Orthotic Adjustments
When your orthotics are received from the laboratory, your
podiatrist will check the cast correction, as well as the orthotics
made from the corrected casts, to ensure that all specifications
from the prescription were accurately addressed. When your
orthotics are dispensed, your podiatrist will perform another
quality control check to assure that the orthotics control your
feet in gait. Despite the extensive efforts made to ensure that
orthotics achieve the goals of symptom relief and functional
control, while being comfortable to the wearer, adjustments often
need to be made. There are many reasons why orthotics need to be
adjusted that are difficult or impossible to predict during the
evaluation and fabrication process. Excessive bulk in the shoe,
need for additional padding, or insufficient control in specific
athletic applications may necessitate modification of the
orthotics. It is also frequently the case that a second pair of
orthotics is recommended due to the fact that the forces
transmitted through the lower extremity in certain activities are
vastly different than with other activities; therefore, the degree
of control, rigidity, and cushioning that is needed varies as well.
As an example, a person who stands for extensive periods of time
during the day (pharmacist, store clerk, etc.) yet also runs for
their fitness activity, may benefit from a well-cushioned device
for standing, and a more rigid device that is better designed to
resist the excessive forces of running. A second pair of orthotics
designed to fit in dress shoes is also frequently requested.
Situations such as these are often handled at the subsequent visits
after the functional orthotics are dispensed.
The art of fine-tuning functional foot
orthotics is an important communication task between doctor and
patient. The goals of every orthotic device dispensed always
remain:
- Perfect comfort after several-week break-in
period
- 100% symptoms relief over normally a 1- to
2-month period of time, and
- 100% correction of abnormal motions
These are idealistic goals. However, these
goals are achieved daily with many of our patients. But, with any
individual patient receiving orthotic devices, it can take many
visits just to make them comfortable, or many visits just to get
the correction acceptable. So, in the art of fine-tuning, it is the
communication task of the doctor and the patient to work towards
these goals of comfort, relief and stability. Your doctor is very
skilled in this area of adjustments, but needs your communication
in the above three areas.
Important Notice:
We cannot give medical advice about how to treat a specific injury.
While we may discuss general exercises to prevent sports injuries
and also may recommend methods that can be effective in treating
sports injuries, not all exercises are designed for all individuals
or problems. A physician should be consulted before starting any
exercise program. If you are experiencing any severe pain or
discomfort, it is particularly important to seek the advice of a
knowledgeable physician and get a specific diagnosis and management
plan for your problem. The remedies outlined here are general
recommendations and are not intended as a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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