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Custom orthotics are not only useful to treat foot pain but are also helpful in maximizing the proper alignment of your body. Every patient’s feet shape and alignment are different; therefore, when designing proper orthotics, we have to consider the uniqueness of these factors. There are many ways in which custom orthotics can help you. They are good for:
Most of the time, patients do not know that they need custom orthotics. During the physical examination, your physical therapist is able to pick up on certain ailments that warrant attention. Some of the most common findings are flat feet (overpronation), excessively high arches (oversupination), knee deformities, bunions, degenerated big toe (hallux valgus and/or rigidus), calcaneal fat pad irritation, plantar fasciitis, leg length discrepancies, aberrant walking patterns, etc. You may be coming to the clinic to resolve knee pain only to discover that it has been made worse due to severe flat feet, for example. That’s when custom orthotics can do wonders!
There are 2 ways that we design custom orthotics at Kent Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic: digital (2D) and foam impression (3D). Certain insurance companies may require a certain method in order to provide reimbursement, which is why we offer both methods to our patients.
Our fitting appointment is complementary and lasts approximately 15 minutes. This appointment is important as it is required to gather data collection from your feet or create a foot impression. A report of findings and opportunity for Q & A is provided for the patient afterwards.
Once the data collection is obtained and analysed, the practitioner will design the orthotics, taking into consideration many factors: your activity level, your diagnosis, your weight, the severity of your pain, and etc. They will submit the results and corrections to The Orthotic Group Company in Toronto. They are an incredible company that specializes in designing a wide array of custom orthotics for people of all ages. Custom orthotics created using the digital 2D impression takes 1.5 to 2 weeks to arrive at the clinic, while foam 3D impressions may take a little longer due to shipping reasons. We will notify you when your orthotics arrive at the clinic.
Once your orthotics arrive, you need to come to the clinic and test them with your practitioner. They will provide you with instructions on how to take care of them. Here is a video that will also teach you how to maintain your orthotics.
It is common for patients to ask us “how long will it take to adjust to my orthotics?” Every patient is unique and the answer is not always straightforward. Some patients adapt faster than others. However, in general, we can expect that it will take 2 weeks for most patients to adjust to their orthotics. Adapting to the new orthotics takes time. You should never rush this process. In order to break in new orthotics comfortably, we advise our patients to wear them for one hour on day one, two hours on day two, and so forth, until they can comfortably wear them all day by the end of the first week. Listen to your body. Temporary discomfort and muscle aches in the feet are normal to experience. A patient who experiences severe pain and/or difficulty walking or running while wearing the new orthotics needs to revisit their practitioner. Sometimes 1-2% of our patients have complex feet issues that a second fitting appointment is needed to modify the orthotics.