Custom Orthotics Explained: Accommodative vs. Functional Inserts
If you have ever spent a few minutes staring at the massive wall of insoles at a pharmacy, you know how overwhelming it can be. But when you step up to professional, custom-made inserts, the conversation usually shifts to two specific categories: accommodative and functional orthotics. While they might look similar to the untrained eye, we at My Chicago Foot Expert prescribe them to do different jobs for your feet. Here is the breakdown of how they work and which one might be right for you.
What Are Accommodative Orthotics?
These are typically made from softer, more flexible materials like foam, cork, or rubber, and their primary goal is exactly what the name suggests: to accommodate your foot exactly as it is.
Rather than trying to change the way your foot moves, these inserts focus on cushioning, protection, and redistributing pressure. They provide a soft landing for every step and help move weight away from painful areas like ulcers, calluses, blisters, and sensitive deformities like bunions.
Who Should Use Accommodative Orthotics?
If you have sensitive feet or conditions where your foot structure is rigid, these are likely for you. They are a top choice for:
- Diabetics: Protecting the feet from friction and pressure sores can help prevent foot infections.
- Arthritis Patients: Soft cushioning helps absorb shock that stiff, painful joints can no longer handle.
- People with Fixed Deformities: If your foot has a permanent shape that cannot be corrected, an accommodative insert makes that shape comfortable to walk on.
What Are Functional Orthotics?
Functional orthotics are a bit more like a corrective brace for your feet and are usually made from semi-rigid or rigid materials like plastic, graphite, or carbon fiber. Unlike the soft versions, these change and control the biomechanics of your foot.
If your foot rolls inward too much, for instance, or your arch collapses when you walk, a functional orthotic steps in to stop that movement and keep your joints aligned.
Who Should Use Functional Orthotics?
These are best for people who have structural issues that lead to repetitive strain injuries. You might need functional orthotics if you deal with:
- Plantar Fasciitis: By supporting the arch and controlling heel movement, they take the strain off the plantar fascia.
- Shin Splints or Knee Pain: Correcting how your foot hits the ground can stop the chain reaction of pain moving up your leg.
- Athletes: Runners often use functional orthotics so that their feet don’t collapse under them while sprinting.
Which Orthotic is Right for You?
If you’ve had a bad experience with orthotics in the past, it’s worth getting a professional gait analysis. Dr. Alexopoulos can help you decide which type will keep you moving comfortably for years to come.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our new, comfortable Chicago office, located at 5015 N Paulina Street, Suite #217.
