Orthotic FAQs

What are orthotics?

Podiatrists prescribe and construct foot orthotics. These are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe to control abnormal foot function and/or accommodate painful areas of the foot. Properly designed foot orthotics may compensate for impaired foot function, by controlling abnormal motion across the joints of the foot. This may result in dramatic improvement in foot symptoms. Functional foot orthotics are usually made from rigid materials, especially plastics and carbon-fiber composites. They are constructed upon a plaster impression of the feet, and modified based on the podiatrist's evaluation of your problem. They are normally quite comfortable, and do not feel hard or uncomfortable in the shoe. Rigid orthotics normally last for years, additions such as top covers and extensions may require periodic replacement. Some patients, for example the very elderly, may not tolerate rigid functional orthotics. Under these circumstances, the podiatrist will prescribe an orthotic made from softer materials with special accommodations for painful areas. Many different materials can be utilized, such as rubber, cork, leather, and soft synthetic plastics. The podiatrist is in the unique position of being able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your foot or leg problems. If orthotics are indicated, he or she can utilize the most advanced methods of construction. Orthotics that are prescribed by the podiatrist and custom made for your feet, should not be confused with over the counter arch supports. These may help the occasional patient with minor arch discomfort, but they frequently fail because they do not properly control foot function and/or do not properly fit the patient's feet. The consumer should beware of individuals with no or inadequate training, who hold themselves out as experts on foot problems and orthotics. Only the podiatrist or medical doctor can diagnose foot problems and offer alternative treatment plans. If complications develop, the podiatrist is there to evaluate and treat those. He or she can offer the patient alternative treatments, be they medical, orthopedic, or surgical.

Choosing the correct size

Our website shows the sizes of the Lynco orthotics in standard whole number UK shoe sizes. If your foot is a half size then you should choose the larger whole number size. For example, if your UK shoe size is 6.5 then you should choose size 7. If size 7 is a little too large for your shoe then it maybe necessary to trim the toe area of the orthotic to provide a good fit in your shoe.

Initial wearing of the orthotic

Orthotics will provide many people with immediate relief from foot pain. However, if the orthotic is correcting the alignment of your foot to a new position that your foot is not used to then this could cause some initial discomfort.

Your feet and legs may have functioned abnormally over a number of years. Your orthotics will encourage them to work in a better manner and this may initially feel strange. To correct a situation that has developed over years will take time. You should not wear your orthotics all day from the first day, but gradually increase the duration for which they are worn by half an hour per day.

If you suffer initial discomfort, for example mild aches along the outside and backs of your legs, then it is recommended that you only wear the orthotic for less than an hour per day for the first week and gradually increase the duration for which you use the orthotic. You should not increase the duration of wearing an orthotic until any aches have subsided.

When you can wear your orthotic comfortably for four hours, then it is likely that you will be able to wear them comfortably all day.

Initial wearing of sports orthotic

We recommend that you initially wear your sports orthotic for walking. You should gradually introduce the orthotics into your training program. Obviously, you need to remove any insole that may already be in your training shoes.

How long do orthotics last?

If they are only worn occasionally in sports shoes then they will last many years. If they are worn all day, every day then they should be replaced every 12 months.

What are Functional Posted Foot Orthotics?

Unlike simple arch supports, functional posted orthotics control abnormal position and movement of the foot. While standing or walking the heel and mid foot are held in a more stable position. This allows the foot to function more efficiently during weight-bearing and propulsion. This control is often accomplished by limiting abnormal pronation of the foot. Pronation is a complex movement involving eversion (turning out) of the heel and forefoot. There is a corresponding internal rotation (turning in) of the lower leg, and flattening of the arch. Ligaments become strained, and muscles over work attempting to pull the foot into a more stable position. By controlling abnormal pronation, functional orthotics help prevent some of the complications of the chronically unstable foot. Functional orthotics are usually (but not always) made from rigid plastic materials. There may be various additions, top covers, and extensions, depending on the patient's need. They are very comfortable, as they are custom made from plaster impressions. The posts on a functional orthotic are wedges at the heel and mid foot, which hold those structures in a proper angular relationship to each other and the leg. Functional posted orthotics should only be prescribed by a properly trained practitioner after a thorough bio mechanical examination.

