Fitting foot orthotics with 3D imaging

From casts and molds to the newest 3D imaging, the world of foot orthotics has come a long way, and those who need the assistance of these corrective devices stand to benefit from this evolution.

Initially, wellness professionals would use plaster casts and molds to get an exact replica of the client’s foot or feet, tailoring the fit to that specific person’s needs and conditions. However, this process could be quite cumbersome and messy. As time went on, different kinds of materials were used to create molds and casts of the feet, and some of these materials proved to be a bit cleaner and easier to use.

Fortunately for clients and patients who need foot orthotics — and the wellness professionals who provide them — the technology of today is making this process simpler and more streamlined. Computer technology has entered the realm of foot orthotics, and 3D imaging is beginning to replace casts and molds.

Providing wonderful convenience and ease to the professional chiropractors and other healthcare experts who offer custom foot orthotics to their patients and clients, the technology behind 3D imaging somewhat resembles a scale or platform. Instead of using a physical cast or mold material to take an impression of the feet, the imaging device instead scans the foot and analyzes levels of asymmetry throughout the body as connected to different aspects of the foot.

As part of a computer software program, such 3D imaging technology can then produce a 3D color image that clearly shows each patient and client how his or her feet may be affecting overall health, especially in terms of influencing posture and pain patterns. Being able to see such a detailed image right away is a major benefit because it can help patients and clients understand exactly why they might need custom foot orthotics.

These corrective medical devices can be a bit of an investment, so it can be powerful for a person to be able to view the effect that any issues related to the feet might be having on his or her body. If the chiropractor can show, via one of these 3D images, that asymmetry in the body is tied to the feet, then the client or patient may have a much easier time making a decision to invest in custom foot orthotics.

Using this streamlined technology, the chiropractor can easily send the patient’s details to the company that will manufacture the custom foot orthotics, concluding a process that is both easy and educational for the patient.