Are all 3D printed foot orthotics truly custom-made? This is a question often asked, especially when considering products available at pharmacies. The answer is no. While 3D printing of foot orthotics is certainly a revolutionary manufacturing method in the world of personalized medical devices, not all 3D printed foot orthotics are custom-made. The level of customization varies depending on the software used by foot orthotics manufacturing laboratories. In reality, some manufacturing methods do not take all the necessary criteria into account to create fully custom-made foot orthotics. Keep reading to find out how 3D printed foot orthotics are made fully custom for you.
3D Technology at the Service of Foot Professionals
For podiatrists and orthotists, 3D printed foot orthotics offer the opportunity to provide more services to their patients by allowing them to perform foot scanning directly in the clinic. When starting an evaluation to prescribe foot orthotics, the process begins with a physical evaluation of the foot and gait, as well as some questions about the lifestyle to ensure that each patient receives the right solution, whether they are an avid runner or need to be on their feet all day at work. Most people’s feet fit into a standard shoe size, but it is unlikely that both feet are dynamically identical. Thus, each foot probably requires a different level of correction. This is why 3D printed foot orthotics provide precise customization for each of your feet.
The beauty of 3D printed foot orthotics is that they fit perfectly to the contour of each of your feet to meet your unique needs. Scanning the foot with an iPad equipped with a 3D sensor allows for a precise impression of your feet. The modeling software, in turn, creates a 100% custom digital foot orthotic that serves as the basis for the production of fully custom 3D printed foot orthotics. You can therefore be assured of receiving a high-quality foot orthotic that will provide lasting comfort and stability.
Different Types of 3D Printed Foot Orthotics
It is important to distinguish between fully custom 3D printed foot orthotics and over-the-counter or partially custom foot orthotics. Indeed, over-the-counter foot orthotics are mass-produced based on shoe size. They serve more as orthotics to be inserted into a shoe or boot or as foot arch supports. Since they are mass-produced in large quantities, they are obviously much cheaper than fully custom 3D printed foot orthotics. On the other hand, some laboratories use modeling software that only takes certain criteria into account and does not perform a complete 3D modeling. Commonly referred to as 2.5D, these orthotics appear to be custom-made but are not truly 100% tailored. These are known as partially custom foot orthotics.
However, do these pre-made or partially custom foot orthotics really meet your needs? By consulting a professional equipped with the tools for scanning and 3D modeling, you can receive a professional evaluation of your feet and foot orthotic needs.
Custom-made foot orthotics come in several forms, and thanks to 3D scanning, it is possible to obtain foot orthotics perfectly adapted to your situation. For example, there are custom orthotics for children, which help prevent or correct certain biomechanical deficiencies. Custom foot orthotics for diabetics help prevent the formation of sores or lesions resulting from the disease. As for athletic foot orthotics, they are designed to support the feet and improve the performance of runners. The accommodative foot orthotic is suitable for seniors suffering from osteoarthritis and is designed to prevent the risk of falls. Finally, the short foot orthotic, used for various foot problems, is the most versatile. Over-the-counter or partially custom orthotics logically cannot provide a lasting solution to specific problems.
For Fully Custom 3D Printed Foot Orthotics
Skeltec manufactures fully custom 3D printed foot orthotics. Unlike some laboratories, we take all the necessary criteria into account for producing fully custom foot orthotics. Additionally, our orthotics are made by certified orthotists-prosthetists, and we are always on the lookout for the latest innovations in the field of fully personalized 3D printed foot orthotics.
Do you have an appointment with your foot professional? Talk to them about Skeltec to get fully custom 3D printed foot orthotics!