Will orthotics correct my foot problem?

Orthotics will control the position and motion of your foot. This may prevent the development of pain and disability, and the development of additional deformity. Orthotics will not change the underlying structure of the adult foot. If they are not worn, abnormal function will immediately return. In a sense they are analogous to dentures, if you remove then you can no longer properly chew your food.

Will orthotics fit in all my shoes?

The short answer is no. Some shoes will not fit properly with an orthotic inside. These are usually dressy shoes with a shallow heel counter (i.e the rear part of the shoe that wraps around the heel). Women have more fitting problems than men, due to shoe fashion. You can find dress shoes that nicely fit an orthotic, but choices will be more limited. There are special dress shoe orthotics that fit more easily into fashionable shoes. Discuss with your podiatrist if these are suitable for you.

After wearing my orthotics, my legs and back were sore. Is this normal?

Some people develop discomfort in the foot, leg, or lower back when they first start to wear orthotics. This is normal and is due to a realignment of the whole lower extremity and pelvis. Muscles and ligaments have to readjust to this new alignment. When they do the discomfort disappears. Most patients never have any "break in" discomfort. When it occurs, it usually disappears in a two or three weeks. If the discomfort occurs, it is advisable to gradually "break in" your new orthotics. Persistent discomfort may necessitate adjustment to your orthotics.

Are special orthotics required for sports?

Standard orthotics are proper for most activities, including sports which do not involve excessive impact on the feet. Sports such as running, basketball, high impact aerobics, tennis, racquet sports, and baseball, all involve considerable ground impact. Sports orthotics are fabricated from more resilient materials which dissipate some of this force. They are available in a variety of forms, general purpose and those designed for the demands of a specific sport. Most can be used for everyday activities, but they tend to be more bulky than standard orthotics, and fit best in running and walking shoes.

What do foot orthotics really do?

Foot Orthotics correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

Foot Orthotics are known to solve a number of bio mechanically related problems, not only for obvious foot problems but also for ankle and knee pain, pelvis, hip, spinal pain and even headaches. This is achieved by preventing misalignment of the foot which can significantly alter the way in which the bones move within their joints.

Foot Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. All are concerned with improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain.

While varying in design all orthotic supports are mostly aimed at the mass market, this is fine in many cases but to be fully effective each support should be tailored to the individual. Increased knowledge of Bio mechanics and Orthotic correction of 'unseen' problems has led to more specific prescriptive treatment with casting and bespoke individual insoles.

What are Custom Made Orthotics?

Custom orthotic foot braces are corrective devices made to assist a foot that fails bio mechanically, to function normally. The orthotics are made to control abnormal foot function, re-establish proper weight distribution and improve overall bio-mechanics.

Who can benefit from Orthotics?

Everyone! Even if you don't suffer from any obvious foot pain you may have some bio mechanical imbalances that could lead to problems later if left untreated.

Are Custom Orthotics only for people with foot problems?

Many clinical conditions may be present without any obvious foot problems. Subtle imbalances in the foot are amplified as they go up the leg, knee, hip and back resulting in problems that may not have been properly assessed due to lack of a full bio mechanical evaluation.

Does Health Canada (OHIP) or Private Insurance cover them?

Custom Orthotics are not covered by Health Canada. You may be covered under your existing insurance policy from work or Extended Health plan. General Welfare or Family Benefits will cover orthotics in most cases.

Will they get rid of my pain and discomfort?

The proper use of these corrective devices should significantly reduce a patient's symptoms or foot related pain and discomfort. Some conditions may be severe and have already undergone structural changes. In this case the orthotics will prevent further damage and promote soft tissue restoration.

What are orthotics and how can they help people with foot problems?

Foot orthotics (or orthoses) are shoe inserts designed to improve an imbalance in the foot by supporting and aligning the foot.

