What are Custom Made Orthotics?

Custom made orthotics are specially-designed shoe inserts and insoles that provide pain relief and comfort. Individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet, athletes, runners, and people with various types of injuries and health conditions can all benefit from custom made orthotics. Inserts may be constructed out of hard plastic to improve foot functioning or a soft gel, foam, or other material to provide comfort. Trained physicians, podiatrists, and orthotists can help individuals decide on the proper type of orthotics for their specific conditions.

When an individual's doctor or podiatrist recommends orthotics to improve functioning, support, or comfort, he or she is typically referred to an orthotist who can custom fit inserts. The orthotist usually takes careful measurements and creates plaster molds of a person's feet. The specialist uses the molds to form orthotics that match the shape of the patient's feet. In some cases, individuals must purchase special shoes which enhance the support provided by custom made orthotics.

There are two basic types of custom made orthotics: hard, rigid models for stability and soft models for comfort and shock absorption. Rigid orthotics are commonly made out of polyurethane or another hard plastic, and are designed to add support to the feet, legs, and lower back. People with flat feet, bad ankles, arthritis, or lower back pain use rigid orthotics to correct foot problems and provide stability when walking or standing for long periods of time.

Soft orthotics can be formed from foam, gel, cloth, and other soft, flexible materials. They are designed to ease foot pain and absorb shock while walking, running, and jumping. People with sores, warts, corns, bunions, and other maladies on their feet usually benefit from soft custom made orthotics, as the material reduces friction between their shoes and their feet. Athletes use soft orthotics to minimize the tension put on their feet from constant running, jumping, and stopping.

An individual with very minor foot soreness or an athlete looking to improve performance does not usually need to be fitted for custom made orthotics. Rather, many pharmacies, sports stores, supermarkets, and shoe retailers sell commercial orthotics that come in standard shapes and sizes. Commercial orthotics are not specially tailored to a person's feet, though they are usually effective at providing extra cushioning and support. Anyone who believes he or she may benefit from commercial or custom made orthotics can ask their physicians or podiatrists to help them determine the best options.