Foot Orthotic
What is an orthotic?
An orthothosis is a device that provides, correction, support and/or protection to a part of the body. A foot orthosis is also known as an orthotic.
What are the types of orthotics?
Orthotics can be broken down into two types: Functional or accommodative. They come in 3 different lengths mets, sulcus, and toes. There are off the shelf and custom orthotics. A custom orthotic cast is made via plaster, foam box, or pressure detecting device.
What are orthotics used for?
An orthotic is used to treat the pathology producing the pain and dysfunction in the foot such as flat feet, achilles tendonitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, etc.
What are components of a custom orthotic prescription ?
1. Shell type: polypropylene (vacuum formed or Milled) 2.Shell Rigidity/Thickness (flexible/semirigid/rigid and 2-6mm) 3. Heel cup depth (10,14, 18mm) 4. Width (narrow, standard, wide) 5. Cast fill (min, stand, max) 6. Medial Heel skive (2,4,6 mm) 7. Invert degree, 8. Shell Accommodations: medial flange, PF groove, Sweet spot, 1st ray cut out 9. Rearfoot post (type, motion, material). 10. top cover (length, material). 11. forefoot extensions: length, material, thickness, various extensions (morton, valgus, etc.) 12. Special additions: arch pad, heel lift, met pad, met bar, neuroma pad. At OC Podiatry we spend the time to make the correct prescription for each patient’s orthotic.
Video from Prolab Orthotics about writing a custom orthotic prescription: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRu7eELReUk&feature=youtu.be