Every person's feet tell a different story, from the distinctive arch of their foot to the way they naturally distribute weight when walking. At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, our Burley and Twin Falls podiatrists listen to these stories carefully, using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to translate their foot's unique characteristics into perfectly crafted custom orthotics.
Think of orthotic insoles as a precision-engineered foundation for your feet. Just as a building needs a solid footing to stand strong, you need proper support to keep you comfortable and active. Our detailed custom orthotics fitting process ensures you receive medical devices that work in harmony with your natural foot structure.
Your Initial Consultation and Examination
Your journey to custom orthotics begins with a comprehensive foot exam. During this visit, one of our skilled podiatrists carefully evaluates your foot structure, walking pattern, and any areas of discomfort. We take time to understand your daily activities, from work requirements to exercise habits, ensuring your custom orthotics will support your lifestyle.
We observe how you walk and stand, checking for subtle alignment issues that might contribute to your discomfort. We also examine your current shoes to identify wear patterns that could indicate biomechanical problems—one of the clear signs you might benefit from an orthotic solution.
Orthotics are extremely versatile tools. They can be functional or accommodative, and are made from a wide variety of materials. But the key to ensuring they help alleviate foot pain, provide the right support, offer more cushioning, or whatever else you might need is to first assess what condition you have that’s displaying symptoms, and work together on an individualized remedy.
Advanced 3D Scanning for Precise Measurements
Gone are the days of messy plaster casts. At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, we rely on sophisticated 3D scanning technology that transforms how we create custom orthotics. This digital approach represents a significant advancement in podiatric care, offering unprecedented accuracy and comfort for you. Here’s what you can expect.
Understanding the 3D Scanning Process
The scanner resembles a specialized camera mounted on a handheld device. It captures thousands of data points per second, creating a complete three-dimensional model of your foot structure. The entire scanning process takes just minutes, yet provides incredibly detailed information about your foot's unique characteristics.
Essential Measurements Captured
The scanner records the exact contours of your arch, the width of your forefoot, the angle of your heel, and subtle variations in your foot structure. These precise measurements help us understand your foot's biomechanics—how it moves and functions during daily activities. Unlike traditional methods, our 3D technology captures your foot's natural shape while bearing weight, ensuring your orthotics provide proper support.
Advanced Pressure Mapping Technology
At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, our system includes sophisticated pressure-mapping capabilities that identify areas where your foot experiences excessive stress. These detailed pressure maps appear on our screen in real time. Our foot doctors use this visual information to determine exactly where your custom orthotics need additional cushioning or support.
Creating Your Digital Foot Model
After completing the scan, our advanced three-dimensional blueprint ensures every curve and contour of your custom orthotics perfectly matches your foot's structure. The digital format allows us to make subtle adjustments to the design before fabrication begins, optimizing the fit and function of your orthotics. This is one of the major advantages of custom medical devices compared to off-the-shelf inserts.
Versatile Design Applications
Some of our patients need orthotics for multiple purposes. We use a single scanning session to create different designs for dress shoes, sports footwear, or specific activities, all while maintaining consistent support for your unique foot structure. Each design draws from the same accurate digital measurements while being optimized for its intended use.
Customizing Your Orthotic Design
With your 3D scan complete, our podiatrists begin creating your custom orthotics. We consider factors such as:
- Your specific foot condition and symptoms
- Activity level and types of shoes you typically wear
- Any special requirements for work or athletics
Each design decision is made with your unique needs in mind, ensuring the final product addresses your specific concerns while promoting proper foot function.
The Fabrication Process
Once design is finalized, we send the specifications to our trusted laboratory partners. In most cases, we recommend orthotics made of graphite because:
- It’s a soft and flexible material that’s comfortable to wear but rigid enough to maintain a biomechanically correct alignment.
- It’s light and thin, so it should slip into almost any type or style of shoe you wear comfortably.
- It’s durable and easy to adjust.
The fabrication process typically takes about two weeks, during which each orthotic is carefully constructed and quality-checked to ensure it meets our exacting standards.
Your Fitting and Adjustment Appointment
When your custom orthotics arrive, you'll return to our Twin Falls or Burley office for a fitting appointment. During this visit, we:
- Check the fit of your orthotics in your shoes.
- Make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort.
- Provide detailed care instructions.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your orthotics are working effectively.
Because of this attention to detail, many of our adult patients have their orthotic insoles for several years before they need to be replaced.
Every step you take matters, and at Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, we understand the impact proper foot support has on your health. If you're considering custom orthotics but feeling uncertain about the process, don’t hesitate to give us a call to arrange a consultation about your specific needs.