3246 N. Carson St. · Carson City, NV · 89706 · 775-885-9965
ORTHOTIC ASSESSMENT AND ONSITE FABRICATION
The use of a custom orthotic supports is a non-invasive way to reduce or eliminate
pain ,n areas such as feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Orthotics can be used to
address structural abnormalities of the foot that may cause compensatory movement
patterns and motor control changes from the foot all the way up the kinetic chain into the
lower back and pelvis. Conversely, they can also help in controlling compensatory movement
patterns at the feet due to low back and pelvic instabilities. However, they do not take the
Place of any restorative exercises. Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of injuries and often
work best in conjunction with other therapies.
Our assessment includes the following:
- Complete history analysis
- Structural alignment tests
- Range of motion testing
- Motion control and load transfer testing
- Gait analysis
Computer systems are not used in the evaluation process since none currently replace the experience of a trained professional. Computers focus on 2D image/analysis only and the foot is a complicated three-dimensional structure with many articulating joints and muscular attachments.
Orthotic design is dependent on injury, foot type, motor control dysfunction, lifestyle and footwear. Rigid orthotic shells are not used; instead a flexible plastic arch support is used with the addition of foam of varying thicknesses. The thickness of the type of foam used depends on the height and weight of the individual and how corrective the orthotic needs to be. Plastic has a memory which adds longevity to the shell as well as flex in the material without losing the arch contact over time. Foam, of various thickness and density, may be used as posting on the plastic shell. The foam in conjunction with the plastic shell allows us to improve the functional alignment of the foot and at the same time control or enhance motion at tne foot.
Properly designed and fitted footwear are essential to the function of Orthotics. At the end of the assessment, recommendations for proper shoe type are given. Because we are one of only a few clinics that do onsite fabrication, our clients are able to walk out the door with their Orthotics the same day.
