Do Custom Orthotics Help With Foot Pain?

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to resolve an existing leg or foot disorder, alleviate pain or prevent the development of musculoskeletal conditions. There are many different types of orthotics, from those that you buy from a pharmacy to custom orthotics that are prescribed by a podiatrist and made just for your foot.

Formthotics is a unique brand of custom fitted orthotics that is made from heat moldable foam. This technology is used to create and orthotic that perfectly fit the shape of your foot, resulting in a comfortable and natural step.

Formthotics were invented in the 1970s in New Zealand by a doctor specializing in sports medicine.  Dr. Charlie Baycroft wondered why so many of his patients were complaining of leg and foot pain.  At the time, doctors were quick to diagnose these patients with foot abnormalities.  Dr. Baycroft thought this was a bit suspicious though: how can it be an 'abnormality' when such a large proportion of the population were suffering?

One day, while walking on the beach, Dr. Baycroft noticed the footprints in the sand and began to think about the surfaces we walk on.  Throughout most of human history, people have been walking on soft, malleable surfaces.  Over the past 100 years, however, flat, rigid surfaces like roads, sidewalks and floors have become the norm.  Couldn't this be the cause of modern foot and leg pain?

To test his new theory, Dr. Baycroft created a shoe insert out of custom-moldable foam.  He believed that by placing an insole between the foot and the ground that would mold to the foot, he could recreate the feeling of soft ground underfoot.  From this philosophy, Formthotics were born.

The best custom orthotics are those that fit comfortably and naturally with the shape of the foot.  To perfectly form the orthotic to the foot, Formthotics are made of a heat-moldable foam.  This unique material is flexible and supportive to best mimic the feel of natural ground underfoot.  The foam also absorbs shock and reduces the impact on muscles and joints.

After your podiatrist fits you for your orthotics, you can start wearing them.  Adjusting to custom orthotics is a little bit like adjusting to braces on your teeth: they may ache at first but before too long you won't even notice them.  

Breaking in the orthotics will take 3 to 7 days, after which your doctor will readjust them. 

For the most effective use of orthotics, they should be readjusted every 3 to 6 months. 

Custom fitted orthotics can be used to successfully treat and alleviate the pain associated with a number of conditions, including:

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Bunions, corns and calluses
• Heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
• Knee pain
• Shin splints
• Diabetes related foot pain
• Flat feet
• Ankle sprains
• Groin, hip and back pain
• Pronation
• Arch pain
• Supination

If you suffer from any of these conditions, visit a podiatrist and find out how you can benefit from custom-made orthotics.