Conditions Managed by Foot Orthotics

Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
The plantar fascia is a dense band of fibrous tissue that originates at the heel and connects to the base of the toes. It stretches and contracts each time the foot is used, and is prone to overuse especially if the arch is not supported by proper footwear. As the fascia micro-tears at its attachment to the heel, it can cause heel spurs, or small areas of calcification at the heel. Effective treatment should include arch support with custom orthotics or off-the-shelf inserts. Other treatment includes stretching the gastrocnemius complex, icing, anti-inflammatory medications, ultrasound, taping methods, night splints and massage.

Metatarsalgia and Neuromas
Interdigital neuromas are the most common referring diagnosis. Nerves between the toes become compressed and inflamed; typically occurring in the 3rd web space but also common in the 2nd web space (Morton’s neuromas). Neuromas can develop secondary to adjacent joint inflammation (ex: sesamoiditis or hallux limitus). Pain is often described as tingling, numbness or shooting pain. Treatment includes metatarsal pads (met cookies) or metatarsal bars incorporated into a custom orthotic with ample arch support, and wider shoes. Metatarsalgia is a generic term referring to forefoot pain which may or may not be caused by a neuroma. The treatment for Metatarsalgia is generally the same style foot orthotics.

IT Band Pain and Other Knee Pain
Pain in the knees can be due to excessive pronation or supination, excess weight, running on an incline, arthritis, prior surgery, overuse, or other reasons. For a cyclist, faulty cleat position, overuse or improper bike fit can cause knee pain. Custom orthotics will help hold the foot in a neutral, supported position which decreases internal rotation of the lower leg thus reducing forces on the knees. IT Band (Iliotibial band) pain is generally caused by excessive rotation of the tibia as a result of excessive pronation. Custom foot orthotics helps control this motion thus reducing discomfort.

Shin Splints
Shin splints present as pain along the tibia (shin) which gradually develops over weeks. The medical term for shin splints is periostitis. This means there is inflammation in the Periosteum, a dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps the bone. Predisposing factors include training errors, anatomic variations, poor running technique, or poor equipment. A weak or tight Achilles tendon may be involved, as they are the muscles responsible for lifting up the foot. A custom foot orthotic to support the foot and prevent over pronation, along with supportive, shock absorbing shoes are recommended. Treatment also involves rest, ice, stretching and massage.

Arch Pain
General arch pain may have a variety of causes including Plantar Fascia strain, midtarsal stress from lack of joint mobility in the ankle or arthritic conditions. Custom foot orthotics effectively treat general arch pain by minimizing motion in the midtarsal joint and supports the arch.  

Hip Pain
Hip pain can be associated with a leg length difference, hip surgery, tight or strained muscles, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, poor posture or a variety of other causes. If upon evaluation, a leg length difference of ¼” or more is believed to be a cause for this pain, a heel lift can be incorporated into a custom orthotic or may be placed under the foot in the shoe. Leg length difference in excess of ¾” will require a build-up made to the outside of the shoe. 

Lower Back Pain
Pain in the lower back can be associated with a leg length difference, excess weight, weak abdominal muscles, tight hamstring muscles, poor posture, arthritis, pinched nerves, injury, herniated discs, or a variety of other conditions. Custom foot orthotics can help ease lower back pain if the pain is associated with poor posture, pronated feet, and/or a leg length discrepancy. Once the feet are supported and aligned properly by a custom orthotic, lower back pain will often disappear.

Questions About FootSupportTech

What is a FootSupportTech custom orthotic?


Our custom orthotic is molded directly to your foot, then placed inside of your shoe. The orthotic positions your foot into the proper biomechanical alignment to make sure your body is functioning at its best! The proper foot and arch support can help relieve pain in your feet, heels, knees, lower back, and throughout your body.



Who needs custom foot orthotics?


Everyone can benefit from proper foot support! If you suffer from foot, shin, knee, hip or back pain you will definitely feel the benefits of our orthotic. We work with specialty retailers, chiropractors, athletic trainers, podiatrists, and a host of professionals who provide prescription orthotics and shoe insoles for their patients.

 


Do I have to have a problem to benefit from foot orthotics?


