An important part of improving foot health and general well-being is the use of foot orthoses, also known as orthotic devices and insoles, which are external devices intended to modify the structural or functional features of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Custom-made materials that do not pose a risk of permanent deformation and do not trigger skin intolerance reactions are required for the construction of the foot orthosis. Professional Hamilton orthotics services guarantee that every foot orthosis is carefully designed and manufactured to satisfy each person’s specific needs. These services offer customized solutions that increase comfort and support through the use of cutting-edge materials and techniques.

How many types of foot orthoses are made?

The main orthoses that are made are:

• Antalgic foot orthosis
• Biomechanical foot orthosis
• Sports Foot Orthosis
• Pediatric foot orthosis
• Phlebological foot orthosis

Foot orthoses can be divided into two main categories:

• Custom foot orthoses are orthoses fabricated using a three-dimensional representation of the plantar foot and constructed specifically for an individual using both loading systems and observation of the foot and lower extremity function during dynamic and weight-bearing activities.
• Off-the-shelf orthotics are orthoses manufactured in average sizes and various predefined shapes, in an attempt to match the most common sizes in the population without using a three-dimensional representation of the plantar foot of the patient who will receive the orthosis.

Choosing between custom and off-the-shelf options is easier with guidance from expert Hamilton orthotics specialists, ensuring you get the right solution for your specific needs.

Based on the function we can have corrective insoles, pain-relieving insoles, and biomechanical insoles. Corrective insoles are intended to correct a problem in developmental age, that is until the musculoskeletal system can respond to external stresses. These devices using wedges, shims, or supports are intended in children to improve an ongoing problem such as flat feet or valgus retropes.

Achieving the goal depends on the extent of the problem, individual receptivity, muscle tone, and age.

Pain-relieving insoles are made with usually soft materials to reduce or eliminate pain by discharging the shock to a painful point and allowing for the reduction of functional limitations related to pain. Professionals specializing in offering Hamilton orthotics services offer pain-relieving insoles designed to enhance comfort and reduce discomfort, tailored to your specific needs.

Finally, biomechanical insoles have the purpose of reabsorbing the shock wave to which the heel is subjected during the initial phase of contact with the ground and of stabilizing the metatarsal heads, promoting the physiological anatomical posture of the foot and verticalizing the back of the foot.

The choice of materials, while remaining a problematic aspect, cannot ignore the design criteria of a foot orthosis. The design can influence the choice of materials and we can define it as a set of decisions and choices that will lead us to the creation of the final product. The design of the foot orthosis must take into account some variables such as weight, shoe model, lifestyle, and doctor’s diagnosis.

Nowadays, advanced research on materials has introduced new elements ( carbon, etc.), and the knowledge of the wide range of materials, their properties, and their characteristics allows us to develop the most suitable orthosis for the patient in the best possible way.

What are the methods of making foot orthoses?

The impression is one of the most important phases in the creation of a custom-made foot orthosis. After a careful clinical evaluation, the podiatrist ideally designs the most suitable foot orthosis for the patient. Depending on the foot orthosis we want to create, we decide what type of impression to use.

Foot orthoses can be created using different methodologies based on the type of foot deformity and the materials considered most suitable:

• With Takeaway, from a block of material, reliefs are created by removing and shaping the material;
• With Placement, correction elements are applied to a base called support;
• With Cast, in relation to the three-dimensional impression, the conformation of the material constitutes both the base and the correction element;
• Dynamic, about the patient’s impression taken during walking.

The main impressions used are:

• Bipodal podogram: allows us to have a two-dimensional impression;
• Phenolic Foam: combined with the podogram, it allows us to make a positive cast of the foot;
• Plaster Cast: from which, through a plaster cast, it will be possible to obtain a positive cast of the foot.

In Conclusion

Foot orthoses are essential for addressing a range of foot and lower limb issues. Whether custom or off-the-shelf, these devices offer targeted support and relief. Custom orthotics Hamilton experts ensure that each orthosis is crafted to meet individual needs, using advanced materials and techniques for optimal comfort and effectiveness.