Frequently Asked Questions About Ergonomic Footwear™ Foot Orthotics
Orthotics are custom-made corrective inserts, that fit inside the shoe, for biomechanical foot problems. They are designed to decrease the abnormal motion of the foot while allowing for normal movement. Orthotics realign your feet to a more usual or "neutral" position, restore balance, improve sports performance and serve to eliminate or reduce foot, back and leg pain by improving function and efficiency. We offer several styles which can be worn comfortably in most types of shoes.
In layman's terms, you may think of them simply as arch supports or shoe inserts. However, they are actually much, much more than that. Orthotics are custom made orthopedic devices made to: treat or adjust abnormal foot motion; provide support, stability and control; increase balance; absorb shock; and relieve pressure on uncomfortable or sore spots. They may be pre-molded (over-the-counter) devices for conditions that are mild, or custom made to address an individual's specific needs. It is important to remember that your feet are the foundation of your body. How your feet perform can affect how your skeletal body feels and performs. The stability and efficiency of the foot and ankle promote better foot health and overall body function.
Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to imbalance. Some imbalances are obvious, such as flat feet, excessive pronation, bow legs, knock knees, pigeon-toes, "duck feet" or high-arched feet. However, many foot deformities are subtle, and are not detected until symptoms occur.
People who must walk or stand excessively at their work will also benefit from the comfort of orthotics.
For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength.
For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress on the feet. Small problems are often magnified due to the increased weight.
Orthotics will benefit people with special needs, such as diabetics or the elderly. These individuals need accommodation or increased softness in the orthotic.
Orthotics can work in a preventative manner to avoid the development of future foot problems, such as skin ulcerations.
If you have arch pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, shin splints, calluses, corns, bunions, or hammer toes, cramping, aching or tired legs, you can achieve an improvement. Certain types of leg, lower back and neck pain can be alleviated. The support that is provided helps control excessive pronation and helps with mid-foot, heel, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain. If you have a neuroma, geriatric, or diabetic foot problem, orthotics can provide you with needed protection and comfort.
Imbalance in your feet can distort the skeletal architecture of your body. While foot orthotics will not make a marked improvement in posture, they may eliminate posture problems or pain caused by your feet. This listing of articles can help you decide if your foot problem can be helped by using orthotics.
No. Most store bought inserts (also called inserts or insoles) are fabricated from nothing more than different density cellular sponge and/or foam rubber materials. They may provide some shock absorption, but little (if any) biomechanical/functional control or support. If you can bend an insert in half, it is nothing more than an insole. Ergonomic Footwear™ manufactures true orthotics, not flimsy rubber insoles or padded inserts.
Orthotics can be very helpful in correcting biomechanical imbalances of the foot and ankle, such as excessive pronation or excessive supination. Over time, abnormal foot motions cause stresses that can lead to conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, bunions, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), post-tib tendinitis, shin splints, tarsal tunnel syndrome, as well as knee pain (chondromalacia, iliotibial band syndrome), hip pain and lower back pain. They are also useful for people: who are very overweight; required to be on their feet for extended periods of time; or have a leg length discrepancy. Athletes use them to optimize performance and enhance comfort, and people with arthritic or diabetic foot conditions use them for comfort and protection. Orthotics can help prevent injury or deformity from occurring or halt the progression of existing problems, allowing healing to occur. However, even if no major conditions or symptoms exist, orthotics can provide protection and comfort for your feet, promoting good foot care.
You have to be the judge regarding this. If you have infections or ulcerations on the bottom of your feet, lack sensation, or have developed moderate to severe foot pain or deformities, you should consult a physician. Under these circumstances you may require a custom-made (prescription) orthotic designed to address your specific needs. If however, your foot symptoms are mild and have a short term onset, pre-molded orthotics may provide many of the same therapeutic benefits, less expensively.
No. A prescription is absolutely not required. By providing us with the written information in the order form, and taking an accurate impression, the appropriate orthotics will be specifically manufactured for you. It will fit and function extremely well with your foot.
The Ergonomic Footwear™ are the highest quality available from any source, at any price! They will last longer than any other. They are designed and manufactured using the highest quality materials and equipment. Our guarantee exceeds the industry standards. In media ads, you will find a variety of flat, thin, or more flexible devices, but none of these orthotics will compare to Ergonomic Footwear™. Even more expensive systems involving a so-called computerized analysis of the foot, does NOT produce a better product. Some orthotics start with a common plastic "shell", that is simply heated in the lab or office to fit the contours of the foot. Such a product, which often lacks a heel post, has limited effectiveness, but is often described as being a "custom" orthotic. Be cautious about being mislead about such arch supports.
