Custom Made Orthotics
Custom Made Orthotics
- Appointment Length: 45 Minutes
What are Custom Made Orthotics?
A custom made orthotics is an insole that can be discretely inserted into your shoes to offer support, align, prevent, and/or accommodate foot abnormalities and improves how your foot functions. When used with appropriate footwear, a custom made orthotic can be effective in helping to treat several foot and lower limb conditions, such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
- Pes Cavus (Arched Feet)
- Hallux Valgus (Bunions)
- Heel Spurs
- Diabetic Foot
- Metatarsalgia (Forefoot Pain)
- Leg Length Discrepancy
- Shin Splints
- Arthritic Foot
- Lower Back Pain
- Patellofemoral
- Chondromalacia
Benefits of Custom Made Orthotics
Unlike over the counter orthotics, a custom made orthotic is made specifically for you following a GAIT Assessment by a footcare expert such as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
- Custom made orthotics provide accurate biomechanical assistance.
- George O’Mahony C. Ped (C) can modify the orthotics to create perfect fit and function.
- A large variety of materials can be used to provide specific support and cushioning for increased function and comfort.
- Custom made orthotics have a longer lifespan and can be continuously modified.
Casting Technique
George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) uses a laser light that moves along the bottom of your foot to recreate an identical image of their foot.
The image produced is then analyzed and modified by the computer software to create a 3D image that will serve as the electronic mold for the custom made orthotic.
What to Expect
During your first initial GAIT Assessment, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) will review your medical history and will follow in a sequence of biomechanical tests to review muscle strength, foot and ankle alignment and joint flexibility. From this assessment a treatment plan will be reviewed and agreed by you and George O’Mahony C. Ped (C).
- If you decide to proceed with custom made orthotics, a 3-D casting of both of your feet will be taken by George O’Mahony C.Ped (C).
- George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) will answer any questions you may have regarding custom made orthotics. He may also recommend appropriate footwear that will meet the needs of your condition and lifestyle, which is also a part of your treatment plan.
Our custom made orthotics are manufactured off-site and will take 7-10 business days to complete. Once your custom made orthotics are ready to be fitted, we will contact you and arrange an appointment.
Once you arrive for your Fitting Appointment, George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) will put your custom made orthotics into your shoes for you and will have you wear them and make sure they feel good. Any adjustments that are required will be done instantly on-site. We will schedule a 2-week follow up appointment.
Over the next 2 weeks you will wear your custom made orthotics based on recommendations from George O’Mahony C.Ped (C). After the first week you should be able to wear your custom made orthotics up to 8-10 hours a day comfortably.
At your 2 week follow up appointment George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) will be able to see the wear pattern on your custom made orthotics and can make adjustments.
We recommend a follow up appointment every 4 months for George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) to view the wear pattern to make adjustments and keep your custom made orthotics comfortable.
Between your adjustment appointments we ask all patients to call us immediately if there is any changes or pain caused by your custom made orthotics.
Types of Custom Made Orthotics We Offer
Functional orthotics for multitude for everyday use. Characterized by firm shell materials that offer optimum support for the arch.
Modified functional orthotics for active living. Provide extra shock absorption especially in the arch area to deal with extreme stresses of some sports.
Softer orthotics for when a gentler approach is needed. Gentle pressure redistribution, maximum comfort and a soft shell are good for any conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and have special considerations that need special sculpting or offloading.
Dress orthotics for when a more fashionable footwear is required. Created to be slimmer and narrower to fit into casual flats and/or high heels or slimmer men’s dress shoes. Does not provide as much control or support for difficult foot problems but can help keep your feet comfortable.
An orthotics made specifically to fit your condition(s). For example, someone who is diabetic requires extra cushioning and severe Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) may require a heel cup.
Custom made orthotics in the workplace
Foot Injuries account for 10% of all reported disabling injuries in the workplace in Canada. According to Canada’s National Occupational Health and Safety Resource, 2 out of every 3 workers in Canada suffer from some sort of foot problem in their lifetime.
Some professions are at a higher risk for disabling foot injuries due to the physical demands of their job and mandatory footwear requirements including:
- Construction Works
- Cashiers
- Factory Workers
- Nurses
- Police Officers
- Salesclerk
- Teachers
If you are currently working in one of these fields, you may benefit from a GAIT Assessment from George O’Mahony C.Ped (C) to discuss proper footwear and custom made orthotics to help provide proper support. A large portion of current patients are employed in one of these fields and we can help alleviate your pain.
Long periods standing, repetitive motions, improper foot alignment and improper footwear can lead to muscle and ligament fatigue which increases the risk of injury and damage to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and other tissues of the feet. The resulting inflammation and abnormal wear and tear can lead to conditions such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
- Metatarsalgia (pain at the forefoot)
- Repetitive Strain Injury