ORTHOTIC ARCH SUPPORTS COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS & ORTHOTIC THERAPY The foot and ankle are the foundation for the overall posture of the skeletal body. Many problems with the feet, legs, knees, hips and lower back are due to biomechanical imbalances. Orthotics are not a cure-all. They offer a conservative, non-invasive treatment option. Orthotics can prevent injury or deformity from occurring or halt the progression of existing conditions, allowing healing to occur. They are also very useful in optimizing and enhancing comfort and protection. ACHILLES TENDONITIS BUNIONS EXCESSIVE PRONATION EXCESSIVE SUPINATION HEEL SPURS METATARSALGIA MORTON'S NEUROMA PLANTAR FASCIITIS POST-TIB TENDONITIS SESAMOIDITIS SHIN SPLINTS ACHILLES TENDONITIS - An inflammation of the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When placed under too much stress the tendon tightens and becomes inflamed (tendonitis). If left untreated continued stress can cause the tendon to tear or rupture. Symptoms: Pain anywhere along the back of the tendon, but usually near the heel. Redness or heat over the painful area. Prolonged inflammation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, and limit ankle flexibility. Cause: Many factors can lead to Achilles tendonitis, but the most common causes are excessive pronation and improper warm-up or overtraining. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet), preventing further stress and possible rupture. Often a slight heel elevation will be added to relieve the additional stress caused by the shortening of the tendon. BUNIONS - A very common forefoot problem. A bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint of the big toe, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Over time it is not uncommon to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe. If it occurs at the base of the little toe it is called a bunionette. Symptoms: Pain can be mild to severe. The skin and deeper tissues around the bunion may be swollen, sore or inflamed. Cause: Faulty foot mechanics, ill-fitting shoes, and hereditary factors such as foot type can contribute to bunion formation. People with flexible arches (flat feet) tend to over-pronate. This motion can cause bunions. Women's dress shoes are another culprit. High heels place stress on the joints, and the tight, narrow toe box area compounds the problem. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet), and may reduce symptoms for those with a painful bunion that has not yet caused a significant bony abnormality at the joint. Orthotics can help prevent bunions from forming, and/or halt the progression of existing bunions.
EXCESSIVE PRONATION - Also known as over-pronation and flat feet. Excessive pronation is a common biomechanical problem that occurs when the arch collapses upon weight bearing. Too much of this motion can cause stress or inflammation on the planter fascia, possibly leading to discomfort and other foot problems. Symptoms: Heel and arch pain. Excessive pronation can also lead to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, post-tib tendonitis, bunions as well as knee and lower back pain. Cause: Very common in people who have flexible, flat feet. Flat feet may be hereditary or caused by obesity or pregnancy. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with rear foot control and good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet), helping prevent stress, tension and pulling on the plantar fascia. This will prevent problems from occurring, and/or halt the progression of existing problems, allowing healing to occur. EXCESSIVE SUPINATION - A high arched foot (cavus foot) is generally termed a supinated or under-pronated foot. This type of foot usually does not pronate enough. Because the arch does not flatten it is not an effective shock absorber. As a result, the weight of the body falls only on the heel and bases of the toe, increasing stress on the foot. Symptoms: Heel, arch and/or forefoot discomfort. Excessive supination can also lead to pain in the knees, hips and lower back. Cause: Very common in people who have high arches. High arched feet tend to be hereditary. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with good longitudinal arch support will bring the ground into even contact with the rest of the foot, allowing the entire foot to support the weight of the body. A cellular cushioning top cover material is also important in that it will absorb shock and provide comfort and protection. HEEL SPURS - A projection of growth of bone on the underside of the front part of the heel bone. Occurs when the plantar fascia tendon (on the bottom of the foot) pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area can calcify to form a spur. Symptoms: While some heel spurs are painless, others can cause extreme rearfoot pain, especially while standing or walking. Cause: Heel spurs develop when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually due to excessive pronation (flat feet). However, people with very high arches also develop heel spurs. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with rear foot posting and good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet), helping prevent stress, tension and pulling on the plantar fascia. This will halt the progression of the problem allowing healing to occur. METATARSALGIA - A generic term to denote pain or discomfort in the metatarsal region of the foot (ball-of-the-foot). With this condition, one or more of the metatarsal joints becomes painful and inflamed, usually from excessive pressure over an extended period of time. Symptoms: A dull, bruise like, ache in the area of the ball-of-the-foot. Others symptoms include tingling or numbness in the toes, and sharp or shooting pain in the toes. Cause: Metatarsalgia pain is often a result of ill-fitting footwear. Women's dress shoes are the biggest culprit. High heels place stress on the joints, and the tight, narrow toe box area compounds the problem. Metatarsalgia can also be caused by trauma (from sports, repeated stress), decrease of fat pad with age and biomechanical imbalances. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics designed with a metatarsal pad placed behind the ball-of-the-foot, will relieve pressure, and redistribute weight away from the painful area to a more tolerant area. Cellular cushioning top cover extensions will provide added shock absorption and protection.
