Getting the right custom orthotics can be easy when you visit the professionals here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics, where we specialise in your feet and helping them feel and function their best. There are many reasons to choose a custom orthotic device, but it’s always a good idea to learn more about foot orthotics and whether it is necessary for you. This guide will walk you through custom orthotics so you can make the healthiest decision for yourself.
What is a Custom Orthotic?
An orthotic is a device that’s used to align the foot, ankle and legs in an anatomically correct way to allow them to work as efficiently as possible. Most of these devices look similar to the simple insole of a shoe and can be worn with a variety of footwear. When you use them, they work to correct your imbalance issues and keep your feet properly aligned for comfort and function. Your orthotics will be made specifically for your feet and your specific needs. We take a 3D digital image of the sole of your foot to ensure an exact contour with the orthotic shell and your foot.
Why Use a Custom Orthotic?
There are several conditions that may be helped by wearing custom orthotics in your shoes. By using your orthotics, you can help treat these conditions, but will also be more comfortable walking and standing. These conditions include plantar fasciitis, bunions, pain in the knees, legs, back or hips, and forefoot pain such as Morton’s neuroma. We can help you decide if custom orthotics are right for you or not, or if other treatment options need to be explored first.
When to Use Orthotics
The more you wear your orthotics, the more you’ll get out of them. They don’t work if you aren’t using them so ideally have them custom made for your most worn pair of shoes, such as for work, sport or school. You can also have additional custom orthotics made for specific activities or shoes, like thicker cushioning for steel capped work boots or narrower for dressier work shoes.
What Shoes to Place Your Orthotics In
In general, any shoe that already contains an insole will work with custom orthotics. All you have to do is take out the insole that came with the shoe and insert the orthotic in its place. Ideally, the shoe can be adjusted and fastened because the orthotic may be slightly thicker than some of the insoles that come out. With your foot positioned properly, you’ll feel more comfortable walking and standing without having to sacrifice your style choices. We can recommend different shoes that are suitable for fitting the orthotics – without having to be ugly.
Do you want to learn more about how custom orthotics can treat your specific foot problems? Contact us here at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics today to talk more or book an appointment.
Author
Cable Mills
Cable Mills is the Senior Podiatrist at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics in Darwin.
He studied Podiatry at Charles Stuart University and has worked in busy podiatry practices in Darwin and Melbourne since graduating in 2011. He has a passion for sport and biomechanics and finds it rewarding to be able to make a difference to people’s lives.
Cable opened the first practice of Swan Podiatry and Orthotics at the beginning of 2016. His areas of expertise are sports injuries, orthotic therapy, general treatment, nail surgery, fracture management and diabetic care.
