Foot Orthotics
Trusted Source
International Organization for Standardization
Respected International Organization
Go to sourceFoot orthoses (commonly referred to as “orthotics”) are devices placed into shoes in order to support the foot by redistributing forces placed on the joints of the foot during standing, walking or running. There are two varieties of shoe inserts: the inferior pre-fabricated “off-the-shelf” and the superior being custom molded foot inserts.
Everyone, from elite athletes to children to elderly, can enjoy the benefits (reduced pain) of custom molded foot orthotics to accommodate biomechanical deformities like high-arched feet, toe pain and bunions
Trusted Source
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Peer-reviewed journal
Multi-disciplinary journal
Go to sourceTrusted Source
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Peer-reviewed journal
Leading journal in the field
Go to sourceAdditionally, their literature supporting the impact “orthotics” can have on the foot, knee, hip, and low back.
When the arches are not properly supported in conditions like flat footedness or having high arches, they cause pain and can lead to poor biomechanics of the foot.
Custom foot orthotics support the arches properly so it helps correct poor gait patterns and prevents deformities from worsening.
Custom foot orthotics are a great option for:
Trusted Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourcePatients also seek custom shoe inserts for:
Foot Orthotics In Scottsdale
Patients often ask whether they should get custom orthotics or buy over the counter (OTC) orthotics. While it is a personal choice, there are good reasons for custom made orthotics.
Fit.
Buying premade orthotics are available at a variety of stores, they are quick, convenient way to adjust the fit of your shoes. Premade orthotics (off-the-shelf) are mass-produced for an “average” foot and do not correct specific problems. Custom orthotics take about 2 weeks to get but they are 100% custom made to order specific to your feet.
Price.
Off-the-shelf orthotics are usually cheaper since they are mass produced. Since Custom orthotics are made to order, they do cost more.
Quality.
Over the counter orthotics are mass produced and the materials—well, they are lacking. Prefabricated orthotics are usually made from rubber or silicon. Custom foot orthotics use premium materials like leather, cork, carbon fiber, polypropylene or rigid plastics.
Durability.
Since over the counter orthotics are often made from cheap materials, they won’t last as long as custom orthotics. Prefabricated insoles for your shoes wear down quicker too and you’ll have to buy a pair each time you buy new shoes while Custom orthotics will usually last for years; so, while custom foot orthotics cost more upfront, they last a lot longer.
There is a “break-in” period with custom shoe inserts. To ease this break-in period, a great guide is to start wearing your orthotics 3 hours per day for the first couple of days, then gradually increase usage by 1 hour every day.
Some mild discomfort in the beginning is common, as the muscles in your lower leg adjust, the discomfort will improve. Full break-in time could last up to 45 days.
Trusted Source
The Journal of Chiropractic Education
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceAnother study showed that the addition of chiropractic care led to higher improvements in function.
Trusted Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceIn order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.
- International Organization for Standardization. (2020, September). ISO 8549–1:2020 Prosthetics and orthotics — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms for external limb prostheses and external orthoses. ISO. https://www.iso.org/standard/79495.html
- Welsh, B. J., Redmond, A. C., Chockalingam, N., & Keenan, A. M. (2010). A case-series study to explore the efficacy of foot orthoses in treating first metatarsophalangeal joint pain. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-3-17
- Hawke, F., Burns, J., Radford, J. A., & du Toit, V. (2008). Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006801.pub2
- CHAN, C. W., & RUDINS, A. (1994). Foot Biomechanics During Walking and Running. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 69(5), 448–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61642-5
- Hawke, F., Burns, J., Radford, J. A., & du Toit, V. (2008). Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006801.pub2
- American Podiatric Medical Association. (2017, January 26). Prescription Custom Orthotics and Shoe Inserts | Foot Health | Patients | APMA. https://www.apma.org/orthotics
- Cambron, J. A., Dexheimer, J. M., Duarte, M., & Freels, S. (2017). Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(9), 1752–1762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.03.028
- Duarte, M. A. (2004). Orthotic Insole Use and Patient Satisfaction in an Outpatient Chiropractic Clinic. The Journal of Chiropractic Education, 18, 50. https://www.footlevelers.com/images/pdfs/clinical-research/Orthotic-Insole-Use-and-Patient-Satisfaction-JCE-2004.pdf