MORTON'S NEUROMA - A benign but swollen enlargement of a branch of nerves that runs across the bottom of the foot and out to the toes. A Morton's neuroma is an irritated, swollen nerve in the ball-of-the-foot usually described as pain between the base of the third and fourth toes (metatarsal heads). Symptoms: Sharp, burning pain in the ball-of-the foot, can be intermittent or constant. Morton's neuroma may also cause numbness or tingling at the tips of the toes and cramping. Cause: Morton's neuroma generally results from biomechanical imbalances that lead to bones squeezing a nerve, normally between the third and fourth metatarsal heads (toes). This condition can also be caused by forefoot trauma (from sports, repeated stress) and footwear with a narrow toe box area and/or high heels. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics designed with a metatarsal pad placed behind the ball-of-the-foot (between the third and fourth toes), will unload pressure on the nerve, and redistribute weight away from the painful area to a more tolerant area. Cellular cushioning top cover extensions will provide added shock absorption and protection. PLANTAR FASCIITIS - Heel and/or arch pain commonly traced to an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a long, thick, fibrous band of connective tissue (on the bottom of the foot) running from the heel to the base of the toes. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched it tears, causing inflammation. This can lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs. Symptoms: Pain at the base of the heel, where the heel meets the arch. It is normally most severe in the morning when getting out of bed because the fascia is tighter at this time. However, as the day progresses and the fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often fades. Cause: Many factors can lead to plantar fasciitis, but the most common causes are biomechanical imbalances including excessive pronation (flat feet) and high arched feet. Stress from an increase in activity, and excessive weight, normally resulting from obesity or pregnancy exacerbates the problem. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics will control excessive pronation (flat feet), helping prevent stress, tension and pulling on the plantar fascia. This will halt the progression of the problem allowing healing to occur. POST-TIB TENDONITIS - A strain placed on the posterior tibial tendon. The posterior tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and attaches at the inside of the midfoot or arch area. The tendon is responsible for helping to maintain the arch in the foot. When there is postibial tendon dysfunction, the tendon does not hold up the arch, causing flat feet. Symptoms: When the posterior tendon is inflamed or partially torn, pain is felt from the inside of the ankle to the arch area. Pain is more severe upon weight bearing, especially while walking or running. Cause: Post-tib Tendonitis occurs when the muscle is overused and the tendon (soft tissue) that connects the muscle to your bone is strained. It can result form years of excessive pronation. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with rear foot control and good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet), helping to reduce strain the post tibial tendon. This will prevent stretching of the plantar fascia, halting the progression and allowing healing to occur. A cellular cushioning top cover material is also import in that it will absorb shock and provide comfort and protection. SESAMOIDITIS - A common ailment that affects the forefoot. Sometimes referred to as the "ball bearing of the foot," the sesamoids are two small bones found beneath the first metatarsal (instep) bones. They can inflame or rupture under the repetitive stress of exercise. Symptoms: Its most common symptom is pain in the ball-of-the-foot, especially on the medial or inner side. The pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually as the aggravating activity is continued. There may also be some swelling throughout the bottom of the forefoot. Cause: Sesamoiditis is caused by repetitive excessive pressure on the forefoot. It is a common condition among ballet dancers and baseball catchers, but even an activity like walking can cause this condition. Sesamoiditis can also be caused by a decrease of fat pad with age and high arched
