Science of Foot Orthotics
A functional orthotic may initially feel unfamiliar because it introduces corrections that are intended to adjust your body’s posture and gait patterns. For example, these corrections help alleviate stress and prevent injury in specific areas of your body. As your body adapts to these changes, it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable at first.
Each pair of foot orthotics is custom-designed for the individual wearer. It’s crucial not to use someone else’s prescription orthotics, as this can lead to gait issues and foot deformities. This is similar to using someone else’s prescription glasses, which are tailored specifically to their vision needs.
Customised Foot Orthotics (Prescription Shoe Insoles)
A foot orthotic, or orthosis, is a custom-made insole crafted to address foot disorders, offer structural support, alleviate pain, and prevent worsening foot deformities. These medical devices are prescribed by a Podiatrist following a thorough clinical assessment and diagnosis.
They are categorized as Class A (non-sterile) medical devices by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and regulated similarly by health and medical authorities in other countries.
These individually contoured insoles are designed to correct various postural issues in the body, such as ankle instability, shin splints, knee, or back pain. They work by adjusting your natural alignment whether you are stationary or in motion.
A brief history of foot orthotics
Before the invention of artificial surfaces such as concrete or tiles, humans walked on natural surfaces like grass and soil, which were softer and molded better to the shape of our feet. Today, despite the protection of footwear, our foot structures are forced to conform to the hard surfaces encountered daily. Orthotics ensure our feet receive the essential support for comfort and optimal posture.
Just as wheels evolved from simple wooden designs to modern air-filled tires, our understanding of orthotics has also advanced. While the concept of orthotics dates back over 2,000 years, modern orthotics were developed in the mid-19th century through collaboration between doctors and podiatrists. Over time, improvements in material science and design have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of orthotics by better aligning them with our understanding of foot and body mechanics.
Why are Foot Orthotics important?
Custom orthotic devices are tailored specifically to your unique needs. After assessing your body’s structure, movement patterns, and lifestyle, podiatrists design these devices to support your daily activities while correcting any abnormalities in your lower limbs.
Orthotics not only directly affect joints they touch but can also improve alignment in distant joints like the knees and hips, enhancing overall walking patterns.
The benefits of orthotic devices extend throughout the body, addressing various conditions such as:
Normal Foot
Flat Foot
Flat feet are susceptible to over-pronation, where the ankles roll inward, leading to discomfort in the feet, ankles, lower legs, hips, or lower back. Prescription insoles help by:
Supporting and stabilizing the feet to maintain optimal ankle orientation.
Easing strain on the arch and foot muscles.
Enhancing walking and running gaits for improved quality of life.
High arched feet are typically rigid and less flexible, which can diminish their ability to absorb shock. Customized orthotics are designed to address this by:
Contouring to your foot's shape to enhance contact area and alleviate pressure points.
Adjusting weight distribution to lessen stress on joints.
Enhancing shock absorption capabilities to cushion impacts effectively.
Custom orthotics are versatile tools that can effectively manage a range of lower extremity conditions including Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, Achilles Tendonitis, and Knee, Hip, and Back Pain.
In Singapore, custom foot orthotics are classified as Class A medical devices. Unlike insoles available at retail outlets and chains, which are often mass-produced or made without clinical oversight, true custom orthotics should be prescribed and designed by certified podiatrists. Podiatrists undergo specialized training to assess and address musculoskeletal issues comprehensively. Their expertise in human anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical experience ensures that custom orthotics are tailored specifically to individual needs, reducing the risk of improper fit or potential harm associated with non-professionally customized insoles.
What is the difference between retail insoles & custom foot orthotics by healthcare professionals?
While retail “corrective insoles” may initially feel comfortable, they often fall short in addressing underlying foot conditions and providing lasting benefits. In many cases, these unsuitable retail insoles can exacerbate a patient’s condition. At our practice, it’s not uncommon to encounter patients who have purchased non-medical “custom insoles” from retail stores, only to find that these products fail to effectively address their foot issues.
What methods & technologies do podiatrists use for prescribing customised shoe insoles?
A comprehensive biomechanics assessment is conducted to diagnose all underlying causes of lower limb abnormalities.
Both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing examinations are performed to evaluate the patient’s static and dynamic posture and function.
Various 3D scanning techniques are utilized to generate precise measurements and a comprehensive image of your feet, capturing every contour detail. This serves as the foundational template for crafting your custom orthotics.
Our Podiatrists will custom-craft the initial 3D orthotic template, making adjustments to address each patient’s unique biomechanical issues. Once the design is finalized, we transmit the specifications to an accredited orthotics lab in Australia, where the tailored foot orthotics will be manufactured.
Our custom foot orthotics are central to our commitment to patient care. We ensure the quality of your orthotics, guaranteeing them against material defects and design errors. We spare no effort in ensuring top-notch quality and offer regular follow-up appointments for monitoring your ongoing progress with the orthotic devices.
Why are Podiatrists the Specialists for Foot Orthotics?
Podiatrists and doctors pioneered foot orthotics over a century ago, and it remains a cornerstone of podiatry practice today. These professionals specialize in using orthotics to effectively manage various lower limb conditions without pain.
Providing patients with orthotic devices is just the beginning of a continuous care process. Regular reviews with a podiatrist assess whether the orthotics are achieving desired outcomes as patients’ needs evolve. Orthotics often require adjustments over time, and detailed progress records enable podiatrists to deliver precise and timely care—a level of service retail insole shops cannot match.
Podiatrists also excel in shoe evaluation and selection, offering personalized recommendations for footwear that best suits each patient’s specific lower limb needs. They understand the Singaporean preference for functional yet stylish shoes and can direct patients to shops carrying ergonomic footwear suitable for both business and casual wear.
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