What Will Foot Orthotics Do For Me?

The first “orthotics” dates back at least 2,000 years with underfoot shoe cushioning. Layers of wool were placed inside the sandals to give relief to foot fatigue or strain.

The first recorded use of an “arch support” orthotic dates back to 1865, introduced by Everett H. Dunbar of Bridgewater, MA. He inserted leather lifts between insole and outsole to support the arch.

The first full-fledged foot orthotic was known as the Whitman Brace introduced in 1905 by Boston orthopedist Royal Whitman. It was a rigid, heavy metal arch support, flanged around the arch and heel. It was an ordeal to wear and distorted the shoe. Nevertheless, because of Whitman’s high reputation, it was widely adopted by orthopedic surgeons.

Around 1910, a budding young physician, Dr William Scholl, introduced a lighter, more flexible metal arch support known as the Foot-Easer. Over subsequent years, millions of pairs were sold.

During the 1920s and 1930s, many shoe manufacturers began producing “corrective” shoes with built-in orthotic features, promising to prevent, relieve or cure a wide range of foot disorders. This footwear became a major and lucrative part of the shoe industry.

At one time there were as many as 1,000 “brands” of this footwear, including 200 “doctor” shoes, on the market. Advertised claims for the therapeutic benefits of this footwear became so exorbitant that in the late 1940s the Federal Trade Commission issued cease-and-desist orders. The corrective shoe business rapidly faded.

Beginning in the 1960s the steady introduction of new materials, lighter and stronger, gave orthotics a new direction. More were being custom-made via plaster casts for doctors’ patients, though a majority, even today, continued to be “stock” devices ordered by size.

The plaster castings have been gradually replaced by less messy casting methods, and even more advanced is casting by computers.

Modern orthotics developed rapidly in the 1970s with the phenomenal rise of athletic footwear and the jogging boom. Increasing numbers of foot and lower limb injuries reported: shin splints, plantar fascitis, toe fractures, arch strains, severe pronation, tendonitis, knee problems, etc.

Athletic shoes began incorporating orthotic devices or features: contoured sole inserts, flared heels, wedges, rear foot and forefoot controls, special traction sole designs, and especially underfoot cushioning.

The medical practitioners were thriving in a new branch; sports medicine. Orthotics became a standard part of the treatment and regimen.

Today, orthotics have come a long way from the crude (often cruel) Whitman Braces, and arch orthotics are only a small part of the orthoses today.

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!

Want to get back on your feet?
Book a consultation!