Orthotics are custom made devices manufactured from many types of materials. They fit inside your own shoes, sneakers or cleats, and are worn on a full time basis. Orthotics help to control the way your foot functions. There are many types of orthotic devices, some described later in the article. Your podiatrist will prescribe a device specific to the activities that you participate in the most. From soccer to running, or aerobics to basketball, orthotics can help you perform at peak efficiency by keeping your body centered over your foot avoiding problematic strain which leads to pain and injury. Professional orthotics are custom made from impressions of your feet and will only function optimally for your feet only. Just as contact lenses or glasses improve vision, orthotics will help your podiatrist improve your foot function. 

How do Custom Foot Orthotics work? 

Most foot pain is the result of a faulty relationship between the bones and muscles of the foot. Even the slightest misalignment can result in significant discomfort. This abnormal function can result in problems such as growth plate problems of the heel (Sever's Disease), shin splints, gait abnormalities, bursitis, ankle sprains, bunions, hammer toes, arch and heel pain ... even back and knee pain. Orthotics correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure

The function of custom orthotics is much more than an arch support. Orthotics realign the structures of the foot and leg to prevent bone mal-alignment as well as muscle, tendon, and ligament fatigue. They are often used after surgery to help stop the recurrence of foot deformities. 

As your foot rests on the orthotic it is gently and consistently directed into the correct position for walking, running, and standing. Because your foot is now functioning properly, the pain of muscle strain and pressure points is relieved, and the progression of deformities is stopped or slowed. 

Because we are born with different foot types, and because we engage in different occupations and activities, there are specific types of orthotics for individual patients. Orthotics may be used with athletes, children, adults, elderly patients and, very often, with patients following surgery or injury. Orthotics may be rigid, semi-rigid or soft (flexible). 

Orthotic Types 

In general, foot care specialists group orthotics into the following categories: 

Functional orthotics are designed to support abnormal foot biomechanics. These devices, which often are made of supportive plastic polymer materials, prevent abnormal foot pronation (flattening of the arch) and reduce the impact load from the ground (shock absorption) while walking or running. Functional orthotics allow the foot to become a mobile adapter and a rigid lever. They support the rear foot or subtaylor joints, as well as the midfoot or midtarsal joints. This support stabilizes the foot and can help prevent repetitive overuse injuries. Functional orthotics are used to correct many foot deformities. 

Semi-rigid functional orthotics provide foot balance for participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more semirigid materials, like a carbon graphite. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.

Accommodative orthotics typically feature a soft supportive device that is designed to relieve mild foot pain and correct minor foot problems. These devices often are used to correct biomechanical walking problems in young children. Accommodative orthotics include include splints, gait plates, and night bars (devices used to hold a child's feet and legs at a proper angle while sleeping) that promote corrective adjustment for excessive toe-in or toe-out walking. Braces may be used in infants to correct foot, leg, or hip abnormalities (e.g., metatarsus adductus, internal or external hip rotation problems).

Orthotics may require a gradual break-in period. They are worn in 95% of all walking or standing activities. You may need to wear orthotics indefinitely, depending on how your foot function responds. Orthotics have a variable life span, depending upon your activities. You may need periodic changes in your prescription as your foot function changes. 

Using the physician's recommendations for corrections, the lab technicians custom-mold an orthotic made of a supportive material that incorporates the necessary adjustments. The orthotic provides the patient with the support, stability, cushioning, and alignment necessary to keep the feet, ankles, and lower body comfortable, healthy, and pain-free.

For any questions, Dr. Stummer may be reached at the contact number below. Mention this article and receive a complimentary evaluation to determine if you or your athlete would benefit from a custom orthotic. 

Dr. Steven Stummer - The Purestep Group LLC

Podiatric Sports Medicine & Surgery

Bellmore-Plainview-Northport

516.449.1842

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