6321 S Highland Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(P) 801.274.6905
(F) 801.274.3341
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(P) 801.274.6905
(F) 801.274.3341
Do you need custom orthotics? - 8/16/2008
OTC (over the counter) inserts and custom foot supports (orthotics) can be a great help in alleviating foot and ankle discomfort. So how do you decide what you need?
Last month we talked about evaluating shoes. They are still the foundation of fixing what is wrong with your feet. The best custom foot support will not function properly in a poorly constructed or non-supportive shoe. A shoe with a good heel counter is usually essential. The most informed store staffs are to be found at specialty shoe stores such as ours or running specialty stores.
Next, evaluate your foot 'environment'. Consider the shoes you will wear, your size and weight, how much of and the type of activity you are going to be involved in. You should evaluate your arch type. There are three general arch shapes: 1) High arch; 2) Medium or normal arch, and 3) Low or flat arch. Those who have high arches usually have less flexibility and shock absorption ability. You may need some support to your arch but you need cushioning. Those with low or flat arches, ie pronation, need extra arch support. This arch type predisposes you to overstretching joint capsules, tendons and fascia and will lead to inflammation of those tissues.
Many people will obtain relief from using OTC supports. Several companies make good supports. A few names are Spenco, Lynco, Sole, New Balance, Prothotics, Superfeet, and Powerstep. I like to use those that allow me to 'customize' the insole, if necessary. Our staff can evaluate your foot needs and recommend one of these brands and have you try them in shoes for a few minutes in our store. We can make modifications to most of them. I recommend this path first and they are much less expensive than custom supports. The price range for our OTC supports is $25-$55. Some of you will have already tried one or more of these supports and still need help. That's when you need a more thorough evaluation. I see customers by appointment for this purpose. You can seek the advice of foot care professionals such as a sports medicine physician, podiatrist, physical therapist or other qualified individual. At this point we often need to look at the 'larger picture' which includes your hip and knee alignment, muscular tightness or weakness, etc.
Custom supports are made of different materials depending on the individual's need. The needs fall into one or more of three categories: 1) Alignment control, 2) Pressure relief and control, and 3) accommodation of foot position. Rigid or semi-rigid plastics provide the most control and are the thinnest materials. Semi-rigid foams can provide support and pressure relief and are most often used in athletic activities. Accommodative supports are usually a lamination of different density foams used to cushion the foot as it is, without any attempt to control the foot's position.
Every customer I see seems to be unique in their needs. Sure, there are general principles that apply to alleviating certain problems, but each person presents uniquely. Give us a chance to be of service to you. Please call me if you would like to discuss your particular foot needs.
Happy Holidays,
Skip Chandler, PT, CPed
Last month we talked about evaluating shoes. They are still the foundation of fixing what is wrong with your feet. The best custom foot support will not function properly in a poorly constructed or non-supportive shoe. A shoe with a good heel counter is usually essential. The most informed store staffs are to be found at specialty shoe stores such as ours or running specialty stores.
Next, evaluate your foot 'environment'. Consider the shoes you will wear, your size and weight, how much of and the type of activity you are going to be involved in. You should evaluate your arch type. There are three general arch shapes: 1) High arch; 2) Medium or normal arch, and 3) Low or flat arch. Those who have high arches usually have less flexibility and shock absorption ability. You may need some support to your arch but you need cushioning. Those with low or flat arches, ie pronation, need extra arch support. This arch type predisposes you to overstretching joint capsules, tendons and fascia and will lead to inflammation of those tissues.
Many people will obtain relief from using OTC supports. Several companies make good supports. A few names are Spenco, Lynco, Sole, New Balance, Prothotics, Superfeet, and Powerstep. I like to use those that allow me to 'customize' the insole, if necessary. Our staff can evaluate your foot needs and recommend one of these brands and have you try them in shoes for a few minutes in our store. We can make modifications to most of them. I recommend this path first and they are much less expensive than custom supports. The price range for our OTC supports is $25-$55. Some of you will have already tried one or more of these supports and still need help. That's when you need a more thorough evaluation. I see customers by appointment for this purpose. You can seek the advice of foot care professionals such as a sports medicine physician, podiatrist, physical therapist or other qualified individual. At this point we often need to look at the 'larger picture' which includes your hip and knee alignment, muscular tightness or weakness, etc.
Custom supports are made of different materials depending on the individual's need. The needs fall into one or more of three categories: 1) Alignment control, 2) Pressure relief and control, and 3) accommodation of foot position. Rigid or semi-rigid plastics provide the most control and are the thinnest materials. Semi-rigid foams can provide support and pressure relief and are most often used in athletic activities. Accommodative supports are usually a lamination of different density foams used to cushion the foot as it is, without any attempt to control the foot's position.
Every customer I see seems to be unique in their needs. Sure, there are general principles that apply to alleviating certain problems, but each person presents uniquely. Give us a chance to be of service to you. Please call me if you would like to discuss your particular foot needs.
Happy Holidays,
Skip Chandler, PT, CPed
