Custom Orthotics - What are they?

The Custom Orthotic

Orthotics?... what are they?... Plenty of times we see some advert on TV advertising some product that fits in your shoe claiming to do wonderful things but is this at all true?

The simple answer is no... maybe some people will find the extra spongy cover a little more pleasant that the old worn out insole currently in there shoe and some may even loose a few aches and pains. But this is not the aim of the orthotic device. The aim of orthotics is to re-align the lower body back to it's correct posture reducing friction and pressure also orthotics help reduce the chances of future problems in the foot and other lower body areas.

Now why are these cheaper devices from the chemists not for me?.. If we take a step back and look at spectacles, chemists also sell these but they are no where near as good as the prescription ones you need, this is the same with orthotics. You need to have device that is customised to suit for you're needs, that brings us to Custom Orthotics.

 

Common Conditions for Orthotics

An Orthotic or Custom Insole is used to correct the biomechanical structure of your foot to prevent and relieve pain. Some of the most common conditions that are treated with Orthotics are Plantar Fasciitis, Adult Acquired Flatfoot, Achilles Tendonitis and Post Tibia Dysfuntion.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common, painful foot condition. Patients and sometimes doctors often confuse the terms plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis refers to the syndrome of inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel along the arch of the foot; a heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus). About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have been noted to have a heel spur that can be seen on X-Ray. For treatment of Plantar Faciitis

Adult Aquired Flatfoot

Adult flatfoot refers to a deformity that develops after skeletal maturity is reached. Adult flatfoot should be differentiated from constitutional flatfoot, which is a common congenital non-pathologic foot morphology. There are numerous causes of acquired adult flatfoot, including fracture or dislocation, tendon laceration, tarsal coalition, arthritis, neuroarthropathy, neurologic weakness, and iatrogenic causes. The most common cause of acquired adult flatfoot is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. For treatment of Adult Aquired Flatfoot

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the large tendon at the back of the ankle. It's a common overuse injury that tends to occur in middle-aged recreational athletes. The overuse of the tendon causes inflammation that leads to discomfort and swelling. Achilles tendonitis can produce to small tears within the tendon and make it more susceptible to rupture. For treatment options for Achilles Tendonitis



All literature has been written by Philip Morris in association with The Langer Group