Foot Orthotics Don’t Work!

Let’s face it…foot orthotics don’t work. There, I said it. As someone who has been making orthotics for over 20 years I can say it with a straight face.

If you are a practitioner who has treated lower extremity issues for any length of time you have experienced the bag lady right? You know what I mean, the patient who walks in the door with the plastic Safeway bag full of orthotics in them. She dumps them out on the table in front of you. And just as the sweet aroma of well used foot products hits you in the face, she declares, “None of these work!”

Allow me to explain… I think orthotics are a tool that have been used successfully by many practitioners. Most successful orthotic cases are a result of team work with the practitioner and the orthotic craftsman. And the best use of orthotics that I have seen have been with a practitioner who has been through the lumps and bumps of learning to design orthotics. My conclusion then is that orthotics don’t work…but you do!

I would like to give you 3 tips to help you take a useless orthotic and turn it into a powerful tool in your practice.

Manage Expectations

Firstly, think of the orthotic as a tool, instead of the cure or the fix. The orthotic is a tool in the overall treatment process. This is the key to your initial conversation with the patient. In their minds, they are coming to you to get a a product that will fix them. You must change that mindset at the beginning to set up a successful treatment for them. You should explain to them that they are entering into a process with you as opposed to purchasing a fix for their condition. They need to understand that within the process, the orthotics will be a valuable component of the full plan of treatment. For example, a treatment plan for a plantar fasciitis patient might include selecting proper shoes, posterior muscle group stretching and a pair of orthotics. It is helpful to explain to them that during the process, you may need to adjust the orthotics to fine tune them along the way.

Get a Coach

Secondly, you need a coach or partner who will be available to you every step of the way. If at all possible, this should be an experienced Certified Pedorthist who is trained in orthotic design, shoe design and lower extremity biomechanics. Consult with this person regarding your patients needs via phone, video and pictures. This person will help you design, fabricate and assess the orthotics for fine tuning if needed.

If you use a traditional manufacturing lab, you need to find the one. Every lab has one. This is the person that knows it all. This person is not usually available in front line customer service. This person knows how to make orthotics with their own hands from start to finish. This is the person that the customer service person goes to after they get off of the phone with you. Simply ask the customer service person, “Who is the person who knows it all there at your lab?” They will know who it is.

Persevere

Lastly, don’t give up! It will be hard at first and frustrating for sure. Your patients deserve the best that only you can give, in your own unique way. Remember why you became a practitioner in the first place. This is not a job to you…this is your calling!

Question: What has been your best or worst experience using foot orthotics?