Custom Orthotics Specialist

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that can treat many foot issues. Every pair of custom orthotics is made to your foot specifications, so they fit only you. Custom orthotics can be prescribed to address bunions, hammertoe, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, ankle instability, flatfoot, and high arches.

Many people wear custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive foot or ankle treatment plan. As an example, for diabetics who may have problems with slow-healing or nonhealing foot ulcers, custom orthotics may be one aspect of a diabetic foot care plan.

Custom orthotics can also serve as preventive care by keeping your feet and ankles properly positioned as you walk. Many athletes wear custom orthotics because they can optimize movement and potentially improve sports performance.

Imagine your body is like a building with lots of floors. Just like buildings need a strong foundation to stay upright, your body needs proper support to stay aligned and balanced.

Custom orthotics are like special inserts for your shoes that are made just for you. They are designed to fit the unique shape of your feet. When you wear them, they help support your feet in a way that keeps your whole body in better alignment.

Here's how it works:

• Support: Custom orthotics give your feet extra support where you need it most. This helps your feet stay in a natural position and prevents them from rolling too far inward or outward when you walk or run.
• Alignment: When your feet are properly supported, it can help align the rest of your body too. Think of it like stacking blocks evenly on top of each other. If one block is off, the whole tower might lean. Orthotics help keep everything in line.
• Comfort: They also make your shoes more comfortable by cushioning your feet and absorbing shock when you walk or run. This can reduce pain in your feet, legs, and even your lower back.

Overall, custom orthotics are like having a custom-made foundation for your body. They help keep you balanced, aligned, and comfortable so you can move around more easily and feel better throughout the day.

Over the counter reading glasses help a lot of people but some people need prescription reading glasses, the same thing goes for the custom orthotics.

Custom orthotics are personalized shoe inserts designed to support and align the foot and ankle. They are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:

• Foot Pain: Custom orthotics can alleviate pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, and arthritis by providing proper arch support and cushioning.
• Flat Feet or High Arches: People with flat feet or high arches may benefit from orthotics that are customized to provide the right amount of support and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
• Sports Injuries: Athletes often use custom orthotics to prevent and treat injuries such as shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures by improving biomechanical alignment during physical activities.
• Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetics are at higher risk for foot complications due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Orthotics can help prevent ulcers and other foot problems by reducing pressure and friction.
• Postural Issues: Orthotics can correct gait abnormalities and improve overall posture by providing stability and alignment from the feet up through the legs and spine.

Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed assessment of your foot structure, gait analysis, and specific needs. They are made to fit the unique contours of your feet, ensuring maximum effectiveness and comfort.

If you have persistent foot pain, discomfort, or specific conditions that affect your gait and overall foot health, custom orthotics might be a suitable solution. A consultation with Dr. Suh can help determine if they are right for you.

Custom orthotics help with foot pain by providing support, alignment, cushioning, and pressure redistribution, addressing various underlying causes of discomfort. Here's how they work:

1. Support: Orthotics provide additional support to the arches of the feet, which can alleviate pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or fallen arches. By supporting the arches, orthotics help distribute weight more evenly across the foot and reduce strain on ligaments and muscles.
2. Alignment: Proper alignment of the feet is crucial for overall foot health and function. Custom orthotics are designed to correct biomechanical imbalances, such as overpronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward), which can lead to foot pain and other issues. By promoting better alignment, orthotics help reduce stress on the feet and prevent injuries.
3. Cushioning: Some orthotics are made with cushioning materials that absorb shock and provide additional comfort during activities like walking, running, or standing for long periods. This cushioning helps reduce pressure on the feet and joints, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like metatarsalgia or arthritis.
4. Pressure redistribution: Orthotics can redistribute pressure away from areas of the foot that are experiencing discomfort or pain. By providing support and cushioning to these areas, orthotics help alleviate pressure points and improve overall comfort.
5. Prevention of further injury: By stabilizing the feet and correcting biomechanical issues, orthotics help prevent further injury. This is especially important for athletes or individuals with jobs that involve repetitive movements or prolonged standing, as orthotics can reduce the risk of overuse injuries and strains.

Overall, custom foot orthotics work by addressing the underlying factors contributing to foot pain, such as poor biomechanics, lack of support, or excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot. They provide personalized support and comfort, helping individuals to move more efficiently and with less pain.

Custom orthotics can improve overall body alignment, which may alleviate back or knee pain related to poor foot mechanics.

