What is a custom Arch Support and who will need these?

Some people have more serious biomechanical disorders than the common degree of excess pronation that most of us suffer from. These people need to seek help from a health professional. For example, ulcers under the arch or a very large bunion requires the attention of a medical foot specialist. Also, some people have biomechanical dysfunction in the forefoot area which means they may need some type of forefoot valgus/varus wedging to compensate.

Additionally, there are people who instead of 'Pronation' suffer from the opposite: their feet roll outwards or 'supinate' and the arch remains high when hitting the ground (this is called a Cavus foot or High Arch and only affects 5% of the population). The result is very poor shock absorption and increased strain on the heel and rest of the body. Supinators will need a custom-made orthotic that corrects this type of malfunction.

After initial diagnosis the Podiatrist will decide on a 'customized prescription orthotic'. Generally, there are 2 types of custom-made orthotics:

1) Cast Arch Supports

A plaster cast of the patient's foot is made, then the cast is then sent to an orthotic laboratory.  The cast is used to make a reproduction of the underside of the foot.  Then the technician makes a custom arch support including the necessary adjustments, recommended by the health professional. In most cases, custom arch supports are rigid or semi-rigid resulting in a hard and uncomfortable device. Most patients do not like wearing these hard orthotics as they can be uncomfortable to wear for a long time and can cause sweaty feet.


2) Heat-Molded Arch Supports:

In the last 10 years an alternative has emerged called the heat-moldable arch support.  This has become widely accepted as it is much less expensive and easy to customize.  Its shape can be adjusted to suit the patients needs by heating the orthotic for 20-30 seconds. The heating does not alter the flexibility (or 'give') making it very comfortable to wear.  Best of all the patient does not need to wait 2 weeks and come in again to get the device.  It is available as soon as it has been adjusted.

A Video Demonstration Of Heat Molding A Custom Arch Support