A Beginner’s Guide to Foot Health & Custom Orthotics

You can’t raise a strong building on a weak foundation. 



Feet form your body’s foundation. Unfortunately, they don’t receive as much attention and care as other parts of the body. Medical professionals at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab are looking to change that. 

Here, we highlight why taking care of your feet is essential, what are custom orthotics, and some of the best practices to look after your feet.

Why Feet are Important to Overall Health?

Our feet experience more wear and tear than any other part of the body. According to estimates, an average person walks 100,000 miles in their life. With such levels of use, injuries are expected. 

“Prevention is better than cure”; you have probably heard that before. The same holds true here. An injured foot can ultimately limit mobility which not only causes physical discomfort but can have a deep psychological impact as well. 

Your feet allow you to be independent. Loss of independence can lead to reduced confidence, ultimately causing psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. 

Mild soreness and pain in the soles of your feet may be a common occurrence. However, unaddressed minor injuries can have severe long-term consequences such as amputations. 

Foot care should be a part of your daily routine. As the soles of your feet are often hidden away from sight, they should be given special attention.

What are Custom Orthotics?

Orthotics are often used by doctors to address problems of the foot, leg, or back. They are special add-ons that improve the ergonomics of your footwear. 

Over-the-counter orthotics take a one-size fit all approach. However, everyone is built differently. From shoe size to overall height, humans differ from each other in every imaginable aspect. While standard orthotic devices may work for some, they do not work for everyone. 

For the best results, orthotics must be tailored to the specific anatomy and patterns of an individual. Custom orthotics are special orthotics that are designed specifically for you and include a wide range of devices. 

Rigid orthotics are stiff orthotic insoles that force the foot into its ideal posture. They are used to manage severe deformities of the foot. 

Soft orthotics are made of softer material and extend from the heel to the toes. They help in relieving excess pressure on sore spots and also act as shock absorbers. Their aim is to manage minor deformities of the foot. Adaptive orthotics are the preferred type of custom orthotics. They provide correct anatomical abnormalities while also providing comfort and protection.

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Foot orthotics is a complex science. Custom orthotics seek to ensure the most efficient transfer of weight from your body to the floor. They are especially beneficial for foot and back pain and also provide additional padding and comfort. 

Custom orthotics can help correct abnormal walking patterns and improve standing postures, preventing undue stress on the lower back and foot arches. This helps prevent injuries to the feet.

By correcting foot and body alignment, orthotics provide immediate pain relief which can help treat existing injuries before complications arise. 

Custom orthotics also reduce the stress on the joints. This prevents excessive wear of joints leading to better long-term joint health. 

These devices have long been used by athletes as well to improve their performance. By enhancing body ergonomics, custom orthotics enable athletes to maximize their performance.

What are You Waiting for?

With so many potential long-term benefits, custom orthotics can change your life and your health. We, at Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, are here to provide you with exactly that!

Call 1(905) 270-3086 or fill out our online form to book an appointment for orthotics tailor-made for you.