feet. Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics designed with a metatarsal pad will redistribute weight away from the painful area to a more tolerant area. Cellular cushioning top cover extensions will provide added shock absorption, protection and comfort. SHIN SPLINTS - A catch-all term for lower leg pain (below the knee) that occurs on either the front outside part of the leg (anterior) or the inside of the leg (medial). Symptoms: An aching, throbbing or tenderness along the inside (or outside) of the shin about halfway down, or possibly all along the shin from the ankle to the knee. Cause: Shin Splints can be caused from too much stress on tendons (from sports) or inadequate stretching, but is commonly related to excessive pronation (flat feet, fallen arches). Orthotic Therapy: Orthotics with rear foot control and good longitudinal arch support will control excessive pronation (flat feet). This will help prevent shin splints from occurring, and/or halt the progression of existing shin splints, allowing healing to occur. NOTE: The information on this web site is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional. ************** CUSTOMIZED ORTHOTICS (NON-PRESCRIPTION) $139.95 Our customized devices are designed to treat conditions that are not severe or long term. They can help prevent potential conditions, or halt the progression of existing problems, allowing healing to occur. They are also useful in optimizing performance and enhancing comfort for athletes. The products in this group are for people who do not require Custom (prescription) Orthotics, but need more correction than our (standard) Pre-Molded devices provide. These devices can be modified to address your specific foot care needs. We send you a foam casting box with easy instructions and a customer questionnaire. Upon receipt, we take measurements of the impressions, and incorporate the needed specifications to the orthotic style that best suits your foot condition(s), activity and footwear. This product group includes six orthotic styles. We determine orthotic size and style based on your foam impressions and information provided on the questionnaire. CUSTOM ORTHOTICS (AVAILABLE BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY) Our custom devices are recommended to treat conditions that are severe or long term. They can help prevent potential conditions, or halt the progression of existing problems, allowing healing to occur. They are also useful in optimizing performance and enhancing comfort for athletes, and providing protection and comfort for geriatric and diabetic foot conditions. The products in this group require an evaluation and casting by a physician. If you e-mail us your location, we will try to refer you to a physician in your area. Physicians can e-mail us to become part of our referral network or request information on our products and services. (Physicians click here for more information).
These devices are custom-made from a casted impression of an individual's foot. The cast is sent to our laboratory with a prescription for recommended modifications. Using the physician's recommendations for corrections, our technicians custom-mold an orthotic that incorporates the necessary corrections. PRE-MOLDED ORTHOTICS (NON-PRESCRIPTION) $59.95 Our Pre-molded devices are designed to treat conditions that are not severe or long term. They can help prevent potential conditions, or halt the progression of existing problems, allowing healing to occur. The products in this group are most therapeutic for people with normal to flat arches, weighing up to 200 lbs. If you have a high arched (cavus) foot, and/or you weigh more than 200 lbs., please see either our Customized Orthotics or Custom (prescription) Orthotics. All styles are available in men's full sizes 7-13, and women's full sizes 6-11. If you are a half size, go to the next size higher (example - if you are a 7-1/2, go to a size 8). If necessary, top cover extension can be trimmed for proper fit. These devices work best in (full depth) lace shoes and sneakers. ************ FAQs WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS? In layman's terms, you may think of them as arch supports or shoe inserts. However, they are actually much, much more than that. Orthotics are orthopedic devices made to treat or adjust biomechanical foot disorders. They can be (non-prescription) over-the-counter devices designed to treat common foot conditions that are not severe or long term, or they can be custom made (prescription) devices designed to address the particular needs of an individual. Properly designed orthotics: (1) control abnormal foot function, (2) increase balance, (3) absorb shock, and (4) take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your body. How your feet perform can affect how your skeletal body feels