Your Amazing Foot

Your foot is an amazing, complex structure, which is subjected to many stresses through the course of a day. Your foot is an individual as your fingerprint. Its shape is one of your unique characteristics. Is it no wonder that over-the-counter arch supports and other devices are usually unable to take care of your problem adequately? Orthotic inlays restore normal function to the feet by specifically correcting deformities within your foot structure. By restoring normal function we can control many foot problems and prevent others from happening.



When are Othotics Needed?

Sports Medicine
Certain sports will cause abnormal stresses to develop in the foot. This can predispose the athlete to overuse injuries.

Children
Intoeing or flat-footedness can cause problems later in life. Poor posture is often easily corrected in the youngster.

Diabetics
Calluses and corns on the bottom of the feet can be the start of more serious problems. Redistribution of pressure with an inlay is essential.

Surgery
Many surgical deformities are caused in part by abnormal foot function. Restoration of proper function is essential in certain circumstances to inhibit recurrence.

The Orthotic-Your Prescription for Foot Health

The orthotic is a prescription device, designed specifically and only for you. They are made from what we refer to as a neutral position cast. That is, your feet are cast in their normal position. In the lab, correction is applied to the cast of your foot. When an inlay is pressed over this cast, your foot will be held in its normal or neutral position. This will prevent abnormal foot function. The inlay fits inside an ordinary shoe and is not visible from the outside. These are made of different materials to accommodate different foot deformities, types of shoes and activities.

Orthotics may cause a temporary strain to develop in the muscles of the legs. They may also take some time to feel comfortable. Often, the skeletal structures need to "adjust" to this new position.

Your inlays will do you the most good and work their best in a low-heeled, oxford-type shoe or athletic shoe. Other types of shoes can be worn for special occasions, but we encourage this type of shoe for normal daily activities. New shoes that are only mildly worn are the best foundation for your inlays.

Wash your orthotics in warm, soapy water. Do not use hot water or put them in the clothes dryer. Foot powder or candle wax around the edges should prevent squeaking in the shoes.

Diagnosis

F-Scan
This new technology helps us to understand what the orthotic is doing in the shoe to affect foot function. It allows us to see the minute details of foot function and enables us to fine tune your correction to new levels. This is also done before orthotics are made to understand foot function better.

Biomechanical Examination
In order to accurately prescribe an orthotic, it is necessary to measure the joints in your legs and feet, as well as your muscle strength and flexibility. A thorough evaluation also enables us to find the source of your problem and prescribe a rehabilitation program in addition to your orthotics. Specific shoe recommendations are made based on your activities and lifestyle demands.

X-Rays
The X-rays we use administer a very low dose of radiation exposure. We use X-rays to identify the position of the bones in your feet relative to each other, which allows us to write a more accurate prescription. These X-rays always need to be taken while you are standing.

Our Obligation To You

We assure you that the inlays received from this office are of the highest quality available. They are specifically prescribed and corrected for your foot condition. Although there may be other treatments necessary to correct your problem, we believe the inlays are an important aspect of your overall treatment program.

If an inlay breaks within 12 months of its original dispense date, we will replace the inlay without charge. Beyond this time, you will be charged for replacement of the inlays. Inlays lost at any time are your obligation. There is no charge for orthotic inlay adjustments. Please inform us of problems with your inlays' fit so we can adjust them satisfactorily.

We want you to be well-informed about the purpose and use of your orthotic inlays. If you have any questions, please ask the doctor. We are happy to assist you.