and are just as debilitating for younger individuals.
Custom orthotics can be used for people of all ages and are an effective, conservative treatment for foot and lower limb conditions.
What are the Benefits of Investing in Custom Orthotics?
There are many reasons why custom orthotics can help and be right for you. Custom orthotics help correct imbalances in the body which can reduce strain and stress on your musculoskeletal system, as well as improve your general health.
Custom orthotics are often prescribed for conditions such as back pain, arthritis in the knees or hips, foot pain, and many foot conditions, including Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. If you haven’t already, see our blog for more information on plantar fasciitis.
By investing in custom orthotics, the shoes you wear each day are now optimized to promote pain relief, address structural foot problems, and provide support. Custom orthotics support and align your feet to allow for overall better body mechanics.
Also, custom orthotics are covered by most insurance plans, extended health plans, and ODSP. Wearing orthotics can be more accessible than you think!
What Materials are Used to Make Custom Orthotics?
Materials used in custom orthotics can vary depending on the orthotic provider and custom manufacturer. However, most custom orthotics are made with a combination of materials that could include:
- Hard plastics
- Rubber and neoprene
- Foam
- Leather or cloth
Custom orthotics are specially designed with materials to fit the patient’s needs.
How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last For?
Custom orthotics typically last from 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of materials used and the type of use they get. Also, as we age, so do our feet so we don’t recommend going longer than this time period to make sure your foot has the best level of support.
Custom Orthotics Are Available at CW Rehab
CW Rehab’s high-quality custom orthotics are designed for each of our patients. Using a foam imprint of your foot, our lab custom makes each pair of orthotics with comfortable, yet durable materials with an appropriate fit. The orthotic fits comfortably into your footwear and you are able to perform your daily activities with the highest level of support and comfort.
Ask our practitioners if custom orthotics might be right for you! We look forward to booking a fitting session with you!