and performs. HOW ARE ORTHOTICS MADE? Prescription (custom) orthotics are fabricated from an impression of the foot called a cast. The cast impression duplicates any misalignments in the foot. The cast is sent to an orthotic laboratory with a physician's prescription. Highly skilled technicians at the laboratory make a plaster mold from the cast impression. This custom mold is used in conjunction with the a physician's specifications to fabricate an orthotic that incorporates the necessary corrections. Non-prescription (pre-molded or customized) orthotics are molded on standard wood arch models, by shoe size. ARE ORTHOTICS THE SAME AS AN INSOLE? No. Most store bought inserts (also known as insoles) are fabricated from nothing more than different density cellular sponge and/or foam rubber materials. They may provide some shock absorption, but little (if any) biomechanical control/support. If you can bend an insert in half, it is nothing more than an insole. Our orthotics utilize hi-tech shells that range from flexible to rigid depending on the individual's footwear, activities, and foot condition(s). These shells provide arch support/biomechanical control, and are covered with special cellular cushioning materials which provide excellent shock absorption, comfort and protection.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED ORTHOTICS? Orthotics can be very helpful: (1) in correcting biomechanical imbalances such as excessive pronation (flat feet) or supination (high arched feet); (2) if you suffer from foot, heel, arch, leg, knee, hip or lower back pain, or have developed conditions such bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, neuromas, sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, post-tib tendonitis or achilles tendonitis; or (3) if your job requires you to be on your feet for extended periods of time. They are also useful in optimizing performance and enhancing comfort for athletes, and providing protection and comfort for geriatric and diabetic foot conditions. However, even if no major conditions/symptoms exist, orthotics will provide protection and comfort for your feet, promoting good foot care. WILL ORTHOTICS CURE MY FOOT PROBLEMS? Orthotics are not cure-all for all foot problems. They are a conservative (non-invasive) treatment. They help your feet to function more efficiently, allowing healing to occur. If worn regularly they will help relieve pain and prevent the development of additional foot problems. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TYPE ORTHOTIC IS BEST FOR ME? You have to be the judge regarding this. If you have infections and/or ulcerations on the bottom of your feet, lack sensation, or have developed severe foot pain and/or deformities; you should consult a physician. Under these circumstances you most likely require a custom-made (prescription) orthotic designed to address these conditions. If, however, your foot symptoms are not severe, or have not been long term, pre-molded or customized (non-prescription) orthotics can provide many of the same therapeutic benefits, at a fraction of the cost. WILL ORTHOTICS FIT IN ALL MY FOOTWEAR? No. Orthotics vary in size and thickness. You may be led to believe that one type of orthotic will fit all shoes, but this is not true. However, Foot Posture Laboratories does offer pre-molded, customized and prescription orthotics (biomechanically) designed to not only address your condition(s), but also your footwear and activity level. *************************** ORTHOTICS USE & CARE SIZE SELECTION: Pre-molded Orthotics - Available in full sizes only. If your foot is a half-size (for example a 7-1/2), select the next full size larger (size 8). If necessary, top cover extensions can be trimmed for proper fit. Customized Orthotics - Size is determined by cast impression of the foot. Custom Orthotics - Size is determined by cast impression of the foot. INSTRUCTIONS: Before using your new orthotics, be sure to remove all existing insoles or sock liners from you footwear. Then insert your orthotics. INITIAL USE OF ORTHOTICS: Most people can use their new orthotics for a full day without experiencing any discomfort at all. However, others require a "break-in" period of several days before they can wear their orthotics all day. In these cases, we recommend you use your orthotics two hours the first day and an additional two hours each day thereafter. Normally within three to five days, your orthotics can be used for a full day's activities. MAINTENANCE OF ORTHOTICS: Do not machine wash or dry your orthotics. You may wipe them with a damp cloth periodically.