A pair of custom orthotics is an innovative option for those suffering from a variety of conditions involving the feet. I was recently fitted for custom orthotics to help relive pain caused by arthritis. I do not limp, and no one would know I have arthritis in both feet, but I am reminded each time I take a step and sometimes when I am simply sitting and relaxing. Despite the pain, I walk three miles each day, and the shoe inserts I was recently fitted for will bring a lot of comfort while making walking easier and far less painful. The orthotics will be placed inside a pair of high-quality running shoes and take the place of the cushioning and built-in arch support.
If you or someone you know will soon be fitted for custom orthotics, the following information on how people are professionally fitted for custom shoe inserts will help answer some of the many questions many people have. It is a completely painless process that simply involves measuring, walking, observation, and a highly advanced computer program that takes measurements of pressure points and all other necessary details.
Keep in mind that the following details explain how I was fitted for custom orthotics, and the way in which people are fitted might vary depending on the facility and the techniques they currently use.
Questions Regarding the Problem
My experience with being fitted for custom shoe inserts began with a series of questions. I was asked the location of the pain, my weight, and my shoe size. The orthotics professional also had notes to refer to that were provided by the orthopedic doctor that recommended the custom orthotics.
Measurements in Every Direction
When people are fitted for orthotics, at least in my case, the next steps involve measuring the feet. Measurements were taken from the ankle to the tips of the big toes while pointed. When people are fitted for orthotics, the feet might also be measured while turning the ankles in various directions. Each foot was measured while pointing straight, to the left, and to the right.
Walking Visually Observed
Walking is also visually observed when people are fitted for custom shoe inserts. At least this is one of the steps taken when I was fitted for orthotics. The therapy professional observed the way in which I walked to and from where he was standing as he took notes.
Walking On a Computerized Pad
The last step when some people are fitted for custom orthotics involves walking on a computerized pad. I had to naturally take one step with my left foot and step onto the pad with my right foot several times to obtain all of the information necessary to make the custom orthotics. This process was repeated with the other foot the same number of times. When I stepped out of the outlined box on the rectangular pad, I had to do it again.
It was really very easy being fitted for custom shoe inserts, and although it took several steps, it was not time-consuming or any more painful than usual. I was at the facility for no longer than thirty minutes from start to finish. In three weeks I will have my custom orthotics, and I should be far more comfortable while walking inside as well as outside of my home.
Source: Personal Experience
