Orthotic Material and Design Have Been Evolving and Changing for the Better!
Custom orthotics have been rapidly evolving with the integration of new 3D scanning technology and Pedorthic Design software advancements from Germany. Orthotics can be customized more precisely by Pedorthists than ever before. Custom orthotics are no longer being made from hard plastic materials and instead using a material called "Ethyl Vinyl Acetate" (EVA). This material can be found in the soles of popular running shoes and has been utilized by the orthotic industry because of its light-weight and superior shock absorbing properties. The orthotic material can be sintered to form a porous material similar to rubber, yet with the same toughness of a hard plastic shell. Orthotic materials are imported directly from Germany and made here in Toronto by a Certified Pedorthist. Custom orthotic insoles by Pro Balance now last twice as long while providing more comfortable support in all your different shoe types.
About Pro Balance Orthotics
Q. How long will these new orthotics last?
All Orthotics should be replaced every 12-18 months to remain 100% effective (also depends on how often the orthotics are worn). German EVA Orthotics currently last the longest in the industry due to their durability. It's the same material you find in the soles of high end running shoes, people run marathons on top of EVA!
Q. How long will it take to get used to my new orthotics?
Because of the 'feet-friendly' materials used in EVA orthotics, its anatomic shape (following the foot's natural curves) only takes a little while to get used to the orthotics. Most of my patients will find them comfortable immediately after inserting in them their shoes. Some people, however, need a few days to get used to them.
Q. Do I need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes, even though only one foot hurts?
Most people experience pain in only their left or right foot (or heel or knee), not in both. However, you will still need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes. Reason being, that wearing the orthotic in only one shoe will put your body out of balance and will cause a malalignment of your hips. Always wear your orthotic insoles in both shoes.
Q. What are EVA orthotics made of? Are they hard or soft?
EVA orthotics are quite firm, but not 'rock-hard' like an uncomfy plastic shell. These new orthotics are very comparable to the shock-absorbing support you feel from a running shoe. The major advantage of E.V.A is that it is both supportive and 'giving' at the same time. As you apply weight to the foot there is a certain amount of 'give' in a Pro Balance Orthotic, providing shock absorption to the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. This makes the device much more comfortable and more natural compared to the alternative rigid custom-made plastic orthotics you typically receive from a clinic.
Q. Will Pro Balance orthotics fit in all my shoes?
Yes, my orthotics fit in all types of shoes. They come in different models to suit different types of footwear. The Casual model is designed to fit in almost every type of dress shoe, brogue, boat shoe - i.e. all low or flat-heeled footwear as long as the shoe is not too narrow. Please note that the Comfort can be trimmed with scissors to fit the shoe, should they be too long.
Q. Can I put EVA insoles in the washing machine or dryer?
No, you cannot. The easiest way to clean EVA Orthotics is to simply wipe them with a warm soapy cloth.
Q. What is the difference between EVA orthotics and regular insoles?
There's a big difference between insoles and orthotics! Regular footbeds are purely designed to provide a cushioning effect and shock absorption. They may feel comfortable at first, however they do not address any biomechanical problems i.e. they do not correct over-pronation. Orthotics are a functional device, designed to correct and optimize our foot function. Some insoles also feature an “arch support”, but often the support is too weak to have any effect or benefit, especially if the footbeds are made of soft materials.
Q. How do orthotics exactly work?
Orthotics do a lot more than supporting the arches. Orthotics re-align the foot/ankle and restore 'faulty' foot function. In addition, orthotics provide an even weight distribution; taking pressure off sore spots (e.g. the heel, the ball of the foot, corns in between toes and bunions). They also provide an extra degree of shock absorption, but this is not their main purpose. The main purpose of an orthotic insole is to improve foot function and in many cases this will reduce pain and prevent future problems and injury.
Q. What ailments can EVA orthotics be used for?
Years of use and research has proven that most foot complaints will respond favourably to treatment with orthotics. Orthotics are found to be very effective for treating heel pain, heel spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, pain from bunions, callous and corns, Achilles Tendonitis, Ball of Foot Pain and Morton's Neuroma. Our feet are the foundation of our body and many problems in the legs, knees and back can be attributed to poor foot biomechanics. Therefore, orthotics can be very useful in the treatment of shin splints, knee pain and lower back pain. For this reason, many physiotherapists and chiropractors work with Pedorthists to assist with the design and fabrication of custom orthoses.