Custom orthotics can help with a variety of foot, ankle, and lower body conditions by providing support, correcting alignment, and redistributing pressure. Some common conditions they help with include:

1. Plantar Fasciitis:
   Orthotics help by providing arch support and cushioning to relieve the strain on the plantar fascia.
2. Flat Feet (Fallen Arches):
   They provide additional arch support to help with alignment and reduce pain in the feet, knees, and lower back.
3. High Arches (Cavus Foot):
   Orthotics can provide cushioning and help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
4. Bunions:
   Custom orthotics can help realign the foot and reduce pressure on the big toe joint, preventing further aggravation.
5. Heel Spurs:
   By reducing pressure on the heel and providing additional cushioning, orthotics can ease the pain caused by heel spurs.
6. Achilles Tendonitis:
   Orthotics can help by reducing strain on the Achilles tendon through improved foot alignment and shock absorption.
7. Shin Splints:
   Orthotics support proper foot alignment, reducing the stress on the shins that can cause pain.
8. Knee, Hip, and Lower Back Pain:
   Since improper foot mechanics can affect the alignment of the knees, hips, and back, custom orthotics can correct these issues and alleviate associated pain.
9. Diabetic Foot Conditions:
   Diabetic patients often benefit from orthotics designed to reduce pressure points and prevent ulcers or sores.
10. Metatarsalgia:
    Orthotics can help relieve pressure and pain in the ball of the foot by providing better support and cushioning.
11. Morton’s Neuroma:
    Custom orthotics can reduce pressure on the nerve in the ball of the foot, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.

By addressing the specific needs of each individual, custom orthotics can provide relief and improve mobility for a wide range of foot and lower body issues.

Yes, custom orthotics can be beneficial for children with specific foot issues or gait abnormalities. Early intervention can help address problems and promote healthy foot development.

Custom orthotics are tailored to your individual foot shape and needs, whereas over-the-counter insoles are pre-made and designed to fit a wide range of foot types. Custom orthotics are more precise and often more effective in addressing specific foot issues, including: plantar fasciitis, flat feet or high arches, bunions, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, general foot pain or discomfort, and gait abnormalities.

When it comes to creating custom orthotics, the method of casting can significantly affect the final product's quality and effectiveness. Here’s a comparison between podiatrist casting and self foam box casting:

Podiatrist Casting

1. Professional Assessment:

• Personalization: Podiatrist will assess your foot mechanics, gait, and any specific issues you have. This detailed evaluation helps ensure that the orthotics are tailored precisely to your needs.
• Expertise: The specialist’s experience can enhance the accuracy of the casting process and the effectiveness of the orthotics.

2. Casting Techniques:

• Types of Casts: Podiatrists often use more advanced methods like plaster casts, digital scanning, or foam impression boxes. Each method allows for detailed and precise capturing of your foot’s structure.
• Accuracy: These methods tend to produce highly accurate impressions of your foot, which translates to better-fitting orthotics.

3. Follow-Up and Adjustments:

• Adjustments: If the initial orthotics aren’t perfect, the podiatrist can make necessary adjustments or modifications based on further assessment.
• Comprehensive Care: The podiatrist can provide follow-up care and recommendations to ensure that the orthotics are functioning as intended.

Self Foam Box Casting

Convenience:

• At-Home: This method allows you to create an impression of your foot from the comfort of your home, which can be more convenient and less costly than visiting a specialist.
• DIY Kit: Typically, self foam box kits come with instructions and materials for taking an impression of your foot.

Technique:

• Impression Accuracy: The accuracy of the foam box impression depends heavily on how well you follow the instructions and the quality of the kit. This method may not capture all the nuances of your foot’s structure as precisely as professional methods.
• Consistency: The quality of the foam box and the technique used can affect the consistency of the cast.

Limited Professional Input:

• No Assessment: You won’t have the benefit of a professional assessment to ensure that the impression is accurate and that the orthotics will meet your specific needs.
• No Adjustments: If the orthotics need adjustments, you may have limited options compared to working with a podiatrist.

Summary

Podiatrist Casting typically offers a more accurate and personalized approach due to professional expertise and advanced techniques. It’s generally better for complex or specific needs and provides options for follow-up and adjustments.

Self Foam Box Casting is a more convenient and cost-effective option but may lack the precision and personalized care of professional casting. It’s suitable for those with less complex needs or for those looking to save on costs.

Choosing between these methods depends on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your foot issues