Orthotics Advisory

By Dr. Gary Prant, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.

Are You Sure You Need Orthotics?

It seems that lately many people are getting into the foot care business and want to sell you orthotics. They offer you comfort and relief of your symptoms. Sounds promising but...

Ask:

Just what are the qualifications of the person wanting to treat your feet?

If they are a foot specialist, then they are trained to recognize and treat foot disorders and you are in good hands. If, however, this person has training in another area and is doing foot care "on the side", then you may want to consider getting a second opinion.

Consider:

You may not even need orthotics in the first place!

Podiatrists will frequently use different treatments to make your feet more comfortable without orthotics. For example, a podiatrist can show you how the application of padding, taping or other materials can bring you instant relief. Sometimes a simple treatment in a podiatrist's office will bring dramatic and long lasting comfort without the need for orthotics.

Let's say you need orthotics

Caution:

Not all orthotics are the same. The results vary as some work well and others don't.

Reason:

The knowledge and training of the individual treating you usually is directly related to the success of your treatment. Also, there are a number of methods used in making orthotics. Some methods work well while other methods are less than desirable.

How You Can Recognize Which Methods Will Work For You

Before you get orthotics, inquire as to how they will be made.

Preferred:

Detailed measurements of your foot are done. Dr. Prant does a gait analysis and computes the corrections needed based on the measurements and the evaluation of your gait. The molds of your feet are sent to the most biomechanically advanced laboratory in the country for the totally custom orthotics to be made.

Less Desirable:

Many people with little training in biomechanics of the feet commonly use computer "gait plates" in order to get a pressure impression of the foot. The problem is that since there is no pressure from parts of the foot off the ground there is no way to determine how high the arch should be. We've seen these devices and even tried computer scanning systems in our office. The "orthotics" all look the same and work about as well as a $30 over the counter device. (More on computerized orthotics below.)

Even Worse:

Footprints or tracings of your feet commonly done at trade shows, in malls or even by mail order are usually a waste of time and money. The products that they give you are simply off the shelf inserts with a bit of support to fit your size as shown on the tracing.

Better:

If you want to try something fast and cheap, then simply try arch supports from a drug store or sporting goods store. These devices provide some support and may be of some relief. They may keep you going for a few months and let you put off getting proper orthotics for a while.

Computers & Orthotics

As you know, computers work wonders in our world today. However, when it comes to orthotics, the public is being misled. Here's why:

A Computerized gait analysis lets you see the pressure points of your feet on a screen. This is very impressive to patients . In fact, this tool lends credibility to those that are using it. So, in fact, if the person that is using these computerized gait analysis machines has little training in biomechanics of the foot, it doesn't show to the patient since everything looks "high tech".

The Problem:

Just because you are getting a computerized gait analysis, it doesn't mean that the orthotics are computerized. In fact, in most cases, the orthotics that are dispensed to you after this computerized gait analysis are ready made items of a stock or standard size. They may have a particular arch height that approximates your foot, but they're not custom made to your feet hence they cannot accurately control foot motions. In some cases, modifications are made to these off-the-shelf devices such as varying top covers. However, they are not nearly as effective as orthotics made from a cast.

What's Best for You and Your Feet

You have only one pair of feet that have to last you a lifetime - approximately 120,000 miles!

For you to keep active and to continue walking comfortably, your feet have to be in the best possible shape. You can keep them in top form by taking good care of them and not neglecting problems when they arise.

Recommended:

Have your feet checked by a podiatrist. You need a medical diagnosis of your foot condition. A doctor of podiatric medicine has the specialized training and years of experience to best treat your foot problem.

Others that do foot care as a sideline may not be qualified to diagnose your problem.

If you do not need orthotics, a podiatrist will tell you so. If you do need orthotics, we will use the best possible technique to correct your foot problem and also use state of the art orthotics that should last for several years. We can adjust and repair your orthotics in the office. We will ensure that your orthotics are working perfectly and feeling comfortable for years to come!

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