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Foot FAQS - Frequently asked Questions about Orthotics.
How often will I need to replace my orthotics?
Naturally this will vary depending on the specific use. Peak Orthotics products being carved out to a specific shape, rather than being molded, tend to last several years at the same shape, especially with the dual density construction.
From A medical standpoint, orthotics should be re-assessed approximately every two years. It is important to remember that your feet change over time, so the prescription in the orthotic may need to be adapted. It is quite probable that they may not need to be altered every time you have them checked, but we would recommend you speak to your practitioner after 2 years, as in some instances they will, i.e. a small child whose feet are growing may need to be checked every 6-12 months.
I recently replaced my running shoes & now my orthotics do not fit. What should I do?
This would be most likely caused by the medial arch cup of the footwear being different from shoe to shoe. Please see your practitioner for an assessment on this matter. This issue is often fixed by a quick adjustment of the Custom Orthotic.
My Physiotherapist says my feet pronate, would orthotics help me?
Yes, Custom Orthotics can be designed to help people who pronate excessively or at the wrong time of gait (walking). Pronation and supination are normal movements of the subtalor joint. This joint is located underneath the Talus bone and the ankle joint. Its motion is roughly from rolling your foot out to stand on the outside of your foot to flattening your foot on the inside.
Most people to be said "pronaters" have their subtalor joints collapse too easily and rapidly within each step. This can have a major factor to play in many lower limb conditions (foot, shin, knee, hip and lower back pains and/or injuries), which is why your health professional may suggest Orthotics as part of your treatment. Please see the Affiliated Practitioners page for a list of foot specialists near you.
I recently bought a pair of Footbeds, are these the same as orthotics?
No, Footbeds are not the same as orthotics. Footbeds are mainly supplied in retail stores, such as ski shops and are designed to make your feet fit more comfortably in your footwear. They take very little time to make and require no prescription or assessment, which is why anyone can sell them. Footbeds are not designed for correction or control, which is where the difference mainly lies.
I get dreadful pains in my legs when I run, what should I do?
If running or any activity results in pain it is always best to stop and go and see a registered clinician to have your condition assessed.Contact your Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist near you (see Affiliated Practitioners).
What should I look for when buying a new pair of trainers?
There are so many different trainers available to choose from, so it is always best to buy trainers that are specific for your sporting activity. Trainers should always be of adequate length and width and not permit your foot to move around in them. Most good sports shops should be able to advise you on what style is best for your feet and activity.
If you already own Custom Orthotics, they should be brought along for trying different shoes. Simply remove the insole that is within the footwear and compare it to your Orthotics for sizing and shape. If they seem similar, slide the Orthotic in making sure that the heel cup rests flat in the shoe. This will give you a better idea of the final fit of different shoes without having to risk spending money.
If you wish to get Custom Orthotics for your shoes, bring them along for your assessment so the insole can be traced. The Orthotics will then be carved exactly for your footwear.
Will my orthotics fit in all my footwear?
Not necessarily, different categories of footwear will determine the versatility of your orthotics. For example, a walking/hiking shoe will probably have a similar arch cup. A runner will be a narrower heel cup and more aggressive arch cup. Dress shoes will be much narrower generally, etc..
A pair of Orthotics can be carved so it fits many different shoes of a similar style. However, specific sports footwear, such as bike shoes, skates or ski boots, might need their own orthotics.
My Doctor says that I have very flat feet. Can orthotics help me?
"Flat feet" is a very broad term, however, often it means that the inside arch of your foot has dropped and if this is the case, then this can lead to pain, poor foot function and poor body posture.
Orthotics can help establish good foot function and alignment and will support the subtalor joint at its neutral position, which in most cases reshapes the arches within your feet, which in turn helps with your posture.
Why pay for custom orthotics, when I can buy them "off the shelf" in a store?
"Off the shelf" orthotics sold without a proper assessment are best described as "do it your self" so avoid these at all cost. Correctly supplied, they can be a good first line treatment to see if they may be beneficial to your present symptoms, however because they are not custom made to fit your foot, the prescription in them may not be accurate for your condition and often the control can be in the wrong place, making your condition worse or even causing injuries. To get the best results and most effective outcome from orthotics, we would only recommend that a qualified Clinician properly assess you.
I have been told that one of my legs is slightly longer than the other. Can orthotics help me?
Certainly, orthotics may well help, as the feet often change to accommodate for the leg length discrepancy, which in turn may cause symptoms such as back pain, hip, knee or ankle pain.
At Peak Orthotics, the Amfit system that we use can easily add modifications within the Orthotic, such as a built in heel lift to correct this condition.
My feet ache under the ball of my foot constantly. What is happening?
This is a condition that is fairly common and comes in many different forms. It often originates from the nerves in between the metatarsal heads (the base of your toes). Caused by over pronation, excessive activity, excessive weight or just plain wear and tear, this condition can be improved or healed from the help of a transverse arch support, or met pad, added to the prescription of the Orthotic.