The Orthotics Revolution

The successful use of orthotics and shoe inserts to improve health has been plagued with problems. There are those who have experienced great results and swear by them, yet others won't touch them with a bargepole.

The vast majority of people have never heard of orthoses and wouldn't know one if it bit them on the nose (they don't bite, in case you're wondering!). Of those who have been enlightened, their experience has typically involved experimenting with over-the-counter shoe inserts, heel lifts or "anti-pronation" shoes. Only a small minority have taken the plunge and invested in a pair of custom orthoses, and even fewer have had long term success.

Despite this, the logic behind using a countoured rigid plate to alter forces in the foot and change foot function is recognised and appreciated. So what could have possibly caused the actual reality we are faced with today?

I believe there are three major factors which have prevented the use of orthotics from being a reliable and recommended healthcare option:

1) Inability to collect accurate and precise data on how the foot functions as we walk;
2) Failure to incorporate the use of orthoses with other appropriate healthcare treatments and lifestyle changes;
3) Lack of education and awareness on the part of patients and practitioners.

It is only now, with the recent advances in digital gaitscanning technology that we can accurately capture, measure and assess foot function directly.

TOG GaitScan is one of several digital gaitscanning systems currently available. Yet it sets itself apart by being the only system to use the captured data directly to create the prescription orthotic whilst at the same time presenting the results in a fun, interesting and educational way.

Not only does this take the guesswork and subjectivity out of creating custom orthoses, it means your foot function is optimally controlled and you get to learn something you didn't previously know about yourself.

The success of this type of technology in improving the reliability, comfort and patient experience of orthoses is creating a storm. As more and more healthcare practitioners choose to invest in this equipment, more patients are introduced to custom orthoses that really work.

All we need to do now is increase the awareness of how and which other appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes can be used to improve health now and for the future, and that's where Root2Being comes in.