
03/09/2025
What's the Difference Between a Store-Bought Arch Support and Custom Orthotics?..
Similar to magnifying lenses from the chemist and optical eye glasses prescribed by an Optometrist, orthotic arch supports can be very basic and generic in nature or very specific when prescribed by a Podiatrist.
Generic, store-bought arch supports offer broad, basic arch support with the ultimate goal being to offer general comfort across a wide user base. Specific modifications like forefoot valgus posting, first MPJ cutouts, medial heel skives and asymmetrical heel corrections to help restore asymmetry cannot be utilised because these are prescription only variables. Chemist bought arches are not tailored to individual feet, their support tends to be very minimal, their ability to address specific foot and leg issues is compromised and their effective lifespan is relatively short.
In contrast, customised prescription orthotics are specifically designed to address abnormal forces causing pain, pathology or impaired foot and leg function. Custom orthotics are made to a scan of the foot and can be accommodated to your particular foot structure, whether the arch is extremely high, extremely low, or somewhere in between. They are especially effective for reducing pain and redistributing load in cases of chronic pain or common musculoskeletal overuse injuries. They are also very effective in helping to restore symmetry of gait which can be very important in addressing pelvic instability, low back pain and postural alignment issues.
For more answers to common questions regarding custom orthotic therapy, visit: https://www.healthylifefootclinic.com.au/foot-orthotics-explained-by-adelaide-podiatrists/