What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe
inserts that are
intended to
correct an
abnormal, or
irregular, walking
pattern. Orthotics
are not truly or
solely “arch
supports,”
although some
people use those
words to describe
them, and they
perhaps can best
be understood with
those words in
mind. They perform
functions that
make standing,
walking, and
running more
comfortable and
efficient by
altering slightly
the angles at
which the foot
strikes a walking
or running
surface.
Doctors of
podiatric medicine
prescribe
orthotics as a
conservative
approach to many
foot problems or
as a method of
control after
certain types of
foot surgery;
their use is a
highly successful,
practical
treatment form.
Orthotics take
various forms and
are constructed of
various materials.
All are concerned
with improving
foot function and
minimizing stress
forces that could
ultimately cause
foot deformity and
pain.
Foot orthotics
fall into three
broad categories:
those that
primarily attempt
to change foot
function, those
that are primarily
protective in
nature, and those
that combine
functional control
and protection.
Rigid Orthotics
The
so-called rigid
orthotic device,
designed to control
function, may be
made of a firm
material such as
plastic or carbon
fiber and is used
primarily for
walking or dress
shoes. It is
generally fabricated
from a plaster of
paris mold of the
individual foot. The
finished device
normally extends
along the sole of
the heel to the ball
or toes of the foot.
It is worn mostly in
closed shoes with a
heel height under
two inches. Because
of the nature of the
materials involved,
very little
alteration in shoe
size is necessary.
Rigid orthotics are
chiefly designed to
control motion in
two major foot
joints, which lie
directly below the
ankle joint. These
devices are long
lasting, do not
change shape, and
are usually
difficult to break.
Strains, aches, and
pains in the legs,
thighs, and lower
back may be due to
abnormal function of
the foot, or a
slight difference in
the length of the
legs. In such cases,
orthotics may
improve or eliminate
these symptoms,
which may seem only
remotely connected
to foot function.
Soft
Orthotics
The
second, or soft,
orthotic device
helps to absorb
shock, increase
balance, and take
pressure off
uncomfortable or
sore spots. It is
usually constructed
of soft,
compressible
materials, and may
be molded by the
action of the foot
in walking or
fashioned over a
plaster impression
of the foot. Also
worn against the
sole of the foot, it
usually extends from
the heel past the
ball of the foot to
include the toes.
The advantage of any
soft orthotic device
is that it may be
easily adjusted to
changing
weight-bearing
forces. The
disadvantage is that
it must be
periodically
replaced or
refurbished. It is
particularly
effective for
arthritic and
grossly deformed
feet where there is
a loss of protective
fatty tissue on the
side of the foot. It
is also widely used
in the care of the
diabetic foot.
Because it is
compressible, the
soft orthotic is
usually bulkier and
may well require
extra room in shoes
or prescription
footwear.
Semirigid Orthotics
The
third type of
orthotic device (semirigid)
provides for dynamic
balance of the foot
while walking or
participating in
sports. This
orthotic is not a
crutch, but an aid
to the athlete. Each
sport has its own
demands and each
sport orthotic needs
to be constructed
appropriately with
the sport and the
athlete taken into
consideration. This
functional dynamic
orthotic helps guide
the foot through
proper functions,
allowing the muscles
and tendons to
perform more
efficiently. The
classic, semirigid
orthotic is
constructed of
layers of soft
material, reinforced
with more rigid
materials.
Orthotics for
Children
Orthotic devices are
effective in the
treatment of
children with foot
deformities. Most
podiatric physicians
recommend that
children with such
deformities be
placed in orthotics
soon after they
start walking, to
stabilize the foot.
The devices can be
placed directly into
a standard shoe or
an athletic shoe.
Usually, the
orthotics need to be
replaced when the
child’s foot has
grown two sizes.
Different types of
orthotics may be
needed as the
child’s foot
develops and changes
shape.
The length of time a
child needs
orthotics varies
considerably,
depending on the
seriousness of the
deformity and how
soon correction is
addressed.
Other
Types of Orthotics
Various other
orthotics may be
used for
multidirectional
sports or
edge-control sports
by casting the foot
within the ski boot,
ice skate boot, or
inline skate boot.
Combinations of
semiflexible
material and soft
material to
accommodate painful
areas are utilized
for specific
problems.
Research has shown
that back problems
frequently can be
traced to a foot
imbalance. It’s
important for your
podiatric physician
to evaluate the
lower extremity as a
whole to provide for
appropriate orthotic
control for foot
problems.
Orthotic Tips
-
Wear shoes
that work well
with your
orthotics.
-
Bring your
orthotics with
you whenever
you purchase a
new pair of
shoes.
-
Wear socks or
stockings
similar to
those that you
plan on
wearing when
you shop for
new shoes.
-
Return as
directed for
follow-up
evaluation of
the
functioning of
your orthotics.
This is
important for
making certain
that your feet
and orthotics
are
functioning
properly
together.
Dr.
Robinson has been
trained
specifically and
extensively in the
diagnosis and
treatment of all
manner of foot
conditions. This
training
encompasses all of
the intricately
related systems
and structures of
the foot and lower
leg including
neurological,
circulatory, skin,
and the
musculoskeletal
system, which
includes bones,
joints, ligaments,
tendons, muscles,
and nerves.