Orthotics are special shoe or heel inserts a doctor prescribes that are custom-made specifically for you. A doctor may prescribe orthotics to treat foot, leg, or back problems.

Orthotics can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address various symptoms, usually having to do with pain and discomfort of the feet and legs. Some of the goals a doctor may have for orthotic treatment include: What are orthotics

What are Orthotics

An over-the-counter and a custom orthotic, they’re designed to do very similar things.

Generally support the arch, distribute the pressure more evenly across the surface of the foot, and we can do a little bit more with the custom orthotics, but that’s the general purpose for the over-the-counter ones.

The main difference in the over-the-counter ones compared to the custom ones is the shape of the shell. The over-the-counter insoles have a different shape to the arch. They’re pretty generic in terms of who they fit. The average foot they will work quite well for.

They are made of a different material which doesn’t last quite as long, and we’re more limited as to the style that we can use. The custom orthotic, we can use different styles, so a shorter one vs. a longer device.

Both types of insoles are made of more durable material, and the shape of the shells are moer fit to the anatomy of the foot, so they typically have better results. The custom orthotics we do need to have a doctor’s referral to produce the custom orthotics. So if you think that that’s a good option for you it’s best to go see your family doctor. Local Physiotherapist 

The over-the-counter orthotics, they are done by shoe size so you can just bring your shoes into a local store that carries them and try them on. The life span is significantly different as is the price between the two of the devices.

The over-the-counter are less expensive and typically last not quite as long. The custom because they’re a stronger material they will last longer, and we have more variety as to the different styles that we can make. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.    

Presenter: Ms. Jody Weightman, Pedorthist, Vancouver, BC

Now Health Network  Local Practitioners: Pedorthist

In terms of orthotics in cycling shoes, historically the older cycling shoes really came with minimal to no arch support in them. And it wasn't really a concern so much in the industry, but with, you know, recent attention to bike fitting more and more new shoe companies or new shoes are coming out with, you know, semi-customizable arch supports, and then you've got the option of putting in an orthotic.

The issue, though, is you can't really put in a running orthotic into a cycling shoe. There's not the volume there, and the control of the foot is a bit different. In a cycling shoe, because all of the pressure is through the forefoot, you really need to have some forefoot posting or support there as well as the rear foot and mid-foot support.

There's a few considerations when looking at insoles or orthotics for cycling. The regular stocking sole usually doesn't come with much support, so the first option would be go to a non-custom arch support which has a built-in bit of rigidity to it.

So it will give you more support than the stocking sole. So there's a couple of examples, like this one, or this style, which is more heat-moldable, that will give you better support than a stocking sole.

The next option is a custom cycling orthotic if you feel you need more control than what this will provide. In making your decision about arch support for cycling, probably the best option would be to see your physiotherapist. They'll assess your foot mechanics and determine how much support you might need, then can help recommend what type of orthotic or arch support you need to put into your cycling shoe. Presenter: Mr. Tyler Dumont, Physiotherapist, Surrey, BC

Now Health Network  Local Practitioners: Orthopedic Surgeons