Custom-made orthotics do not have any contraindications as such. That being said, to avoid any pain, maximize their effectiveness, and ensure optimal orthopedic treatment for patients, it is essential to consider certain criteria.
Can a patient stop wearing their 3D orthotics?
The duration of wearing orthotics is determined based on the reason for the prescription and the established treatment plan. In any case, the patient must wear them for the specified period and follow the given instructions. Otherwise, this would drastically reduce their effectiveness. Everything depends on what the healthcare professional decides. For example, in cases of acute plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, the removal can be done gradually as the situation improves. However, in cases of bunions or chronic pain, the patient will need to continue wearing the orthotics.
Can orthotics cause pain?
At the beginning of the treatment, especially, it is common for the patient to experience discomfort or even some pain, as the feet and the rest of the body need time to adjust to the custom-made orthotics. This is completely normal. However, it is good to know that with handcrafted devices, some manufacturing factors may require small, specific adjustments for the patient. Similarly, a poor diagnosis or treatment plan can worsen symptoms or shift the problem. Here, 3D-printed orthotics have a significant advantage, as the data obtained from the scanning process provides an extremely precise fit.
Is the patient’s orthotic well-suited to their problem?
There is a wide range of different orthotics depending on the pathology being treated: rigid, soft, semi-soft, as well as passive orthotics that immobilize the foot, and active orthotics that address the disorder in question and posture. Once again, the diagnosis is crucial for the success of the treatment, as it is this step that will determine the nature and origin of the pain, allowing for the design of a perfectly adapted orthotic. The corrections must be precise to avoid worsening the pain or shifting it by creating another issue (muscle atrophy, ankle instability, injury risks, tendinitis, etc.).
Is the orthotic well-suited to the patient’s shoes?
The shoes worn are another important factor in orthopedic treatment. Indeed, they must be compatible with the orthotics and not hinder their function. Worn-out or deformed shoes, narrow ones, high heels, or sandals should be avoided. The best choice is to go for closed dress shoes, safety boots, or sports sneakers. It is also recommended to choose models with removable orthotics to replace them with custom-made orthotics when necessary.
Do 3D-printed orthotics promote foot healing?
The orthotic will not necessarily completely cure the pathology the patient is suffering from, at least not in all cases. However, it will significantly help alleviate daily discomfort by reducing or eliminating pain and better distributing the body’s weight over the feet. This is true for many disorders such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, diabetic feet, Lenoir’s spur, and many others.
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High-quality orthotics and a tailored treatment plan
Can orthotics cause pain? The answer is “yes” if the treatment is not adapted and if the instructions are not followed. It is therefore crucial for the podiatrist to conduct a thorough examination to prescribe high-quality custom-made orthotics that are perfectly fitted to the feet of the wearer. It is also essential to discuss the treatment plan with the patient so that they can allow the orthotics to work optimally.