Even though Ergonomic Footwear™ may be similar to those available at your doctor's office, we make them available directly to you at less than half that cost. The reason is simple: the overhead of operating a medical practice is significant, and those costs must be recouped through the sale of services and products. Due to our low operating costs, we are able to pass the savings on to you.
Although the human body is an amazing structure, it does have some design problems. It is intended to support and balance a large, tall and often heavy structure, on two very small surfaces. The force through a foot during normal walking is enormous. This force is increased greatly during sports activities. Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion. This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs, and sometimes affect the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.
Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving the fatigue and discomfort associated with "aging" feet. Years of walking and standing often cause the development of arthritis within the foot.
Arch supports merely push against the arch when you are standing, and are not designed with the dynamic needs of your foot in mind. Although a $15.00 arch support can be of some help, they are very limited, and are manufactured in bulk to fit an "average foot", (whatever that is).
Just like eyeglasses that must be designed to meet the specific needs of your eyes, orthotics must be designed to treat the unique requirements of your feet.
No. Orthotics simply allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. You can enjoy the comfort of your custom made orthotics at any time but shoes a can also be worn at any time without wearing the orthotic.
Your individual foot structure is captured in the foam measuring system. The orthotics are then fabricated, using these measurements, by state-of-the-art computerized equipment in our specialized laboratory, based upon your requirements. They are made from a variety of materials, depending upon your specific condition, activities, occupation, physical stature and the types of shoes in which you will be wearing them.
Most orthotics should last from two to four years, depending on the use. If your Ergonomic Footwear™ fail for any reason within one year from the date of purchase, you may return them to us and we will replace them free of charge.
Sports activities result in unusually high amounts of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot not dangerous or detectable under everyday circumstances may render you vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By eliminating the need for your muscles to compensate for these 'hidden" imbalances, orthotics reduce fatigue and promote the kind of efficient "muscle memory" that's crucial to outstanding performance. Orthotics help absorb these pressures, and can reduce abnormal rotation and side-to-side movement. Walkers, runners, rollerbladers/skaters, tennis players, cyclists, skiers, baseball players, soccer players, or anyone who engages in sports will benefit.
It is important to note that by aiding foot control or movement, orthotics not only improve the function of the feet, but also of the legs and torso as well. Often the difference is noted immediately.
Doctors charge $400-$600 for orthotics prescribed in the office. Through our simplified at-home measurement kit you can significantly reduce your costs. We charge between $150-$250.00 per pair depending on the type of orthotic ordered and shipped within the U.S. If you order a second pair at the same time (such as one for work and one for sports), we will give you an additional discount of 25% on the second pair.
You may find your Ergonomic Footwear™ will be comfortable right away, or you may need a few days to get used to them. When you first begin to wear orthotics, your feet will experience subtle, yet distinct changes. Like shoes that you wear for the first time, there is a normal break-in period. You have a 60-day unconditional guarantee on your Ergonomic Footwear™ so don't feel rushed!
We utilize a 3-dimensional imaging system that takes a dynamic impression of your foot. This incredibly accurate impression of your individual foot structure is then transferred to a "state-of-the-art" computerize fabrication system and your orthotics are made to your individual needs.
Usually not. If your shoe fits you properly there is usually room for the orthotic. If you wear a lot of different style shoes you may want to get more than one pair. Ideally, you should purchase new shoes when you require them with your orthotics as you evaluate styles and size.
Yes, we have a custom orthotic refurbish program. If your existing orthotic (shells) are not cracked or damaged, we will repair or replace all component parts to their original condition, for $79.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling. Your old orthotics will look and feel brand new! Note: CA Residents please add $4.65 for Sales Tax.
If you are interested in refurbishing your old (custom) orthotics to their original condition, you should write your name on the bottom of the orthotics and send them to:
Ergonomic Footwear™ Refurbishing Dept. 50855 Washington Street Suite C-271 La Quinta, CA 92253
We suggest you insure your shipment. This is for your own protection should they get lost in transit. You can pay by credit card (MC, VI or AX), check or money order. If you are paying by credit card, please be sure to include your billing and shipping address, the name on the credit card, your credit card number and the expiration date. Otherwise, payment should be made to Ergonomic Footwear for $65.90 ($59.95 plus $5.95 S/H and include sales tax if applicable).
Please include a daytime telephone number just in case we have any questions. Turnaround is approximately three to five working days at our laboratory and another two to three days shipping time.
