Custom Orthotics

Our specialists determine the structural foot deformities encountered in clinical practice and look for expected compensations through the foot. In addition, we use all subjective information from the patient combined with their physical presentation to find compensations that result in either proximal or distal tissue or joint injuries. Finding a biomechanical rationale for the acute or chronic injury is essential in creating a device that meets the needs of the foot, allowing the client to return to a normal functioning status and pain-free daily life.

​

Common structural deformities include a collapsed foot (pes planus) and rigid foot mechanics in the high-arch type foot (pes cavus). Oftentimes these foot types lead to functional changes such as over-pronation during walking and running, knee pain in running and jumping sports, leg length differences, “shin splints”, hip pain and stress fractures, toe pain, lateral foot pain, and more. Custom orthotics are capable of successfully managing all of these foot types.

​

Structural Imbalances

From an anatomical look, the foot is one of the most important parts of our body considering it hits the ground first in walking (one of our most important tasks). It is comprised of 26 bones and multiple joints that all operate in three planes of motion, but have biases towards specific planes depending on their orientation. The foot amazingly accommodates to various terrains by flexing, loading, and unloading. A normal foot 1) should be pliable during initial contact to allow the foot to control the load that distributes up the chain to turn on the knee and hip musculature. Shock absorption and adaptation to the environment are essential in the loading phase, and 2) should lock up to allow for push-off during walking and running and should function as a rigid lever creating stability during propulsion.

 

Structural and positional deformities of the feet or lower limb can negatively influence foot function during all standing and movement activities. Our Custom Foot Orthotics are used to decrease abnormal compensations. We make our orthotics using a comprehensive weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing assessment. We have specific tools to measure forefoot and rearfoot mechanics (arch and heel relationships), then we follow that with a custom cast of your foot in the ideal neutral position. Each device is specific to your foot and designed to effectively align your body to function optimally. Common results our custom orthotics clients enjoy are runners returning to previous levels of activity, prolonged standing without heel pain, squatting without knee pain, and more.

​

​

Custom orthotics assist with some common foot/leg deformities that can result in pain or injury, including:
 

• Rear Foot Varus (Subtalar)

• Compensated/Uncompensated Forefoot Varus

• Forefoot Varus

• Forefoot Valgus

• Plantar Flexed 1st Ray

• Forefoot Supinatus

• Forefoot Equinus

• Plantar Lesions

• Plantar Fasciitis