What are foot orthotics?
Foot orthotics are typically a shoe insert that works to provide support and correctly align structures within the foot. They are used for a multitude of diagnoses including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, callousing, bunions, and much more. Custom foot orthotics are made from a replication of your foot, and all support is created directly against the foot model and adjusted to your specific needs.
How are foot orthotics made?
Custom foot orthotics start with getting an impression of the foot. Traditionally, this is done by either using Plaster of Paris to capture a mold of the bottom and sides of the foot, or more recently, using a bio foam crush box to get an impression of the foot. From there, plaster is poured into the mold and then modified by a certified orthotist. During modifications, the foot model is altered to provide support or relief to different areas of the foot. After modifications, layers of different materials are placed onto the model and vacuum formed to the foot and then trimmed and adjusted to fit inside the patient’s shoe.
How has technology changed the game?
The use of advancing technology helps orthotists and technicians more accurately provide high quality foot orthotics with faster turnaround times and better results. It also helps reduce waste and provides the ability to duplicate products in the future.
The first area that has really been affected by technology and CAD design is the modification process. Instead of needing to pour plaster into a mold, practitioners can instead scan the impression to the computer and make direct changes to a digital foot orthotic instead of altering the foot model to produce the desired output.
Computer models of the orthotic can be altered to add or remove extra support depending on the patient’s needs. After modifications, the files are sent to a 3-axis mill to be carved out before technicians expertly finish off the orthotics to be ready for the patient to try them on.
Another area where technology is starting to really change how foot orthotics are made refers to how the model of the foot is captured at the start. Instead of casting the foot or using foam to create an impression, orthotists are now able to scan a patient’s foot to obtain a full color 3-D replication of their foot. This technology creates a lot less waste, only takes seconds to capture, and can enclose much more detail than an impression or cast is able to. At Tillges Orthotics & Prosthetics we are paving the way with the use of this new technology to help improve our patient outcomes.
