Are there any contraindications for patients who wear 3D orthoses?

Public (en) | March 9, 2023

Orthèses Talaria

Custom foot orthoses do not have any specific contraindications. However, to prevent pain, ensure that they are used effectively. It is important to consider certain criteria so that patients receive the best orthopedic treatment.

Can a patient stop wearing 3D foot orthoses?   

The duration for which the orthoses should be worn varies depending on the reason for their prescription and the treatment plan. Regardless, patients should wear them as prescribed and follow the instructions provided to ensure their effectiveness. The duration will be determined by the healthcare professional. For example, in cases of acute plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, usage can be gradually discontinued as the condition improves. However, in cases of hallux valgus or chronic pain, the orthoses may need to be worn continuously.

Can foot orthoses cause pain? 

When first starting treatment, patients may experience some discomfort or pain as their feet and body adjust to the custom-made foot orthoses. This is normal.

However, it’s important to note that with handcrafted devices, small adjustments may be needed based on the patient’s specific needs. Additionally, an incorrect diagnosis or treatment plan can exacerbate symptoms or shift the problem. 3D-printed foot orthoses have an advantage in this regard, as the information obtained through the scanning process provides an extremely precise fit.

Are the patient’s foot orthoses well adapted to their condition?

There is a wide choice of orthoses depending on the pathology to be treated: rigid, flexible, and semi-flexible, as well as passive insoles that immobilize the foot and active insoles that work on the disorder and on posture.

Proper diagnosis is crucial to the success of treatment, as it determines the cause and origin of the pain, allowing for the design of a fully tailored orthosis. The corrections must be precise to avoid worsening the pain or creating another problem such as muscle atrophy, ankle instability, risk of injury, tendonitis, etc.

Do the foot orthoses fit well in the patient’s shoes?

The shoes worn also need to be considered as part of orthopedic treatment. They must be compatible with the foot orthoses and should not impede their function. It is best to avoid worn or deformed shoes, tight-fitting shoes, high-heeled shoes, or sandals and instead opt for closed-toe city shoes, safety boots, or athletic shoes. Additionally, it is recommended to choose shoes with removable insoles that can be replaced with custom-made foot orthoses when needed.

Can 3D-printed foot orthoses heal feet?

Foot orthoses may not fully cure the patient’s condition in all cases, but they can greatly help in alleviating symptoms on a daily basis by reducing or eliminating pain and improving weight distribution on the feet. This is true for many conditions such as hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot, and a heel spur, among others.

Find out more about the benefits of Talaria’s custom foot orthoses on our blog.

High-quality foot orthoses and an appropriate treatment plan

Can foot orthoses cause pain? The answer is yes if the treatment is not appropriate and the instructions are not followed. It is crucial that a podiatrist performs a detailed examination to prescribe custom-made foot orthoses that fit the wearer’s feet perfectly. It is also important to discuss the treatment plan with the patient so that they can ensure the orthoses work optimally.

If you would like to implement 3D-printed foot orthoses into your offered treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to Talaria for more information.