Plantar Fasciitis
about plantar fasciitis
how to tape your feet
shoes that relieve heel pain
rehabilitation

Biomechanics
choosing a walking shoe
choosing a running shoe
knee pain & foot pronation
iliotibial band syndrome

Common Conditions
blisters
bunions
corns & calluses
neuroma

Health & Prevention
heel pain in youngsters
foot support during pregnancy
foot prep for distance running
orthotic foot supports

Orthotics

An “orthotic” is a biomechanical device that balances, supports, protects and/or cushions the foot around an ideal normal structure or custom made around an individual’s neutral position of the foot. It is a correcting or straightening device. The word “orthotics” comes from the same root as the word, “orthopaedics,” meaning “straight child.” The correct usage is orthosis (singular) or orthoses (plural, a pair).

Orthotic devices are sometimes called arch supports, braces or appliances, but those terms are not specific. In some states only custom made devices by a certified laboratory may use the term “orthotic,” but in most states the terms for prefabricated arch supports and foot orthotic devices are interchangeable. You may hear the terms “pre-fab,” or O.T.C. (over-the-counter), or A.F.O. (Ankle/Foot orthoses), such as when a person has an unstable ankle requiring brace support. The following refers to custom made foot orthotic devices which are designed for the individual foot type or condition.

Custom made foot orthoses are fabricated from casts of the feet. Prior to casting, the evaluation includes range of motion measurements, muscle testing and gait analysis. The findings of this evaluation will determine the type of orthotic device and correction needed. The casting is performed while your foot is held in a position which minimizes abnormal and excessive motion in gait and maximizes efficient foot function, depending on the evaluation of the doctor and intended use of the individual. For example, an orthotic device made for a marathon runner would be different than one made for a soccer player.

The negative cast is filled with plaster to form a positive cast which is balanced according to the doctor’s prescription. The final step in fabrication is the molding of the orthoses over the positive cast. The additional modifications including top covers and heel posts are often added and the devices are dispensed to the patient. Specific orthoses may be required for individual sports and may be made over the same cast molds.

Functional orthotic devices are designed scientifically to maintain your feet in their neutral position. The orthotics will allow you to function in your daily activities without abnormal stresses in the feet and legs. Various materials are used for construction of orthotics ranging from a rigid type of material to one of more flexibility.

Rigid orthotics keep their shape and function over many years and thousands of miles and maintain balance of the foot and leg around in a neutral position. The advantage is that they are thin and durable, but they do not provide shock absorption.

Flexible orthotics cushion the foot well throughout the weight-bearing phase of gait and provide protection around areas of pressure and friction, such as calluses under metatarsal bones.