How Custom Orthotics Can Improve Your Life

Custom made orthotics improve the health and function of feet that have been hurting due to structural abnormalities and unbalanced gait. At The Podiatry Associates in Mississauga, East Toronto, Whitby, and Brantford, Ontario, your podiatrists prescribe these specialty inserts with great success, allowing patients of all ages to be free of pain and have better ankle functionality. Drs. Barry Noble, Mark Bradley, and Marilyn Bradley use today’s latest diagnostic techniques and materials to craft the best orthotic choice for their patients, and they can help you, too!

What are orthotics?

They are custom-fabricated inserts placed directly into shoes. Accommodative orthotics are made of soft materials to protect and cushion feet that have wounds, calluses, and other skin/structural issues. Diabetics typically benefit from these soft orthotics as well.

Another orthotic type is the functional orthotic. Constructed from more rigid materials such as carbon fiber, these customized inserts provide biomechanical stability in order to avoid gait problems and other issues caused by abnormal motion of the feet. Plantar fasciitis, stemming from overpronation, is a podiatric condition which benefits from functional orthotics, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Conditions which benefit from orthotics

Orthotics are a wonderful alternative to more invasive therapies such as surgery, medications, or cortisone injections. Typically, they last indefinitely, being precisely crafted according to a digital or cast mold of the foot. The APMA says that while drugstore inserts (heel cups, insoles, and the like) have their place for very minor problems, custom-fabricated orthotics render the best therapeutic effects and outlast any retail product.

Your podiatrists prescribe orthotics for conditions such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Foot ulcers
  • Foot and heel pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Flat arches
  • Ankle sprains
  • Corns and calluses

At The Podiatry Associates, your professional team uses visual inspection and conventional gait analysis (i.e. watching you walk) to determine if orthotics are the right treatment modality. Also, we use FSCAN examination and frame by frame PediGait video analysis for the most precise observation and evaluation of biomechanical abnormalities.

Let us help you

The Podiatry Associates delivers a wide variety of services which help you stay on your feet and keep moving. We have four convenient locations to serve you best: Mississauga, East Toronto, Whitby, and Brantford, ON. Schedule an appointment by calling (416) 694-4166 for the Toronto office, (905) 433-0200 for the Whitby office, (905) 568-3800 for the Mississauga office, or (519) 751-2900 for the Brantford office.