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What is an Orthotic?

An orthotic device (orthosis) is an individually designed custom brace that changes the function of your foot.

How Do They Work?

An orthotic device changes the way your foot works. Your podiatrist will determine if your foot function is causing your particular symptoms. Then, by using an orthotic that changes the way your foot works, the symptoms may be relieved. Flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, neuromas, calluses, bunions and heel pain are common foot problems that may be helped by changing your foot function. Ankle weaknesses or frequent sprains are often treated with orthotic devices. Sometimes knee and back pain may be related to abnormal foot function and are relieved by orthotic control. One of the more common users for foot orthotics is for postoperative control. Many foot problems requiring surgical correction are caused by abnormal mechanics. Frequently, following surgical correction of the deformity, an orthotic device is used to reduce the possibility of its recurrence.

How Much of the Time Do I Need To Wear An Orthotic?

This will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. Orthotic control is somewhat analogous to eyeglasses. While you are wearing them, function is improved. Ideally, a person should wear the orthotic whenever he/she is on their feet. In most situations, it is advisable to wear them 75% of the time. The more they are worn, the greater the benefit.

Types of Orthotics:

There are many types. Your podiatrist will decide which type will be best for treating your particular problem. The material that is used will depend on the different activities during which you will be wearing them. Activities requiring rapid direction changes (e.g. tennis, basketball, etc.), for example, may require a special cover.

The Process:

In order for the laboratory to construct your orthotic, it is necessary for us to make an impression of your foot in the position we want it to function. In most doctors’ offices, this impression is made out of plaster. Your foot is held in this position while the plaster hardens. This impression is the most critical step in the fabrication of the orthotic device. In our office, we use digital scanning which eliminates the need for plaster casting.

The impressions or digital scans are sent to the laboratory. They will make a positive model of your foot and add any correction we prescribe. The materials specified will then be formed to the positive model of your foot and additional corrections will be added to ensure that it balances your foot to the supporting surface. Covers, extensions and other additions are then made before the orthotic is mailed back to our office.

The Beginning:

Usually, you will adjust to the orthotic in a few weeks. In some situations it may take a little longer. We will generally recommend a specific break-in schedule when we dispense them to you.

Most types of orthotics will work in several different types of shoes. In some cases, more than one type of orthotic is necessary in order to fit in certain shoes (e.g. dress heels). It is important to discuss with the doctor the types of shoes and the activities you will be participating in prior to ordering the orthotic.

Important:

The word “orthotic” is commonly misused. Many shoe stores and other professional offices will call an “off-the-shelf”, shoe insert and orthotic but it is not made from a cast holding the joints in their correct position. Simply measuring a foot or placing the foot in a foam box, does not create a true orthotic. Be an educated consumer and be careful of certain marketing techniques.

Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Tips

When the final weeks of a care-free summer vacation come to a close, the sounds of school bells, slamming locker doors and students clam­oring into classrooms are heard loud and clear once again. But before each new school year begins, parents eagerly seek out a wide array of school supplies and stylish new fashions for their children. One of the most important purchases on any parent's back-to-school shopping list is a pair of new shoes. For many parents, back-to-school shoe shopping may seem eas­ier than a pop-quiz in gym class - but several important factors should be considered:

Children's feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as a child's feet grow. Shoes that don't fit properly can aggravate the feet. Always measure a child's feet before buying shoes, and watch for signs of irritation. Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe size fits one child comfortably doesn't mean it will fit another the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus. Examine the heels. Children may wear through the heels of shoes quicker than outgrowing shoes them­selves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by a podiatrist. Take your child shoe shopping. Every shoe fits differently. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road. Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.

Buy shoes that do not need a "break-in" period. Shoes should be comfortable immediately. Also make sure to have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that's how they'll be worn.

Do Your Child's Shoes Make the Grade?

New From Our Store:

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Podiatry Affiliates, PC
Amherst Office
3980 Sheridan Drive
Suite 308
Amherst, NY 14226-1727
716-839-3930

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403 Main Street
Suite 603
Buffalo, NY 14203-2104
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Niagara Falls, NY 14304-3080
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Concord Medical Building
210 East Main Street
Springville, NY 14141
716-592-3644
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