There are many types of orthoses available from fully customized orthoses that can be fitted from plaster moulds of the foot to non custom or prefabricated orthoses.

Custom orthotics are fitted by a qualified practitioner such as a podiatrist and are often used when considerable realignment of the foot is required.

Prefabricated orthotics, such as Podlink foot care orthotics, are chosen when moderate control is required to improve foot function and are designed with this knowledge in mind.

People of all ages and a whole range of conditions wear orthoses. Generally speaking, any person with foot or lower leg pain or foot alignment problems that inhibit daily activity, may benefit from using orthotics.

What is the difference between insoles and orthotics?

Insoles generally offer some degree of palliative cushioning without offering any correction in the foot alignment that you would find in an orthotic.

'Insole' covers a range of products including a flat shoe lining included in the manufacturing process of a shoe, to the more contoured foot beds commonly seen in most styles of running shoes and safety boots. Insoles can be cut out from various density materials and fitted to a shoe in order to assist in shock absorption.

An orthotic is designed to exert some level of control or correction to the foot and provides a more targeted, longer lasting adjustment to the alignment of the foot.

What are the benefits of using prefabricated (or non-custom) orthotics instead of custom made orthotics?

That's the question we've been asked many times during our years as practicing podiatrists. If a health professional (such as a podiatrist) says you need custom orthoses, then you probably do.

In many cases however, a person needs moderate correction and this is when non custom orthoses are recommended, as quite pronounced improvements can often be seen even in the more severe foot types.

The advantages of using non custom orthotics instead of custom orthotics also include the fact that non custom orthotics are considerably less expensive. You can expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a professionally fitted pair of custom orthotics.

How long should I wear the orthotics for?

Once the initial wearing in period has been completed, you can wear your orthosis as much as you like.

The most important time to wear them is when you are weight bearing for long periods, or exercising. For example, if you are wearing your orthosis to help with heel pain then it may be up to 6-12 weeks before your feet are feeling considerably better, but to maintain the improvement, it may be necessary to continue wearing them for 12 months. Many of our clients continue to wear their orthotics on a permanent basis because they have found the orthotics to be so comfortable.

How long will it take before I notice an improvement in my feet?

Once the wearing in period is completed and appropriate footwear is being worn, most people begin to notice an improvement in the first 4-6 weeks. Between 6-12 weeks is generally when you can expect the most improvement. These time frames will obviously vary depending on the individual foot problem.

Check out our stretching and icing advice as this is also a valuable tool in helping to alleviate foot pain.

If the pain is not improving after 12 weeks, it may be necessary to visit a foot care professional for some specific advice. Take along your orthotics so your foot professional knows what you have been wearing.

Do I need to consult a medical practitioner?

If you have concerns regarding your feet it is a good idea to get them checked out by a foot care professional. This is where you will get an individual diagnosis for your problem. One of the things they may recommend is the style of foot care orthotics that would be best for you.

What is the difference between a foot bed and an orthotic?

Regular foot beds are designed to provide a cushioning effect and shock absorption. They may feel comfortable at first but they do not address the bio mechanical cause - 'excess pronation' - of the pain or ailment. Orthotics provide some degree of shock absorption, but more importantly they are functional - i.e. designed to change and optimize your foot function. Some foot beds also feature an arch support, however, orthotics do a lot more than just supporting the arches.

What are orthotics made of?

Traditional orthotics are made from rigid materials, such as hard plastic or even metal. Although providing correct alignment they are very hard to get used to and not natural in the sense that they limit the foot's natural suspension mechanism. Having something 'rock-hard' under the foot means that with every step the impact is not being absorbed properly and a shockwave travels from the foot all the way up to spine.

ORTHAHEEL Orthotics are made of a flexible 'space age' material called EVA . The major advantage of EVA is that it is supportive and 'giving' at the same time! As you apply weight to the foot there is a certain amount of 'give' in ORTHAHEEL, providing shock absorption to the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. This makes the device much more comfortable and more natural compared to hard orthotics.

