custom orthotics

If you’re experiencing ongoing foot pain, whether in the joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments, you may benefit from foot orthoses. Also known as orthotics, orthoses are shoe inserts that can support your feet, relieve pain, and improve joint function.

What’s the difference between orthotics, insoles, and footbeds?

Orthotics, insoles, and footbeds are all interchangeable terms used to describe foot orthoses.

Did you know?

Although you can buy ready-made insoles online, these are very different from prescription orthotics (similar to the differences between sunglasses and prescription glasses). Custom-made orthotics from an experienced podiatrist will ensure you get the structure you need. Feel free to get in touch with our team at MyFootMedic for more information and to book a biomechanical assessment.

What is an orthotic?

Foot orthoses (or orthotics) are inserts that sit within your shoes. They help correct biomechanical foot issues by giving your feet external support and promoting proper foot alignment and movement.

Orthotics may physically alter your posture and the way you stand (kinematics). However, their primary function is to alter the forces (kinetics) applied through your feet whilst walking.

Orthotics, insoles, and footbeds are all interchangeable terms used to describe foot orthoses. They are all shoe inserts that can adjust your joint function, posture, and pressure distribution.

For healthy feet, check them weekly and book an appointment with MyFootMedic if you’re worried that you’re posture is suffering as a result of incorrect orthotic insoles.

How many types of orthotics are there?

There are many different types of orthoses to aid with different conditions. However, all orthotic insoles consist of three main areas of construction:

1. Shell – the rigid underside of the orthotic, which usually covers the back half of your foot.
2. Components – the wedges and raised pads.
3. Cover – the material on top of the orthotic that makes direct contact with your foot.

Cushioned Cushioning insoles aid in shock absorption and redistribute pressure away from painful locations. They are helpful for treating ulcers, corns and calluses.

Prefabricated Prefabricated orthotics have a pre-made shell and come in different shapes and materials. We can modify and add components to help redistribute pressure and improve joint function according to your individual needs.

Bespoke Modular Insoles These insoles are fully customisable. To produce them, we take 2D Imprints of the underside of your feet so we can review points of high pressure. Once we know the unique distribution of your feet, we can adjust the thickness of the insoles to aid in shock absorption.

Semi-Casted Orthotics Similar to prefabricated orthotics, semi-casted orthotics have a pre-made shell. However, we can heat-mould these shells to better match your foot profile. We can also add components and modify the insoles to provide solutions for a wide range of podiatry issues.

3D Casted Orthotics 3D casted orthotics are fully customisable. Unlike other inserts, 3D castes orthotics allow us to tailor the shell’s material, height, and shape, as well as the components and cover. The result is a fully bespoke solution.

To achieve an accurate fit, we’ll take a 3D scan of your foot, then prescribe shell and component alterations and select an appropriate cover.

Can custom orthotic insoles fit any shoes?

During your assessment, your podiatrist will look at your footwear and make recommendations where required. Some orthotics will fit your current shoes. However, in some cases you may need to buy new footwear to aid in your treatment.

It’s a good idea to bring several pairs of your shoes to your appointment so we can make an accurate assessment.

What are orthoses used for?

Orthoses can be used to aid a wide range of medical conditions. They can also help with sports injuries such as ankle sprains, arch strain, Capsulitis, Lis Franc’s Injury, Plantar Fasciitis, stress fractures, Synovitis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Turf Toe.

Serious medical conditions such as Cancer and Diabetes can cause significant changes to your feet. Customised orthotics may help manage these changes.

Those suffering with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and other joint conditions may find orthotics helpful for reducing joint inflammation and stiffness.

ORTHOTICS CAN ALSO HELP WITH:

Bunions, corns, and cracked heels Bunions (bony bumps on the inside of the big toe joint, and corns (thick, hardened layers of skin) can benefit from orthotics to redistribute pressure and alter biomechanical forces. They can also aid cracked heels.

Arthritis Insoles can help reduce the intense pain associated with arthritis.

Foot deformity Foot deformity can be caused by a range of genetic, congenital and trauma-related factors. It may impact joints and soft tissues, as well as the way you walk. Insoles can offer support.

Hammer, mallet, and claw toe These are three different toe deformities, caused by soft tissue and bony changes within the foot. Orthotics can help support the toe joints.

Hypermobility This condition is a common cause of foot pain. Excessive movement at joints can cause increased strain to the muscles and tendons leading to an injury. Orthotics can reduce your symptoms and improve your gait.

Injury Orthotics can be used to reduce the load that is put upon injured muscles, tendons and ligaments to allow them heal faster and effectively.

Structural Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) Structural LLD is where one leg is longer than the other. Insoles can aid in balancing.

Ulcers These open wounds are often slow to heal. Orthoses can help off-load ulcers and areas of high pressure.

orthotics in Bedford with MyFootMedic

For top orthotics in the Bedford area, come to the MyFootMedic clinic. Our state-of-the-art facilities can provide treatment for a range of podiatry issues.

Book an appointment today, and our podiatrists will be able to assess, diagnose and provide advice on the best custom orthotic insoles for your situation.

Whether you are a new patient or a regular, you will be advised of our prices and no treatment will be undertaken without your prior consent.