Medical Grade Custom Orthotics Specialist

What are medical-grade custom orthotics?

Medical-grade custom orthotics are individually designed inserts that you wear inside your shoes. They support the structures inside your feet and, if necessary, make corrections to the alignment of parts of your feet that cause problems.

You can buy over-the-counter supportive insoles, some of which can be helpful for mild foot problems. But because they aren't made individually to your precise requirements, over-the-counter inserts are never as effective as medical-grade custom orthotics.

How are medical-grade custom orthotics made?

Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle uses a laser scanner to produce a 3D image of your feet. This involves standing on a platform for about a minute while the laser technology records the detailed dimensions of your feet. When the design is ready, your provider sends it to a specialist medical-grade orthotics manufacturer who creates your orthotics.

One of the advantages of laser scanning is that it can provide information about the weight distribution and muscle imbalances in your feet and legs. With this information, your provider can make adjustments to the orthotics to ensure they’re perfectly formed to treat your foot problem. 

Why would I need medical-grade custom orthotics?

Medical-grade custom orthotics are highly adaptable and have numerous uses. You might benefit from using medical-grade custom orthotics if you have conditions such as:

• Tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Neuromas
• Shin splints
• High arches
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Arthritis

Orthotics can also be invaluable if you have a condition like diabetic peripheral neuropathy that can lead to the development of ulcers.

You don't need to have pain in your feet to benefit from medical-grade custom orthotics. If your job requires you to spend many hours standing or walking, or if you're a keen sports enthusiast, orthotics can help prevent overuse injuries in your feet.

What types of medical-grade custom orthotics are there?

Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle offers two types of medical-grade custom orthotics:

Functional orthotics

Functional, or rigid, orthotics typically consist of materials like graphite and plastic. As the name suggests, they're stiff enough to correct misalignments and support structural abnormalities in your feet.

Accommodative orthotics

Accommodative, or soft, orthotics consist of much more giving materials like foam and rubber. They provide cushioning and support for painful foot problems like plantar fasciitis, corns, bunions, and diabetic foot wounds.

Some bulkier orthotics might require the use of special footwear, but most medical-grade custom orthotics fit inside your everyday shoes, including sports shoes and workwear.

To get your medical-grade custom orthotics, call Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle or book an appointment online today.