What You Need to Know Before Getting Orthotics

**Collaborative post**

You’ve probably heard of orthotics, but how much do you know about them?

You’re probably aware they go inside your shoe and can make them more comfortable, but how do they do that?

Let us give you the inside scoop about orthotics, including what they are, how they work and the different kinds available.

What are orthotics?

Designed to solve biomechanical issues you may be experiencing in your feet and lower limbs, orthotics are small pad-like shoe inserts that comfortable fit inside many different kinds of shoes.

They are usually used to treat long-term chronic foot conditions or may be used as part of a foot injury recovery process.

How do they work and do they actually work?

The point of orthotics is to provide your feet and body with additional support that helps your feet, legs, and ankles to naturally realign and work more efficiently. This makes walking, run and even standing feel significantly more comfortable.

Though they look simple, the relief they can provide someone – when properly fitted – is significant. So, in short, yes they certainly do work!

What are the different kinds of orthotics?

There are two main kinds of orthotics available – either prefabricated or custom orthotics.

There are differences between the two, which we will explain below:

1.     Prefabricated Orthotics

So, as the name does imply, this kind of orthotic is a premade one that has been designed to be generic. While they may provide some relief and help to the wearer, they are not targeting your specific needs and may not be as effective as custom orthotics.

Prefabricated orthotics are generally cheaper than custom ones and you can often purchase them from pharmacies and sports goods stores.

There are some higher-end prefabricated orthotics, some of which podiatrists have available as well. These higher-end ones can be somewhat customised to your feet.

2.     Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics, as the name suggests, are ones that are customised to suit your feet, so they are made for you and for you only.

Customised orthotics provide very accurate support and you will likely have the best results when using this kind.

As they are made to suit you, the process to get them made and fitted takes a few appointments.

Where to get custom orthotics?

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, before committing to a set of orthotics, it’s best to see a foot specialist, like a podiatrist.

A number of different issues can affect your feet and orthotics might not be the best answer every time. However, if orthotics are the right treatment for your feet, as the process involves assessments, scans and fittings, a podiatrist is the best person to do this for you.

What does getting orthotics involve?

The process usually involves around 3 appointments and will be as follows:

Appointment One:

This appointment is the one after your podiatrist has identified that orthotics are required to treat your foot condition.

During this appointment, your feet will be scanned. This is so the exact biomechanical measurements of your feet are recorded.

The scanner makes an impression of your feet, which creates the pattern that your custom orthotics will be made from.

Lots of measurements will be made as well.

Appointment Two:

Your second appointment is all about the fitting. Your custom orthotics will already have been made by this appointment.

For this appointment, your podiatrist will ask you to bring the shoes you wear the most so they can ensure the orthotics are fitting correctly.

As plenty of scans and measurements were taken during appointment number one, the fitting is usually quite straightforward and almost always goes off without a hitch.

The podiatrist may make some small changes to your orthotics to ensure the best fit for your shoes.

Appointment Three:

The last appointment in the custom orthotics process is usually around 4-6 post your fitting. This is essentially a follow up to see how you’ve gotten used to them and if they are starting to work for you. Some people take a little longer to start seeing results from their orthotics treatment, however, by this time there is usually an indication as to whether it will work for you.

If you’re looking for custom orthotics in Melbourne, it’s time to talk to a professional podiatrist like the team at Watsonia Podiatry, who professionally provides relief from foot pain and discomfort for Melbourne residents.