Nope! Anyone can benefit from the support and cushion that our orthotics and insoles provide. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to put their best foot forward.

 


How can FootSupportTech orthotics help me?


Our orthotics support your foot and ankle during weight-bearing movements like walking, running, skiing, or anything else you may be up to! These custom orthotics and insoles help align your foot and body providing stability and comfort to every step. A properly aligned foot allows for more even weight distribution, significantly reducing your pain and discomfort and helping to prevent injuries like shin splints.

 


What is special about FootSupportTech orthotics and insoles?


Our orthotics and insoles are made from the best materials available. They are made with your actual foot, no scans or plaster molds, so you know when you purchase one of our orthotics what you’re getting is 100% you. Our products were first developed to custom fit ski boots. The use of these products quickly spread to other athletic needs because of their superior characteristics in reducing foot pain, heel pain, lower back pain as well as shin splints and other athletic related discomfort and injuries. FootSupportTech insoles and orthotics are in use today in every major professional sport and in over fifty top college athletic programs!

 


Do FootSupportTech orthotics and insoles require special shoes?


The truth is the better the shoe, the better the orthotic works. The orthotic or insole supports the foot and the shoe supports the orthotic or insole. One of our orthotics or insoles can be made to fit easily in most shoes, but shoes with removable insoles or inserts work best. The best example of this type of shoe is a comfort shoe designed for walking. This shoe has a round toe box, laces, and a firm heel area. We do offer thinner versions of our product that are designed to fit in a dress shoe. If you are unsure of which of your shoes feel free to bring several options to your appointment.

 


Where can I get a foot orthotic and how long does an appointment last?


You can find FootSupportTech orthotics here at our Troy, MI office or at a provider near you. With an appointment at our Troy office, you will leave with your orthotic in 30 minutes or less. Our molding process will only require 5 minutes of your time. Some of our providers will be able to complete your orthotic in just 30 minutes while our other providers will need to send in your mold for completion. This will require some additional time, but a fast and efficient turn around is assured. 

 

 

What do I need to bring for an appointment?


Our suggestion is to bring two pairs of shoes to your appointment, but feel free to bring in as many as you would like! We recommend bringing at least one pair of shoes that you like to wear and a pair of shoes you have to wear. We will work with you to make sure that you leave with the foot support you need!

 

 

How can I make an appointment for FootSupportTech?


If you are interested in getting custom orthotics, simply call 248-509-7674 to schedule an appointment. You can also fill out a contact form on our website if you have other concerns. If you are not able to travel to us for an appointment, give us a call and we will help you find a provider near you!



What is the difference?


FootSupportTech has always stood above the rest because of our innovative and simple direct-mold system. Unlike others in the industry that rely on plaster casts, impression foam, or expensive scanners we choose to work directly with the foot. Giving everyone the opportunity to experience the benefits of proper foot support is important to us. That is why we created a system for providers that is quick, easy to learn, profitable, and requires minimal space to help ensure everyone gets to feel the difference and walk away smiling.

 


So, what is the system?


FootSupportTech developed a direct-mold pillow system that allows our providers to work directly with their patient or athlete's foot, you won’t find any plaster casts or expensive scanners here! An orthotic begins with a "blank" which comes in a variety of styles to best suit your patient’s specific needs. After the blank is heated it is placed on the direct-mold pillow system, and with your help, the patient’s foot is guided onto the blank and held in a neutral position. This allows for the orthotic to take shape while the foot is kept in the proper biomechanical alignment. Working directly with the foot ensures that every foot is supported exactly where it needs to be, every time.

 


How long does it take to make an orthotic?


The molding process is incredibly fast, taking only 5 minutes to create a mold. This mold can be sent to our office for completion or if you are one of our providers you can complete the entire orthotic start to finish in 30 minutes or less onsite.

 


Can FootSupportTech be billed to a patient’s insurance?


The answer here is, sometimes. It is important for you and your patient to check with their provider first, as orthotics are often not covered by insurance. You will find that some insurance providers in your region do cover orthotics. You want to make sure your patient’s who have orthotic coverage know they have the option to get them at your facility!

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