At Complete Feet Podiatry, we combine foot impression scanning with a detailed biomechanical assessment to help design custom orthotics tailored to each patient’s individual needs. From analysing the contours of your foot to selecting the appropriate support and modifications, every stage of the process plays an important role in developing a personalised orthotic device.

Watch the video below to find out more about how our podiatrists design custom orthotics onsite in our clinic:

Capturing the unique shape of your foot

The first step in designing custom orthotics is capturing an impression of your foot using a scanner. This process records the contours of the foot, including the arch, heel and forefoot. The result is a digital impression scan of your foot. This provides our podiatrists with valuable information about the shape of your foot and helps establish the foundation for your orthotic design.

However, your foot shape is only part of the picture. To design an orthotic that addresses your needs, your podiatrist must also understand how your feet move, where pressure occurs and what may be contributing to your symptoms.

How a podiatrist analyses your foot scan

Once the impression has been captured, your podiatrist analyses the scan alongside your clinical and biomechanical assessment. This involves examining the contours of your foot and considering how its structure relates to your symptoms and movement patterns. Your podiatrist will assess arch height and shape, heel contours and alignment, forefoot shape, any pressure sensitive areas and how your foot moves.

For example, someone experiencing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis may require a different orthotic design from someone with pain beneath the ball of the foot or symptoms associated with excessive loading during running.

The podiatrist uses these findings to determine which features are appropriate for your particular needs.

Designing an orthotic to suit your feet

Using the scan and clinical assessment, your podiatrist determines how the orthotic should be shaped and which design features to incorporate to create a personalised orthotic device unique to you.

These may include adding or decreasing arch support, adding a heel lift, a forefoot deflection, or localised cushioning. Specific adjustments may be incorporated to influence foot movement and help manage mechanical loading. The podiatrist will also consider what type of material to manufacture the orthotic with.

These features are not automatically the same for every patient. Two people with similar foot shapes may require very different orthotics because their symptoms, foot function and activity levels differ. The goal is to create a device that combines the contours of your foot with the support and modifications selected by your podiatrist.

From foot scan to custom-made orthotic

Once the design has been established, the scan and prescribed modifications are used to guide the manufacturing process. The captured foot contours provide the starting shape, while the prescribed modifications help determine the final design and material that will be used.

Our on-site orthotic workshop is an important part of our personalised approach. Having workshop facilities available, allows us to focus on the individual requirements of each device and make appropriate adjustments where needed.

A custom orthotic is therefore not simply a copy of the bottom of your foot. It is a purpose-designed device that combines your foot’s contours with the podiatrist’s assessment of how your feet function.

Fitting, adjustments and ongoing review

After manufacture, your podiatrist checks that your custom orthotics fit appropriately within your footwear and provides guidance on their use. Your comfort and response to the devices are important. Some people need a gradual introduction period, while others may require adjustments to improve the fit or address areas of unwanted pressure.

Where necessary, your podiatrist can review the orthotics and make suitable modifications based on your symptoms, comfort and functional progress. This follow-up process helps ensure that your orthotics remain appropriate for your needs.

Experiencing foot pain or wondering whether orthotics could help? Common podiatric conditions can be diagnosed, assessed and treated by our friendly podiatry team. Book an assessment with one of our podiatrists to discuss the most appropriate treatment for your feet.