The Truth about Custom Orthotics
the bottom line: very few people need them!
Below is an article published in the Journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). It speaks volumes about the efficacy of standard orthotics (such as Footminders) as compared to those expensive custom-made orthotics products that are eagerly recommended by some podiatrists and specialty foot care stores.
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Inexpensive Off-The-Shelf Shoe Inserts More Effective Than Custom-Made Ones SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 1996 -- The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) announced today the results of a two-year prospective randomized national study on the treatment of heel pain. The study found inexpensive off-the-shelf shoe inserts to be more effective than plastic custom arch supports in the initial treatment of heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Potentially, this finding could save more than $200 million in health care costs annually. Heel pain affects over two million Americans annually and is the most common foot problem seen in medical practice. Nonoperative care for heel pain provides satisfactory treatment for 90 percent of patients. However, research has not established which initial nonoperative care is best. The current study, involving 15 orthopaedic foot and ankle centers, was designed to answer this question. The investigation, conducted by the AOFAS Heel Pain Study Group, looked at the effectiveness of stretching exercises and orthotic devices in the treatment of heel pain. The researchers examined 236 patients who had no previous treatment for their heel pain and no serious medical problems. The study did not include chronic heel pain sufferers who had received other treatments for their condition. The patients were divided (randomized prospectively) among five treatment groups. One group did only Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises. (The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that stretches from the ball of the foot to the heel.) The other four groups used either an off-the-shelf shoe insert or custom arch support along with the stretching exercises. The devices studied included the Bauerfeind Viscoheel, Hapad Comforthotic, Tuli Heel Cup and a custom made polypropylene arch support. All of the patients were examined by an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist and asked to fill out an activity and symptom questionnaire. They returned after eight weeks of treatment for a repeat examination and questionnaire. Seventy-two percent of those who did only Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching improved. Ninety-five percent of those who used the Bauerfeind Viscoheel (silicon heel cushion), 88 percent of those who used the Tuli heel cup (rubber heel cushion) and 81 percent of those who used the Hapad Comforthotic (felt heel cushion/arch support) improved. Sixty eight percent of the patients who wore a custom-made plastic arch support improved. Interestingly, patients who stood on their feet for a full work day showed significantly less improvement with a custom arch support than those who used an off-the-shelf insert: 44 percent showed improvement with a custom arch support versus 96 percent who showed improvement with an off-the-shelf insert. "The study clearly demonstrates that a stretching program plus an inexpensive off-the-shelf shoe insert is the best and most cost effective treatment for the first onset of heel pain," said Glenn Pfeffer, M.D., San Francisco, Chairman of the AOFAS Heel Pain Study Group. "These findings will allow patients and the health care system to save hundreds of millions of dollars each year by avoiding the unnecessary prescription of a rigid custom arch support for the initial treatment of heel pain." Dr. Pfeffer noted that even without a doctor's visit, almost three quarters of individuals can find significant relief from heel pain by performing a home exercise program that includes Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching. "Adding an inexpensive off-the-shelf shoe insert to the stretching program leads to an even better result," Dr. Pfeffer said. He emphasized that rigid custom arch supports have a clear role in the treatment of many foot conditions, but the results of this study indicate that they have no role in the initial treatment of heel pain.
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"Your Catwalk orthotics for high heels and sandals are just fabulous. They are so comfortable and so flexible when changing form one pair of shoes to another. Fantastic relief for the pain in the balls of my foot. Thank you! "
"I want to extend to you my heartfelt thanks for eliminating the pain I was having in my left heel. I had been to my physician, he recommended cortisone injections which I didn't like the idea much of. A family member in Perth told me about your inserts. Your product has done the job. Thank you so much."
"Just wanted to let you know that I'm so excited about my new orthotics from Footminders. I have used "custom" orthotics for several years and have paid $400-$600 per pair for them. They work great for about a year and then I have to order new ones. The ones I just received from your company are at least as good as those and so much less expensive. I received my first order last week and just ordered 3 more pairs to have in my sandals this summer. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!"
"I ordered your product a year ago for a pair of slippers, and I couldn't believe that I no longer had heel pain. I recently stopped wearing them for a few months, and the heel pain returned, so I'm ordering more for my shoes. I have purchased many shoe inserts and tried them all; these really are different. Amazing product, thanks again!
"I am an avid tennis player and have suffered from heel pain in my right foot for more than 4 months. I used gel heel pads, ice, pain killers etc but nothing proved really effective until I heard about your product from a friend. The orthotics and stretching exercises seem to work very well for me and the pain has almost disappeared! Now I play tennis again and walk for extended periods without discomfort. Congratulations on a great product!"
"After 3 months of heel pain, my GP told me about your product, so I bought a pair of your Comfort insoles. They have only been in my shoes for 2 days now and the difference is truly amazing! The pain in my left foot is nearly gone and I can walk normally again. What a relief, thank you so much for this wonderful product!
"I have been looking for a solution and relief of my Plantar Fasciitis for weeks, until I found you on Google. I've been wearing them for a week now and it feels like I'm gliding, instead of walking. Just unbelievable, and my heels feel normal again. I can't thank you enough and will tell all my friends and family about your products."
"I recently developed plantar fasciitis in both my feet and after finding you on Google, I purchased your orthopedic inserts. The pain in my heels was so severe I had to give up my daily morning walk. After only 2 days of using your inserts, my foot pain has improved tremendously. I am so impressed because I really didn’t have very high expectations and felt it might be a gamble to even try them. Thank you so much!!! What a difference your product has made in my life!!"
"When I initially put your inserts into my shoes, they felt a bit strange, especially in my arches. After a few days, now that my feet are used to these orthotics, the cradling comfort is just fantastic! In fact, when I don't have them in my shoes, it feels like there's something missing. After suffering daily from aching feet your insoles are a godsend. I would definitely recommend this product to all of my friends."
I am a chef and on my feet most of the day (and night). One of our waiters told me about your website, so I ordered them on-line which I normally never do, buying on in the internet. The tired, aching feeling in my feet and legs is nearly gone. I cannot believe it, I wish someone had told me earlier...
