Specialized Foot & Ankle Care in Colorado Springs

Custom Orthotics

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your feet and ankles provide the foundation for movement and are essential for walking, standing, working, exercising, and participating in sports. Injuries and conditions affecting these areas can make even simple daily activities painful or difficult.

CSOG provides specialized care for a broad range of foot and ankle conditions, including fractures, arthritis, tendon and ligament problems, deformities, sports injuries, and other disorders affecting mobility. Our specialists offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on your individual condition.

Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or advanced surgery when appropriate. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore stability and function, and help you get back on your feet and return to the activities you enjoy.

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What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are specially made devices designed to support and align your feet to address foot-related problems. They are typically created by a healthcare professional such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist based on a detailed assessment of your foot structure, gait, and specific needs, often involving a plaster cast, digital scan, or impression of your foot.

Indications for Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are recommended to treat or manage various conditions pertaining to the foot, ankle, or lower limb. These devices are particularly beneficial when over-the-counter insoles or non-custom solutions are insufficient to address specific problems. Some common conditions where custom orthotics may be recommended include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic pain in the heel or arch due to inflammation of the plantar fascia.
• Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the heel that cause pain, especially when standing or walking.
• Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.
• Bunions: Misalignment of the big toe joint causing pain and discomfort.
• Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Lack of proper arch support leading to foot, ankle, and knee pain.
• High Arches (Pes Cavus): Excessive arch causing uneven weight distribution and strain on the foot.
• Leg Length Discrepancy: Differences in leg length that can cause imbalances and pain.
• Overpronation: Excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running.
• Supination: Insufficient inward roll, leading to pressure on the outer edges of the feet.

Types of Custom Orthotics

• Functional Orthotics: These are made from semi-rigid materials like plastic or graphite and are designed to control abnormal motion. They are often used to treat conditions like flat feet, high arches, and issues with gait or alignment.
• Accommodative Orthotics: These are softer and provide additional cushioning and support. They are typically used to relieve pain and pressure from conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot ulcers, or arthritis.

What Does the Custom Orthotics Process Involve?

In general, the custom orthotics process may involve the following:

• Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the patient's feet, including gait analysis and possibly imaging studies, is conducted.
• Molding: A precise mold of the foot is taken using plaster, foam, or digital scanning.
• Fabrication: The mold is sent to a lab where the orthotics are custom-made to fit the patient’s specific needs.
• Fitting: The patient tries on the orthotics to ensure proper fit and comfort, and adjustments can be made if necessary.

How Does Custom Orthotics Work?

Custom orthotics are prescribed medical devices to control biomechanical foot problems. They can improve heel posture, provide arch support while standing and walking, relieve pain, and improve the healing of soft tissue injuries by offloading or redistributing the weight of the body. Your doctor will mostly recommend orthotics in conjunction with other treatment methods and physical therapy.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Some of the benefits of custom orthotics include:

• Pain Relief: Custom orthotics can help alleviate pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back by correcting abnormal foot mechanics.
• Improved Foot Function: They can improve gait and balance, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall mobility.
• Support and Alignment: By providing the necessary support, custom orthotics can help in properly aligning the feet and legs, reducing strain on the joints and muscles.