Custom Orthotic Molds: Different Methods - Foot Problems Message Board

tarzanoftheapes · 06-07-2007, 12:56 PM

I'm curious to know what different peoples' experiences have been in having custom orthotics made for their feet, as I understand there are different methods and schools of thought on how best to make the mold.
I recently had orthotic soles made by a podiatrist. His method was to have my feet elevated while he fit the clay mold around my elevated feet. He and several other podiatrists I've spoken with have insisted that's the correct way to do it, that you don't want to put weight on them, as that would affect the shape of the mold. I'm not satisfied with these orthos, though, as I now have a problem with my right foot, especially in the morning, and it's worse than it was before the orthos were made. Another podiatrist office I just talked to, though, said they do it with a foam mold that you put on the floor and step into, and sit for a couple of minutes with your feet in the mold on the floor.
I'm certainly not the expert here, but to me, common sense would dictate that the ones you stand on would be the best kind, because it takes into account the difference in the lengths of your right and left foot, and it has been pointed out to me by chiropractors and orthopedists that I do have one leg that's ever so slightly longer than the other, probably because of my s-curve scoliosis.

So what do you all think? What's the best method?

SkatersDad · 06-08-2007, 03:51 AM

My son has had Orthotics made both ways so I'll be very curious which is the best method. The ones he seems happiest with so far were made by putting his foot into a bed of these little pins, which made an impression of his foot. The pins are linked to a computer that makes up a prescription and a superfeet orthotic is then made using the image his foot made in the process above - It was about $200 I think. He just had a second pair made for around $50.

wakkochic17 · 06-11-2007, 12:59 PM

mine were made by a mold with my feet in the air (or with no pressure on them). I believe this is best because it takes into account your natural arch, whereas for many when you put your foot down, if your arch collapses then the end result won't provide true arch support.

Bruce3616 · 06-11-2007, 03:29 PM

I had some made on the floor, but when the molds were taken the tech manipulated my foot such that there was a bit of arch and then took the imprint of the foot. Unfortunately, they don't really help as planned.

rainabow · 06-11-2007, 07:35 PM

Mine was a breeze. My podiatrist just took a box full of this blue foamy material, pressed my feet into it, and I was done. He then asked me to bring in a shoe that represents the type of shoe I wear on a day-to-day basis so he could send it in with the mold. Unfortunately they did not help much, but I'm hopeful that after I have my bunion surgery, I can use them more frequently.