Orthotics & Shoes
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics & Shoes in Chicago, IL
We evaluate lower extremity alignment and gait, and fabricate prescription orthotic devices for our athletes as well as our diabetic.
We evaluate lower extremity alignment and gait, and fabricate prescription orthotic devices for our athletes as well as our diabetic.
It is a device worn in the shoes that effectively changes the manner in which the bones and muscles of the feet and legs function during walking and running. There are different styles available for casual, dress or athletic shoes.
When the foot architecture is corrected, the internal foot and external leg muscles will function at their peak performance. Everything will become less fatigued and the muscles in the upper leg, buttocks area and lower back will function with less stress as well. Many patients report that they have received lower back pain relief with the use of functional corrective orthotics.
"Best doctor our family has seen in 12 years. She is AMAZING!!"
- M.S.
In order to make an orthotic, each foot has a proper biomechanical exam performed to make sure the alignment is corrected properly in the new orthotic. Next a impression is taken with plaster material to capture the proper shape and contour of the foot.
The plaster molds and the mechanical measurements are sent to the lab for the devices to be fabricated. Adjustments and follow-ups are usually necessary to make sure the fit is correct. It may take a week or two or a couple of months to get used to the devices, so proper break-in is suggested.
Orthotics may be made for many types of shoes including: Work shoes, casual shoes as well as high heels. In addition all types of athletic shoes can be fit with an orthotic including running shoes, cleats, cycling, skate or ski boots for men, women and children.
Children’s orthotics can help to guide their bones and joints especially as bones are still made of cartilage early on in life, so mechanical guidance is very important when the foot mechanics are faulty from the start.
Orthotics can be made from many types of materials, and are all custom designed for each patient, based on individual needs.
Orthotics may last depending on materials used, upwards of 15 years, especially when regular refurbishing (recovering/repair) is done.
Typical refurbishing should be done about every 3-5 years. Children’s orthotics are changed and re-casted as the child grows, as they typically will grow out of the devices after the child increases 2 -3 shoe sizes.
We evaluate each person’s need for biomechanical correction, and can make suggestions on the perfect orthotic for your needs. We may have to make changes to the athletic or work shoes based on the correction achieved with the device.
This may include going less or more stable in the midsole or out sole. Increasing ½ a shoe size may be necessary for some patients in some situations.
Our office offers many shoe lines. We carry sandals by Revere, Vionic, and Orthofeet. These lines of sandals will either accommodate custom orthotics or have an orthotic like foot bed built inside them. They are the best way to align the foot while walking in the warmer months. We also offer slippers that can accommodate orthotics, or have a built in foot bed to soothe achy feet while walking around your home. Many styles and colors available, to suit all tastes.
The shoe lines that we have at the office are: Aetrex, Apex, Orthofeet, Anodyne, Revere, Klogs, and Vionic. We sell a variety of styles that accommodate orthotics, or help our diabetic feet move and feel great. We have Styles like topsiders, non-slip clogs, women's and men's loafers, low and high top hikers, dressy men's wingtips, to casual women's boots. These styles come in a range of colors, sizes up to 15 and various widths. Come in today and get fit for our comfortable shoes. We are also a supplier of diabetic shoes and are a DME supplier for custom orthotics and shoes that can be billed through insurance for some of our patients that qualify under the proper insurance guidelines. "
She always keeps in mind the movements of each sport and incorporates that into the treatment plan.
"Dr. Schoene was amazing. She really took the time to listen to my problems in my foot and explained a course of treatment."
- C.J.
What are the Common Uses of Orthotics?
How Do Orthotics Compare with Arch Supports?
Many people compare orthotics to commercial, mass produced arch supports. To put it simply, there is only a slight similarity!
Only a custom orthotic can effectively support and control the abnormal foot, taking into account age, weight, specific sport, arch height, lower leg and foot flexibility and their biomechanical abilities.
The typical life of an orthotic can be at least 10-15 years, with periodic refurbishing of the top cover’s.
Bracing for Sports and Gait abnormalities
Our office stocks many supplies, braces tapes and orthotics to support gait conditions such as:
Avoiding Falls
Our office casts and fabricates braces called the Moore Balance Brace for our patients who have a history of falls, have instability or difficulty walking. These braces are easy to wear, can be worn while ambulating and exercising, and traditionally covered by insurance.
"Dr. Schoene took the time to explain everything to me so that I could understand what was going on. I didn't feel rushed in/out as at some practices. Her care for me as a person and patient were apparent. Her expertise was comforting. Thank you!"
- A.K.