Over-pronation at the feet causes the lower leg to rotate inwards and the pelvis tilt forward, in turn putting a lot of strain and stress on the legs, knees and back. Orthotics correct the problem of over-pronation and therefore greatly reduce internal leg rotation and forward pelvic tilt. A study from the USA "identified the nature of a person's walk as a source of chronic lower back pain". The study further showed more than a fifty percent improvement in alleviation of back pain after wearing custom orthotics.
All Orthotics should be replaced every 12-18 months to remain 100% effective (also depends on how often the orthotics are worn). German EVA Orthotics currently last the longest in the industry due to their durability. It's the same material you find in the soles of high end running shoes, people run marathons on top of EVA!
Q. How long will it take to get used to my new orthotics?
Because of the 'feet-friendly' materials used in EVA orthotics, its anatomic shape (following the foot's natural curves) only takes a little while to get used to the orthotics. Most of my patients will find them comfortable immediately after inserting in them their shoes. Some people, however, need a few days to get used to them.
Q. Do I need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes, even though only one foot hurts?
Most people experience pain in only their left or right foot (or heel or knee), not in both. However, you will still need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes. Reason being, that wearing the orthotic in only one shoe will put your body out of balance and will cause a malalignment of your hips. Always wear your orthotic insoles in both shoes.
Q. What are EVA orthotics made of? Are they hard or soft?
EVA orthotics are quite firm, but not 'rock-hard' like an uncomfy plastic shell. These new orthotics are very comparable to the shock-absorbing support you feel from a running shoe. The major advantage of E.V.A is that it is both supportive and 'giving' at the same time. As you apply weight to the foot there is a certain amount of 'give' in a Pro Balance Orthotic, providing shock absorption to the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. This makes the device much more comfortable and more natural compared to the alternative rigid custom-made plastic orthotics you typically receive from a clinic.
Q. Will Pro Balance orthotics fit in all my shoes?
Yes, my orthotics fit in all types of shoes. They come in different models to suit different types of footwear. The Casual model is designed to fit in almost every type of dress shoe, brogue, boat shoe - i.e. all low or flat-heeled footwear as long as the shoe is not too narrow. Please note that the Comfort can be trimmed with scissors to fit the shoe, should they be too long.
Q. Can I put EVA insoles in the washing machine or dryer?
No, you cannot. The easiest way to clean EVA Orthotics is to simply wipe them with a warm soapy cloth.
Q. What is the difference between EVA orthotics and regular insoles?
There's a big difference between insoles and orthotics! Regular footbeds are purely designed to provide a cushioning effect and shock absorption. They may feel comfortable at first, however they do not address any biomechanical problems i.e. they do not correct over-pronation. Orthotics are a functional device, designed to correct and optimize our foot function. Some insoles also feature an “arch support”, but often the support is too weak to have any effect or benefit, especially if the footbeds are made of soft materials.
Q. How do orthotics exactly work?
Orthotics do a lot more than supporting the arches. Orthotics re-align the foot/ankle and restore 'faulty' foot function. In addition, orthotics provide an even weight distribution; taking pressure off sore spots (e.g. the heel, the ball of the foot, corns in between toes and bunions). They also provide an extra degree of shock absorption, but this is not their main purpose. The main purpose of an orthotic insole is to improve foot function and in many cases this will reduce pain and prevent future problems and injury.
Q. What ailments can EVA orthotics be used for?
Years of use and research has proven that most foot complaints will respond favourably to treatment with orthotics. Orthotics are found to be very effective for treating heel pain, heel spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, pain from bunions, callous and corns, Achilles Tendonitis, Ball of Foot Pain and Morton's Neuroma. Our feet are the foundation of our body and many problems in the legs, knees and back can be attributed to poor foot biomechanics. Therefore, orthotics can be very useful in the treatment of shin splints, knee pain and lower back pain. For this reason, many physiotherapists and chiropractors work with Pedorthists to assist with the design and fabrication of custom orthoses.
Over-pronation at the feet causes the lower leg to rotate inwards and the pelvis tilt forward, in turn putting a lot of strain and stress on the legs, knees and back. Orthotics correct the problem of over-pronation and therefore greatly reduce internal leg rotation and forward pelvic tilt. A study from the USA "identified the nature of a person's walk as a source of chronic lower back pain". The study further showed more than a fifty percent improvement in alleviation of back pain after wearing custom orthotics.
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