If you’ve never tried wearing orthotics in your shoes, you may be surprised by the difference it makes to the way not only your feet feel better, but also other parts of your body, such as ankles, knees, hips and back. You can make your feet more comfortable and create a better alignment for your whole body with the simple adjustment that orthotic devices can provide, and there are many different options to choose from. Orthotics include options that are available over the counter, such as general standard insoles, and custom-made orthotics, which are designed to fit your foot.
Here at Foot Solutions, we are committed to helping you lead a more active lifestyle and custom-made orthotics are just one of the services we offer. We offer a comprehensive foot health check and make suggestions about lifestyle changes, as well as help you find footwear that supports your feet in all the right places, as well as orthotics. Taking care of your feet will help you to stay fit and maintain your general health, so it is worth taking the time to get it right.
What are Custom-made Orthotics?
Custom-made orthotics fit the unique shape and contours of your feet. These specially designed inserts can correct imbalances in the structure of the foot and relieve the pain caused by conditions such as bunions, as well as alleviate biomechanical issues.
If you are experiencing foot, knee, hip or lower back pain, you may find that custom-made orthotics make a big difference, as they redistribute the body weight and (literally) take the pressure off. Custom-made orthotics can be worn inside different types of shoes, and you will notice the difference immediately.
Over-the-counter orthotics are not made to individual measurements, so they cannot correct alignment issues in the same way. They can make your shoes feel more comfortable; however, they do not provide as much support as custom-made orthotics.
What can Custom-made Orthotics do?
Custom-made orthotics can help in a variety of ways, relieving pain and pressure in the feet and in other areas of the body. They can help with:
- Reducing pain. Custom-made orthotics help to spread the body weight more evenly throughout the feet, which has a significant effect on pain in the feet, legs and lower back. This can be transformative for people who experience pain regularly, including those with arthritis.
- Bunions and hammertoes. Conditions such as bunions and hammertoes affect the structure of the feet, causing changes to the way you move. These conditions can occur as a result of poor or restrictive footwear that pushes the bones of the feet out of alignment and causes a build-up of pressure in certain areas. Custom-made orthotics can relieve this pain by re-aligning the foot to cater for the affected area, relieving pressure on it and allowing space for recovery and healing.
- Flat feet or high arches. Issues that affect the arches of the feet, such as flat feet or high arches, can lead to foot pain and pain in the legs and lower back. Custom-made orthotics can help to treat this by providing support in the correct places and improving the alignment of the whole foot.
- Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition common to runners, in which the tendon that runs from the toes to the heel, the plantar fascia, becomes torn or inflamed. This can be very painful, and taking a break from activities will be essential for it to heal. However, custom-made orthotics can help to support the affected area while it is rehabilitated, and they can provide more support to prevent the condition from recurring, especially when worn in your running shoes.
- Diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop problems in your feet and legs due to poor circulation. Diabetic neuropathy leads to decreased sensation in the feet, and it can be helpful to have custom-made orthotics made to ensure even weight distribution and reduce the pressure in certain areas, which could lead to diabetic ulcers.
Why Choose Custom-made Orthotics?
Custom-made and over-the-counter orthotics both aim to reduce pressure on your feet and make your shoes more comfortable, but there is a big difference between them. Our professional foot specialists can help you consider the options and find the right solutions.
Over-the-counter orthotics are a generic solution to foot problems, designed to fit any type of shoe and to add padding or support to make the feet more comfortable. They are not customised to fit the feet, and they are usually made of materials such as foam or gel, which are soft and flexible for extra cushioning. They can be helpful to increase support and cushioning inside your shoes, but cannot correct biomechanical and alignment problems.
Custom-made orthotics are a good long-term solution to foot and lower back pain, enabling you to adjust your gait and feel more comfortable as you walk and run. Custom-made orthotics can provide a much better fit than over-the-counter alternatives, and are tailored to your feet so that even differences between both feet can be adjusted. Effective gait analysis gives us a much more detailed understanding of the way your feet work, and our foot wellness experts use our proprietary 3D laser scanning, pressure mapping and design software to create the solution that your feet need.
Custom-made orthotics are carefully crafted by experts to fit the unique shape of your feet, and they are made from high-quality, durable materials to provide a long-lasting device that will withstand wear and tear. Most over-the-counter orthotics are made from rubber or silicone, which are cost-effective and can be cut to size by the wearer. When you try custom-made orthotics, you will be able to feel the difference in quality straight away! Your foot health will always benefit from a tailored approach that considers your individual needs, and we can help you find the best solutions, whether you require running shoes, work shoes, or walking shoes.
Visit us at Foot Solutions today
Here at Foot Solutions, we understand the importance of foot health, and we can help you take better care of your feet to improve your general health and well-being. We can help you to find solutions to problems such as bunions, corns and Athlete’s Foot, and we can work with you to rehabilitate Plantar Fasciitis and other common injuries.
Our services include gait analysis and custom-made orthotics, and we can tailor our approach to suit your needs. You’ll find comfortable and stylish footwear for every occasion, including shoes, sandals, trainers and boots for work, casual wear and sports training. We approach foot health holistically, and our solutions can help to alleviate existing pain as well as prevent potential problems from developing. Pop in and see us in your local store or book an appointment online and start enjoying better foot health straight away!
