A Foot Orthotic
A foot orthotic is a device that can be discretely inserted into the shoe to support, align, prevent and/or accommodate foot deformities and improve foot function. Used in conjunction with appropriate footwear, a foot orthotic can be effective in helping to treat a number of foot and lower limb problems including heel, arch and forefoot pain, shin splints, as well as pain and complications related to health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
There are two basic types of foot orthoses (also known as a foot orthotic): over-the-counter devices and custom-made devices.
Basic over-the-counter devices are mass produced and sold through pharmacies, grocery stores and other retail stores while more supportive types can be found at pedorthic facilities. Many over-the-counter devices bring satisfactory results in treating common foot conditions resulting from minor biomechanical abnormalities or for a client who is minimally active. They can be used as a temporary device for a child who is rapidly growing or as a "first step" to provide insight into how a patient will respond to and tolerate a more functional support. Over-the counter devices can also be suitable for the accommodative needs of a client with arthritis, as long as the product "fits" the foot properly. Over-the-counter devices have the added benefits of convenience and affordability. The disadvantages of these devices are that they may not "fit" the foot appropriately, they may not provide accurate biomechanical support and they typically have a shorter life span than a custom-made foot orthotic.
Unlike over-the-counter devices, a custom-made foot orthotic requires a prescription from a doctor and is made specifically for the patient following an assessment of their feet and legs by a footcare expert such as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. A custom-made foot orthotic is made from a three-dimensional model of a patient's foot and is fabricated from raw materials (it is not a pre-fabricated device that is modified). It is designed to meet the patient's unique and specific needs. A custom-made foot orthotic can be "accommodative" (where the primary goal is to deflect pressure away from ulcers, callosities and painful pressure points) or "functional" (a device primarily designed to control foot and lower leg biomechanical function). The advantages of a custom-made foot orthotic include accurate biomechanical assistance with the ongoing ability to modify the device, a vast variety of materials that can be used to provide specific support and cushioning, and a longer lifespan that could off-set the greater initial cost.