Tuesday, August 29, 2023


Advancing Comfort and Support: The Popularity of Prefabricated Foot Orthotics
By Dr. Scott Gray PT, DPT, CSCS, ART, MTC, FAFS
Owner/Founder of Back in Motion

In the pursuit of enhanced comfort, improved foot alignment, and efficient injury prevention, foot orthotics have become an indispensable tool. These inserts, designed to support the feet and correct biomechanical issues, have traditionally been custom-made to fit the unique contours of an individual's feet. However, with the advent of prefabricated foot orthotics, a new era has dawned, revolutionizing the accessibility and affordability of this invaluable technology. In this blog post, we will explore the world of prefabricated foot orthotics, discussing their benefits, limitations, and their impact on foot health.

Understanding Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics, also known as shoe inserts or insoles, are specially designed devices that are placed inside shoes to provide support, correct structural abnormalities, and alleviate pain. They are primarily used to address foot-related issues such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions affecting foot alignment.

Traditionally, custom-made orthotics have been the gold standard for addressing specific foot issues. These are created by taking impressions of the patient's feet and tailoring the orthotic to their unique requirements. However, this process can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring visits to healthcare professionals, such as podiatrists or orthotists.

Enter Prefabricated Foot Orthotics

Prefabricated foot orthotics are a relatively recent development that offers a standardized solution to common foot problems. These orthotics are manufactured in various sizes and shapes, designed to fit a range of foot sizes and arch types. They are readily available, allowing individuals to purchase and use them without the need for a professional fitting.


Benefits of Prefabricated Foot Orthotics

  1. Affordability: One of the primary advantages of prefabricated foot orthotics is their cost-effectiveness. Custom orthotics can be quite expensive due to the involved process in designing and manufacturing. Prefabricated options provide an affordable alternative, making foot orthotics more accessible to a wider population.

  2. Accessibility: Prefabricated orthotics are readily available from various retailers, eliminating the need for specialized appointments and long waiting times. This accessibility ensures that individuals can find relief for their foot issues promptly.

  3. Convenience: With prefabricated foot orthotics, individuals can purchase and use them immediately without having to wait for the custom-made versions to be produced. They can be easily transferred between different pairs of shoes, enabling users to enjoy their benefits across various activities and footwear choices.

  4. Versatility: Prefabricated orthotics often come in a range of sizes, arch heights, and designs to accommodate different foot shapes and conditions. They can address common issues such as arch support, cushioning, and alignment, providing a versatile solution for a wide range of foot-related problems.

Limitations of Most Prefabricated Foot Orthotics

  1. Lack of Customization: The main drawback of prefabricated foot orthotics is their inability to address individual foot irregularities with the same precision as custom orthotics. While they offer a range of options, they may not provide the exact level of support or correction needed for more complex foot conditions.

  2. Specificity: Prefabricated orthotics are designed to address common foot problems and provide general support. However, certain individuals with more severe or specific conditions may require custom-made orthotics to ensure optimal results and comfort.

  3. Trial and Error: Finding the right prefabricated orthotics may involve some trial and error. Individuals may need to try different brands, sizes, or designs before finding the one that suits their feet best. This experimentation can be time-consuming and frustrating for those seeking immediate relief.

 

The Quadrastep Prefabricated Orthotic System is often considered a top choice in prefabricated foot orthotics for several reasons:

Customization: The Quadrastep system offers a high degree of customization, even within a prefabricated format. It takes into account the individual's specific foot type, arch height, and alignment to provide a more tailored solution compared to generic prefabricated orthotics. This customization helps improve comfort, support, and overall effectiveness.

Evidence-based design: The Quadrastep system is based on years of research and clinical experience. It incorporates the principles of the Root biomechanical theory, which is widely recognized and respected in the field of podiatry. The design aims to address common foot problems and improve biomechanical alignment, thereby promoting optimal foot function and reducing pain.

Versatility: The Quadrastep system offers a range of orthotic options to accommodate different foot types and conditions. It categorizes feet into six different types (Q1-Q6) based on their specific alignment characteristics and provides corresponding orthotics for each type. This versatility allows for a more precise fit and targeted treatment for various foot pathologies.

Ease of use: Being prefabricated, the Quadrastep orthotics are ready to use without the need for complex measurements or molds. This convenience saves time and effort, making them more accessible for both patients and practitioners. They can be easily fitted into different types of footwear, promoting patient compliance.

