Things To Know About Foot Orthoses aka custom-made insoles.

Information About Custom Made Orthoses 1

Custom-made orthoses (also known as orthotics) are devices designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position when treating painful lower limb conditions. They are custom-made to fit each patient’s specific needs and foot structure. However, it is important to understand that while these devices are typically made with precision and care, they are not always guaranteed to fit perfectly or provide complete resolution to a patient’s painful symptoms.

There are several reasons for this:

  1. Individual Differences – Each person’s foot structure and biomechanics are unique, and the underlying causes of foot pain can vary widely. A device that works well for one person may not work as well for another.
  2. Professional Expertise – The quality of a custom orthosis depends largely on the expertise of the professional who designs it and the craftsmanship of the orthotic laboratory who manufactures orthotic devices. If the practitioner doesn’t have a thorough understanding of foot biomechanics or doesn’t take a precise mould or scan of the foot, the resulting orthosis may not fit well or provide optimal relief.
  3. Compliance – Even the best-made orthosis may not be effective if it is not used as directed. For example, patients may need to wear their orthoses for certain amounts of time each day or only during certain activities, often this is accompanied by muscle strengthening exercises. If they don’t follow these instructions, they may not see the benefits they expect.
  4. Underlying Health Conditions – Orthoses are often used to manage symptoms of chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. While they can help manage these symptoms, they are not a cure for the underlying condition.
  5. Adaptation Period – There is often an adjustment period after getting new orthotics. They might feel strange or even uncomfortable at first. If the discomfort doesn’t go away after a reasonable adjustment period, it could indicate that the orthotics need to be adjusted. All custom-made orthoses that we supply, come with a 7-week breaking-in period, during which orthoses adjustments are carried out free of charge. This is an important part of the bespoke design process. Please check that your practitioner offers this service, as not all custom-made orthotics come with this service, if not, you would either have to pay to have them adjusted or have to pay for a new pair based on a modified prescription.
  6. Maintenance – Over time, orthotics can wear down and become less effective. Regular check-ups with the provider can help ensure that the orthotics are still in good shape and functioning as intended. The shells, bottom part, of orthotics that we provide, are guaranteed against breakage for the functional life of the device, which is 3-5 years. Again, please check the warranty of the bottom parts of the orthotics before placing an order, as some companies’ warranty is limited to 12 months.

While custom-made orthoses often are a very effective tool in managing a variety of painful symptoms related to foot and lower limb conditions, they are not a guaranteed solution for everyone. It’s important to work closely with your Podiatrist to find the optimal treatment strategy.

If you are struggling with foot or ankle pain, please book the MSK biomechanical assessment with our Podiatrist using this link.