Custom-made foot orthotics are insoles that are individually designed to fit each person’s foot shape and requirements. Orthotics relieve pain of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and/or low back by properly aligning the joints, redistributing forces, or limiting motion. Although there are benefits with over the counter insoles, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, custom-made orthotics can be modified for a variety of conditions and therefore may provide further relief.

Orthotics are often prescribed when patients report experiencing foot pain. Studies have found that 20-37% of adults over the age of 45 have some form of foot pain which can lead to difficulty performing regular activities of daily living and can increase the risk of falling. Many factors may contribute to the development of foot pain including improper footwear, trauma, and health conditions.

Who can benefit from custom-made orthotics?

The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine released practice guidelines in 2011 which state that custom-made foot orthotics may be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions: The following constitutes a list of conditions for which orthotics are commonly prescribed.

  • Shin Splints
  • Tendinitis (Tenosynovitis)
  • Patellofemoral Syndrome
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Leg-length Discrepancy
  • Inflammatory Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Etc)
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • High arches (pes cavus)
  • Hammer toes
  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Bunions
  • Flat feet (pes planus)
  • Morton’s Neuroma

If you are experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and/or low back or have been diagnosed with one of the above conditions, talk to a health care practitioner to find out if you may benefit from custom-made orthotics.

The chiropractors at Milton Back Doc are educated in various back and lower extremity conditions and would be happy to answer your questions!  Click here to see the process for getting assessed and fitted.

*Note: most insurance companies will cover the cost of custom-made foot orthotics in part or in full.

References:

Hawke, F., Burns, J., Radford, JA., & Toit, VD (2008) Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane. Retrieved September 27, 2014 from:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006801.pub2/abstract

Rao, S., Riskowski, J., & Hannan, MT. (2012) Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Foot and Ankle: Assessments and Treatment Options. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol, 26(3): 345–368.

Ball, KA. & Afheldt, MJ. (2002) Evolution of foot orthotics—part 1: coherent theory or coherent practice? Manipulative Physiol Ther, 25: 116-24.

The American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (2006) Prescription Custom Foot Orthoses Practice Guidelines.