Professional endorsement: The Quadrastep system has gained recognition and endorsement from many podiatrists and healthcare professionals. Their positive experiences with the system's effectiveness in managing foot problems contribute to its reputation as a top choice in the field.

Prefabricated foot orthotics have brought about a significant shift in the world of foot health. While they may not provide the same level of customization as their custom-made counterparts, they offer a cost-effective, accessible, and convenient solution for many common foot conditions. For individuals with mild to moderate foot issues, prefabricated orthotics can provide the necessary support, alignment correction, and pain relief. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthotist, to ensure the best possible outcome for more severe or complex foot conditions. With advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques, prefabricated foot orthotics are likely to continue evolving, enhancing foot health for a broader range of individuals in the years to come.

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Preventing and Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Louis J. DeCaro, president of the American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics appeared on NBC February 15 to educate on the topic of plantar fasciitis. Dr. DeCaro stressed how important it is to see your Podiatrist as soon as plantar fasciitis strikes. He stressed that it is extremely important to educate the patient on the difference between an over the counter arch support, and a custom functional orthotic that controls biomechanics force.

According to podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro, DPM “Studies have show that 83% of patients suffering from Plantar Fasciitis possess equinus and thus stretching becomes paramount in treatment” As well Dr. DeCaro talked about the importance of patients knowing exactly what foot type they are. “Foot typing is probably the most important factor in not only treating, but understanding the genesis of any foot pain, especially plantar fasciitis. Knowing the biomechanics unlocks the secret of all aspect. Causation, prevention and treatment”


See the full article HERE

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For more information EMAIL US
Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS
FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com



Tuesday, January 24, 2023

 ANNOUNCING ALL NEW REDESIGNED GAIT PLATES


Due to a high demand for the only prefab gait plate on the market, Nolaro24 is pleased to announce a new and improved version of our popular littleSTEPS Gait Plates!

  • New kid-friendly purple color to easily differentiate from regular littleSTEPS
  • The new purple color serves as a reminder that when kids with in-toe gait mature into adult shoe sizes, they would likely transition well into a B Quad Adult orthotic which is designed for teens and adults with in-toe gait.
  • Gait Plate Version 2.0 provides improved accuracy of sizing, more closely matching the depth and width of our standard littleSTEPS models.
Contact your practitioner now to ask about our new littleSTEPS Gait Plates. If you need to find a practitioner email us at moreinfo@nolaro24.com.

Find us online https://nolaro24.com/patient/gppatient.html

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Get off on the right foot this school year!

(Mass Appeal) – A lot changes at back to school time and it is the perfect opportunity to get your child’s feet set up to be healthy for the next nine months, and hopefully beyond. Louis DeCaro, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at DeCaro Total Foot Care Center, joins us with some tips.


Watch the full interview Here:
https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/get-off-on-the-right-foot-this-school-year-with-the-proper-shoes/

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Back to School Orthotics Check

It’s that time of the year! The time all parents wait for – time to start thinking about your their kids ready for school (and out of the house – YAY). That means new gear, new clothes, and new shoes. This is the perfect time for you to check your kids’ littleSTEPS® for outgrowth, it’s likely they need a new pair to fit in those new shoes.
Check out the pictures below, the top of the littleSTEPS®  should come to bottom of the ball of the foot.

If you are too short like the second picture, it's time to take your child to their practitioner and get fitted for a new pair.

If you think your child might need foot orthotics, but you don't have a practitioner, check our FIND A PRACTITIONER tool on our website.

For more information EMAIL US
Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The Good and Bad of Flip-Flops

Louis J. DeCaro, president of the American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics appeared on NBC’s Mass Appeal June 29, 2022 to talk about summertime foot tips. Dr. DeCaro talked about how important it is to protect your feet during the hot summer months. “If you have to wear flip flops make sure you apply waterproof high SPF sunscreen (and apply regularly) to your feet. A lot of people make the mistake of frolicking their toes in the water at the beach or pool (unlike other parts of their body) and not realizing the sunscreen is wearing off!”


According to podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro, DPM “You should never wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support. If you must wear something open toed in the summer, wear a sturdy closed back sandal with arch support. It offers more support and control and will be safer in the long run.”

Watch the full interview here:
https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/the-good-and-bad-of-flip-flops/

Find us on other platforms:

For more information EMAIL US

Twitter: @LSteps @QuadraSTEPS

FB: @quadrasteps

nolaro24.com