Years ago I had to get custom foot orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis (heel spurs) and Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain). The doctor had me step in some type of soft foam stuff so they could make a mold.
I need to get new ones and they have since come out with some different methods and I need some advice. From all I can tell, they have some full foot 3D imaging from some type of CAD program and then there is a type where you stand on some kind of computer sensitive “plate” that shows the outline and the weight(s) distribution. You also have:
Plaster or foam box casting where the patient sits and the foot is placed down on the floor to produce the cast.
Walking across a force plate
Standing on a digital imager of the foot.
And then there is the non-weight bearing casting method done one of three ways: Your foot must be held non-weightbearing and your doctor can take this cast in three ways:
• Plaster
• Fiberglass
• Laser Scan
The top of the line casting and CAD types seem to range from $350 to $400 and you can get send-away foam casting done for 1-$200. Any input would be appreciated. Sources
Having the same/similar problem I went to a specialized store that took an impression of my affected foot on some sort of special carbon paper that showed a pattern of areas in contact with the flat surface. The technician went in the back and spent quite a few minutes ‘customizing’ my shoe insert. While waiting I had to take a trip to the toilet and was able to get a look at the customizing process, which amounted to selecting one of a large number of stock room inserts hanging on the wall. Fortunately it was sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or your money back sale.
I found a source of othotics ‘off the shelf’ the next day. Bought one at a fraction of the price and it worked as well or better than the ‘customized’ one.
Needless to say I returned the expensive one for my money back.
First set: Unloaded plaster cast. Second set: Unloaded plaster cast. Third set: Foam impression thingie. Bottom line, all worked great.
If you have plantar fasciitis GET CUSTOM ORTHOTICS! The pain relief is worth every penny. Softer and softer shoes are not the answer.
I’ve been suffering with PF for the past 12 years or so, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Went through all the different shoes and over-the-counter orthotics. The problem got more severe about a year ago. Went to Good Feet and paid as much as I would have for custom orthotics, and got zero relief. Finally got professional help and foam impression orthotics and the problem is gone.
My orthopedist had me get custom orthotics made for my running shoes, which were done with a pressure sensitive pad hooked up to a computer and they had me walk over it (starting at the other side of the room, and if you’re assuming it’s easy to walk naturally and just happen to land your foot square on a slippery pad you’re mistaken.) I needed mine because I had a stress fracture from running and am evidently built all wrong from the hips on down.
I have what’s called flexible flat feet. I have an arch if I’m not weight bearing…but as soon as I put weight on my feet, the arch disappears. I also have a bunion on one toe. I’ve dealt with plantar fasciatis as a side effect of all this.
I’ve had orthotics done three ways:
step into a foam box
walk across a computerized sensor
non-weight bearing casting
The non-weight bearing version works the best for me. The other two version give an impression of how my foot is when it is bad. The non-weight bearing cast takes an impression of the foot when it has an arch, and produces an orthotic to match.
Your mileage may vary, but that’s what has worked for me.
ETA: My basic suggestion is to understand the CAUSE of the problem…and make sure the treatment fits. PF is a symptom.
Good luck.
-D/a