Wentzville Chiropractor

Sole Supports Custom Orthotics

What are Orthotics?

 

An orthotic is a supportive device which is placed inside footwear, to change the mechanical function of the foot. It works dynamically during weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and standing. Ideally, it should provide full, custom and corrected arch contact so that the foot works in a biomechanically correct way.

 

  

 

 

To date, only Sole Supports™ manufactures full arch contact orthotics. The reason is simple: they are more difficult to make because they must actually change the way your foot works and be comfortable at the same time. Other orthotics are either just cushions or give a more generic, insufficient arch support not customized to your foot. They may feel fine but, by failing to actually correct faulty foot mechanics, will not prevent the usual painful deformities or syndromes.

 

Why Sole Supports™?


Sole Supports™ are the only custom orthotics available today that have been developed to actually change foot posture and function during weight-bearing activities. Your posture is everything so your custom orthotics will be made in the exact shape of your foot in the most corrective posture you can comfortably accept. They act like a spring, encouraging you back into your most efficient posture.

 

The corrected position of the foot is captured by a unique casting technique that emulates a halthy stance. The resulting casts are never "corrected" to arbitrarily lower arch height as is common in the industry. The resulting shell fits your foot foot like a glove and is machine calibrated to have the best properties of flex and rigidity based on the patient's weight, foot flexibility and activity level.

 

The goal is to significantly limit pronation, facilitate supination and yet flex just enough for comfort. This custom level of rigidity/flex makes Sole Supports™ unique in the industry and extrememly effective at improving foot function.

 

Dr. Steve Meacham has completed advanced clinical training in biomechanics and orthotics and has been certified in the use of Sole Supports Gait-Referenced Casting technology since 2005.

 

For a professional consultation regarding whether SOLE SUPPORTS might be helpful for you, please call us at (636) 327-3333 or email the office at dr.steve@advancedfamily3333.com. Dr. Meacham will evaluate and discuss your needs and can cast a custom made SOLE SUPPORTS orthotic for you.


"They have helped my back"
Norma C.

"I started wearing my Sole Supports orthotics in June of 2015 and they have helped my back. I can walk more, stay on my feet longer, and have no burning in my feet."

"Best orthotics I have ever had"
Robin Barton

"My Sole Supports are the best orthotics I have ever had and I love them! I was impressed with Dr. Meacham's thorough fitting technique when I got them way back in 2009. I had mine recovered with a less fabric-like layer in 2012 and they are going strong. Dr. Meacham has reminded me that it's time for new running shoes, but look how evenly worn they are!"

"Help correct my running gait"
David W.

"I first got my orthotics in June 2009. They helped correct my running gait. It moved my impact from front only to across the whole foot impact. The most important correction was that I no longer suffered from plantar fasciitis. That was great!"

"I would be hurting more without them"
David E.

"I've had my Sole Support orthotics since January 2006 and they keep my feet the way they're meant to be. I would certainly be hurting more without them."

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Foot Orthotics FAQs

Who Should Wear Orthotics?

 

Orthotics are not designed for a single type of foot injury or condition. In fact, they can help treat a range of issues stemming from the feet. Some of these conditions include flat feet and arch pain, Achilles tendonitis, sports injuries, arthritis, bunions and heel pain (plantar fasciitis).

 

What’s the Difference Between an Orthotic Insert and a Shoe Insole?

 

Non-custom inserts, footwear, and insoles are not designed specifically for your feet. While these may help or provide comfort, they aren’t often a long-term solution to heal or adjust the alignment of your feet. For these results, you’ll likely need custom orthotics.

 

Functional orthotics from Sole Supports™ are biomechanical medical devices. In many cases, people who struggle with foot, knee, back, and neck pain can benefit from having biomechanical corrections in their feet. Sole Supports™ custom orthotics are calibrated in their lab and consider your body weight, foot and ankle flexibility and activity level.

 

An example would be after purchasing new tires for your vehicle, each tire has a specific balance weight installed to allow the tires to proper alignment and insure correct wear patterns. 

 
Will the Orthotics fit in all my shoes?

 

Many patients find that their Sole Supports™ orthotics will fit in most of their shoe styles including athletic, dress, casual, work boots, dress boots and even specific styles for ski boots and ice skates. That being said, Sole Supports™ even makes special orthotics specifically for high heels and children's shoes.

 

What’s the Process for Getting Custom Orthotics Made?

 

The first step is a consultation and an examination of your feet and lower extremities.  We will also assess the condition and wear pattern of shoes you currently wear.  Once we’ve determined whether or not you’ll benefit from custom orthotics, we’ll create a cast or mold of your foot. The cast will be sent to Sole Supports™ specialty lab, where your custom orthotics are created and shipped back. Once you put them on for the first time in our office, we’ll help you test them out and make sure it’s a perfect fit!

 

How Long Does it Take for Orthotics to Work?

 

Everyone is different, but in most cases, it takes a few weeks for your feet and body to adjust to your new custom orthotics. You will be given a schedule to allow your body to adapt as quickly as possible.  The results can vary, but most people experience great relief of pain and other symptoms within a few weeks or months of wearing their new orthotics.  If symptoms worsen or stay the same, it’s best to book a follow-up appointment to see if  adjustments need to be made.

 

How Long Do My Orthotics Last?


While it is impossible to predict, our office does have patients wearing the same orthotics 5 years or more.  Dr. Meacham has been fitting Sole Supports™ for his patients since 2005 and some patients are still wearing their original pair.

 

Why the Sole Supports™ brand?


To date, only Sole Supports™ manufactures full arch contact orthotics. The reason is simple: they are more difficult to make because they must actually change the way your foot works and be comfortable at the same time. Other orthotics are either just cushions or give a more generic, insufficient arch support not customized to your foot. They may feel fine but, by failing to actually correct faulty foot mechanics, will not prevent the usual painful deformities or syndromes.