09/17/2024
Shoe Orthotics: I deal with this every day. Should you or shouldn’t you get them? If so, where?
I gave up on “custom” orthotics until I was introduced to Sole Supports. I’ve used 5 different companies over a 30 year period and never felt like traditional custom orthotics were that much better than generic, off the shelf arch supports. It turns out I was right. Published studies showed there was not an appreciable difference, and that is why insurance companies stopped paying for them.
What are shoe orthotics supposed to do? They should prevent excessive pronation of the foot. Pronation is the movement whereby you strike at the heel and roll toward the big toe. Too much pronation leads to flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, and big toe arthritis.
Excessive pronation also causes misalignments of the knees, hips, and pelvis. Proper alignment is key to preventing degenerative conditions. Keep the tires of your car aligned and you’ll get maximum wear. Same thing with our joints.
How are Sole Supports different? Nearly all orthotic companies cast an impression of your feet while in a flat foot, weight bearing position. The problem is that this method does not take into account that the arch raises when we take a step. When the toes bend upward, the tissues under the foot are pulled upon, shortening the arch. This is know as the Windlass Effect or Windlass Position (see picture).
Sole Supports have a unique casting method where the cast is made in that maximum arch / windlass position. The amount of give in the orthotic is based on patient body weight. By doing this, the arch always makes contact with the foot and lowers the arch like a leaf spring in a car. If the orthotics are made in a weight bearing position, the foot will slam into it during every step. This makes Sole Supports unique and effective. It’s the only company I use for my patients.
Not everyone needs orthotics. We try to correct foot problems through adjustments and therapy before recommending orthotics. When you do need them and get Sole Supports, it’s a game changer.
Please don’t get sucked into these new retail stores which hit you up for $1000-2000 for inferior orthotics. I guarantee there is at least a 1000% mark up. We charge $450 for orthotics and you’ll get a superior product with far more expertise to back it.
