With so many different types of foot orthotics, how do you know which are the right ones for your feet?
Well if you have ever suffered from foot or lower limb pain, chances are you have visited or have been advised to visit a podiatrist for a lower limb and foot assessment.
Poor foot function or misalignment of the lower limb can lead to postural fatigue, aches and dysfunction of the feet, which can have a direct impact on the knees and lower back.
These abnormal forces can lead to tissue stress and injury resulting in pain and debilitation. Orthotics have been used successfully by podiatrist for centuries to correct poor foot function, misalignment and aid in the rehabilitation of foot injury or pain.
In today’s world there are so many treatment options available for foot orthotics, it can be hard to know what is the right choice. Therefore Well Heeled Podiatry has decided to help you by comparing the pros and cons of customised foot orthoses to prefabricated or “off the shelf” foot orthotics.
Prefabricated Foot Orthotics Pros:
- Cheaper.
- Easy accessible.
- Quick to dispense.
- No cast required.
Prefabricated Foot Orthotics Cons:
- Not as durable.
- Needs replacing regularly.
- Only for mild symptoms/poor foot function.
- Limited choice of materials, type of device and modifications.
- Can be unsuitable for some footwear choices.
Customised Foot Orthotics Pros:
- Made directly from a mould of your foot to obtain the perfect fit.
- Unlimited modifications easily made by the podiatrist during your prescription.
- Advised for more severe foot complications.
- Suitable for any foot shape, regardless of deformity.
- More durable and lasts longer.
- Larger range of material and types of prescriptions.
- Prescription to suit specific footwear choices.
Customised Foot Orthotics Cons:
- More expensive.
- Generally takes a longer time to manufacture.
To put it in perspective prefabricated orthotics are like buying magnifying glasses for poor vision, for some people with mild complication these may work a treat. However for those with poorer vision prescription glasses will be necessary. This is the same for the feet as customised orthoses will be required for moderate or severe foot complications.
This is why it is so important to have your feet properly assessed by a podiatrist before purchasing ” off the shelf devices” or deciding on customised foot orthotics to ensure you are making the right decision.
At Well Heeled Podiatry we will assess the severity of your lower limb condition and foot function. If a prefabricated device is suitable we will assess your foot function whilst standing on the device to make sure you are getting the correct amount of control and offloading.
If the prefabricated orthotic is not suitable we may recommend customised orthotics to provide increase support to your feet.
Our podiatrist are recognised by the Australian Podiatry Association and Sports Medicine Australia and will give you the most accurate and up to date advise on what type of foot orthotics will best help you.