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111-A Great Northern Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
P6B 4Y9

Common Foot Ailments

      Typical foot problems can include ingrown toenails, metatarsalgia, bunions, morton neuroma, heel pain and arch problems. Many people find relief with custom orthotics, insoles, splints and various cushions or supports. Also, having a comfortable pair of therapeutic shoes can make all the difference in the world.

 

Feet First Orthotics

All Orthotics are NOT created equal

Many different kinds of in-shoe devices are referred to as "orthotics". You'll see "orthotics" in TV infomercials, mall kiosks, stands at consumer shows as well as a growing number of specialty retail shops. Arch supports and sport insoles sold in drug and sporting goods stores are increasingly referred to as "orthotics". Then there are the orthotics that foot health care specialists and related professionals prescribe for their patients.

For most consumers, telling the difference between all the different types of orthotics (and making an informed purchasing decision) is a challenge. Recognizing slick sales "spin" and separating it from the facts can be an even bigger challenge. Following is some information that may help.

There are three common types of foot orthotics: Custom, Customized and Off-the-Shelf

Custom devices like those prescribed and dispensed by foot health care professionals that are made in a qualified Lab from three dimensional volumetric impressions of the feet (plaster of paris casts or form impressions). See "Custom Prescription Foot Orthotics" below.

Customized devices are relatively new in the market and can be difficult to distinguish from genuine custom ones. They are typically made by adding "custom" components to a non-custom or pre-manufactured shell or insole and are commonly a product of computerized force platform systems that capture and display pressure information. Unfortunately, they are often marketed as "custom" and sold at similar prices. One way to tell the difference is if the person recommending orthotics does not take a plaster cast or form impression of your feet in order to make them, chances are you won't be getting true custom orthotics. Walking across or standing on a computerized force platform with a colourful graphic display is an excellent way to evaluate some aspects of foot function and measure pressure distribution. In qualitied hands, force platforms can be useful diagnostic tools but they are incapable of capturing true, three dimentionsl volumetric impressions of the foot. Beware of the slick sales "spin" - IF THERE IS NO CAST - IT CAN'T BE CUSTOM.

Off-the-Shelf devices are most commonly found in retail drug, sporting goods and shoe stores as well as some specialty shops. Some foot health care professionals recommend them for minor foot problems. They rarely cost more than $35 - $50 and the better quality ones can provide a good measure of arch support and cushioning. Popular brands sold in Canada include: Spenco®, Superfeet®, and Sole®.

If you are having foot and/or leg problems and want to know if orthotics are right for you (and if so, what kind), start by consulting your local foot health care professional. For help choosing a foot health care professional or qualified foor orthotic provider in your area, consult your family doctor.

Getting what's right for you begins with a thorough examination by a qualified foot health care professional. You won't find these people on TV, in the Mall, or at a consumer show. Minor foot problems can often be treated with an inexpensive, off-the-shelf orthotic and/or some qualified footwear selection and fitting advice. More pronounced or persistent problems usually require a more precise customized orthotic solution.

Custom Prescription Foot Orthotics are precision medical devices that are designed to adjust and control the function of the foot and it's alignment with the lower leg. They are used to treat/prevent injury causing motions including excessive pronation (collapsing in) and supination (rolling out) and make standing, walking and running more efficient. Some prescription orthotics are designed to redistribute pressures on the bottom of your foot to alleviate pain from corns, calluses or boney prominences.

Genuine, custom-made prescription foot orthotics are made by starting with a thorough exam by a qualified health care professional followed by the taking of cast impressions using palster or impression foam material and the completion of a detailed prescription form. Your casts and prescription form are then sent to a professional Lab where your orthotics are made by technicians with appropriate training and qualifications.

Successful prescription foot orthotic therapy requires an experienced foot health care professional's training and clinical experience combined with a qulified Lab's technical skills and material technology expertise. Physical therapy and/or at home stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as qualitied shoe fitting advice are common parts of successful orthotic therapy.

Paris Orthotics is the Lab of choice for the most demanding foot health care professionals in Canada. Our commitment to product quality and technical expertise has helped us become a leader in our field. We are one of the few Labs in Canada that is Board Accredited and the only Lab with a Professional Advisory Board that includes leaders in Sports Medicine, Biomechanics, Podiatry, Chiropody and Pedorthics. We combine state of the art technology with expert hand craftsmanship and three generations of experience in every device we make.