By the Fitness Chiropractic team · Updated
What are custom orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts that sit inside your shoes to support the arches and guide how your feet move. Off-the-shelf insoles are shaped for an average foot. Custom orthotics are built from measurements of your own feet and gait, so the support and correction match how you actually stand, walk and run.
Your feet are the foundation for everything above them. When they roll in too far, stay too rigid or carry weight unevenly, the extra strain can travel up into the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Getting the feet right can take pressure off the whole chain.
How the Footmaxx gait scan works
We use the Footmaxx system of custom-made orthotics. Rather than taking a static mold of your foot standing still, Footmaxx records your feet in motion:
- You walk across a pressure-sensing plate at your normal pace.
- The system records how your weight moves through each foot with every step: where you land, how your arches respond and how you push off.
- Your chiropractor reviews the scan with you, pointing out pressure hot spots and differences between your left and right foot.
- Using the scan and your exam findings, your chiropractor prescribes orthotics with the right support and correction, and they're made to that prescription.
The scan itself takes only a few minutes and is painless.
Who might benefit from custom orthotics?
Orthotics are worth considering if your foot mechanics are contributing to your pain. Common reasons include:
- Plantar fasciitis and other heel pain
- Flat feet, or arches that collapse when you walk
- High, rigid arches that absorb shock poorly
- Achilles tendinitis and shin splints
- Knee or hip pain that's worse with walking or running
- Lower back pain linked to uneven loading through the legs and pelvis
- Long hours standing at work, or high training mileage
Not every foot problem needs an orthotic. Your chiropractor will check whether your feet are part of the problem before recommending one.
New patient special
See if custom orthotics is right for you — $75 exam
Signs your feet may be part of the problem
Foot mechanics are easy to overlook because the pain often shows up somewhere else. Clues that your feet deserve a closer look include:
- Shoes that wear down unevenly, especially on the inside or outside edge of the heel
- Heel or arch pain with your first steps in the morning
- Feet or ankles that ache after standing or walking for a while
- Knees that drift inward when you squat, climb stairs or land from a jump
- Calluses in the same spots on one or both feet
These signs don't always mean you need orthotics, but they're worth mentioning at your exam.
Custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people ask about orthotics. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, and it can become irritated when the arch flattens too much with each step. Orthotics may reduce that strain by supporting the arch. They work best combined with calf and foot stretching, sensible footwear and hands-on treatment of the foot and ankle.
Orthotics for dress, casual and sports shoes
Footmaxx orthotics can be ordered for different kinds of footwear, from dress and fashion shoes to everyday casual shoes and athletic shoes. If you run or play a sport, bring the shoes you train in and tell us about your activity so your chiropractor can choose the right style. Runners can pair their orthotics with our tips on running form to avoid injury.
Getting used to new orthotics
New orthotics change how your feet carry weight, so give your body time to adapt. Most people start by wearing them for a short time each day and build up gradually over a week or two. Some mild arch or muscle soreness early on is common. If you notice sharp pain, blisters, or new pain in your knees, hips or back, stop wearing them and let us know so we can check the fit.
Orthotics as part of your care plan
Orthotics are rarely the whole answer. We usually combine them with chiropractic adjustments for the feet, ankles and spine, soft tissue work, and exercises that strengthen the foot and lower leg. That's especially true for runners and athletes going through sports injury treatment.
Ask about a Footmaxx scan at your next visit. The cost depends on the type of orthotic and your coverage, so ask us about pricing and whether your plan covers orthotics before you order.
