Orthotics are custom made devices that are designed to reduce pain and are worn in shoes. Due to advances in technology they can be made to fit everything from athletic shoes to high heel shoes. Two basic types of orthotics are available, accommodative and functional.

Accommodative Orthotics

Accommodative orthotics are used to cushion, pad or reduce pressure points or injured areas of the foot. They are made from a wide variety of soft materials and usually cover the entire foot. This type of orthotic is most often used with arthritic, neuropathic or severely deformed feet. They have the advantage of being easy to wear and adapt well. The drawback of this type of orthotic is that it is not very durable and they are sometimes bulky.

Functional Orthotics

Functional orthotics are used to modify foot mechanics so as to reduce or eliminate abnormal forces on the foot, ankle or leg. It is the abnormal forces on the foot, ankle and leg that cause pain. Thus by correcting these forces the source of the pain is addressed directly. Functional orthotics are quite effective at treating all pain that is caused by abnormal mechanics. Functional orthotics are most often made from thermoplastics and may have one or more additional components to address specific problem spots on the foot. Many professional and amateur athletes use functional orthotics to improve their foot health. The advantages of functional orthotics is that they are durable, usually fit into most shoes and can be adjusted fairly easily. The disadvantage is that they are firmer and provide less cushioned than accommodative orthotics.

Custom Molded Orthotics

Prescription devices are made from impressions, or molds of the feet. Advanced computer technologies allow for the scanning of a person's foot in a matter of seconds. This computer scan then generates a detailed topographical map of the foot highlighting problem areas. This information is then used by the orthotic laboratory to generate images of the foot. Orthotics are then generated in such a way as to address the problem areas from these "duplicate feet". Custom molded orthotics are superior to off the shelf varieties in that they specifically address the problems you are experiencing and are made to fit your foot, your shoes and the types of activities you engage in.

This information is provided to you by the doctors of the LakeForest Foot and Ankle Center.
Call 301-948-3668 for an appointment.