The 'down-side' is that ORTHAHEEL Orthotics will need to be replaced every 12-16 months, whereas rigid (or semi-rigid) orthotics will last 2-4 years. The low cost of ORTHAHEEL ($19.99 - $26.99) however, means that yearly replacement is not a major obstacle. (Rigid orthotics can cost up to $400).

Young children and the elderly especially will benefit from a softer type of orthotic such as ORTHAHEEL as they cannot tolerate anything hard under the foot.

What pains and ailments can be treated with orthotics?

Most foot conditions respond favorably to orthotic treatment. Orthotics are found to be very effective for foot complaints such as Bunions, Calluses & Corns, Heel Pain, Achilles Tendonitis, Morton's Neuroma and Ball Of Foot Pain. Because the feet are the foundation of our body, orthotics can also provide natural, lasting relief for Back Pain, Knee Pain and Shin Pain.

What exactly is a 'custom orthotic' and who will need these?

Some people have more serious bio mechanical disorders than the common degree of excess pronation that most of us suffer from. These people need to seek help from a health professional. For example, ulcers under the arch or a very large bunion requires the attention of a medical foot specialist. Also, some people have bio mechanical dysfunction in the forefoot area which means they may need some type of forefoot valgus/varus wedging to compensate. In addition, there are people who instead of 'Pronation' suffer from the opposite: their feet roll outwards or 'supinate' and the arch remains high when hitting the ground (this is called a Cavus foot or High Arch and only affects 5% of the population). The result is very poor shock absorption and increased strain on the heel and rest of the body. Supinators will need a custom-made orthotic that corrects this type of malfunction.

After initial diagnosis the Podiatrist will decide on a 'customized prescription orthotic'. Generally, there are 2 types of custom-made orthotics:

Cast orthotics

A plaster cast of the patient's foot is made (a negative impression) and this cast is then sent to an orthotic laboratory. A positive cast is formed by pouring plaster into the negative. The result is a reproduction of the underside of the foot. From this the technician will make a custom orthotic including the necessary adjustments, recommended by the health professional. In most cases, the materials used are rigid or semi-rigid resulting in a hard and uncomfortable device. Although bio mechanically correct, most patients loathe wearing these hard orthotics as they dig into the arch and take a long time to get used to.

Heat-moldable orthotics

Traditional 'casted' orthotics are becoming less and less popular with physicians because most patients won't wear them, they are expensive (up to $400 per pair!) and they take weeks to make. In the last 10 years alternatives have emerged of which the heat-moldable is by far the most widely used. A heat-moldable orthotic is a standard 'off-the-shelf' flexible device. Its shape can be altered to suit the patients needs by heating the orthotic for 20-30 seconds. The heating does not alter the flexibility (or 'give') making it very comfortable to wear. Australian Podiatrist Phillip Vasyli - the inventor of ORTHAHEEL - has also engineered a wide range of heat-moldable VASYLI Orthotics. Thousands of health professionals all over the world use VASYLI Orthotics because of their ease of prescription, their low cost, high acceptance and tolerance level with patients.

Who wears orthotics?

They are used by almost all athletes, from the recreational level to top professionals. Additionally, orthotics are worn by everyday people simply looking for comfort in their shoes.

What if I do not currently have any foot pain? Should I still consider them?

Yes. Orthotics should be thought of as preventative medicine.

What type of preparation goes into making them?

Our process starts with the casting of your feet in what is referred to as the "neutral position." After the cast is made, a determination is made to which materials are best suited for your situation, taking into account your activity level and the intended purpose of the shoes you plan to put them it. Blanks are then custom molded using the impression from your cast. The product is then "posted." This process helps to keep the orthotics (and thus your feet) stable in an anatomically correct position. The orthotics are then finished with a grinder to ensure that they match the client's needs exactly. Upon completion, the orthotics are then placed in the client's shoes, replacing the standard foam "sock liners" usually sold with most shoes.

Approximately how much do they cost?

Most of the custom models are priced at around $200.00/pair. Every single model is custom made from an impression of your feet. The prefabricated (or non-custom) models are cheaper from $100 to $19.99.