Pre-Fabrication vs. Custom Orthotics

Orthotics are custom shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern; generally called arch supports. Orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. They are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot and they do more than just provide support. Orthotics are designed to realign your foot to a neutral or natural position to alleviate pain in your feet, legs and back; as well as to restore balance, improve sports performance, and relieve foot fatigue. If you can alter a patient’s foot function with an orthotic, it could possibly be a way to lessen people’s low back pain.

We now carry a podiatric pre-fabricated orthotic such as Lyncos, which is made to fit a broad range of feet and may provide support and relief for a short time and; at a lower cost, can be placed in your already purchased enclosed shoes. However, the orthotic that is scanned for a specific patient provides the greatest amount of support and function. Unless a device is prescribed by a Podiatrist and crafted for your specific foot, it’s a shoe insert not a custom orthotic device — despite what the ads might say. No more do you have to go out looking for shoes that accommodate your orthotic. Our Aetrex shoes allow for your custom orthotic.

A good analogy that the Doctor gives to his patients is reading glasses. Some people don’t see very well. They go to a local pharmacy and they see a rack of reading glasses and they try them on. They may help a little by clarifying things but they can’t really compare the reading glasses they get versus going to the eye doctor and getting a prescription for a pair of eyeglasses. The prescriptive eyeglasses are made specifically for whatever deficiencies you have in your vision. It’s exactly the same with orthotics or insoles. Generally, what is out there in the sporting good stores, pharmacies, or storefront businesses are basically a pad with cushioning in certain areas that may help some people for the most part. It’s just a generic pad that you’re putting in your shoe. When orthotics are

made, depending on your foot condition, we will take three-dimensional images of each foot and they are used to create a set of unique foot supports that will improve your foot movement and lead to more comfort and mobility. That orthotic then usually corrects the mechanical deficiency of the feet that will in most cases prevent the pain that they have from recurring. I might also suggest additional treatments to improve the comfort and function of your feet.

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