About Over-the-Counter Devices (OTC)

Do I always need a custom made foot orthotic?

There are many times when you do not need custom foot orthotics and in some situations an OTC device is adequate. When to use an OTC instead of a custom-made product is based on the following factors:

Cost: If you are cost-prohibitive, an OTC device may provide some relief at a lesser cost.

Urgency: OTC products may provide initial and immediate relief in acute cases, such as acute plantar fasciitis or a diabetic requiring immediate offloading, and allow you to manage your daily activities until a custom device is fabricated.

Temporary needs: For temporary needs, such as women who experience foot pain during pregnancy, diabetic clients who are awaiting permanent orthotics or a child who is growing rapidly, an OTC product makes the most economical sense.

Minor biomechanical abnormalities: If you have minor biomechanical abnormalities and custom made foot orthotics are not necessary, OTC products may alleviate your symptoms.

Minimal activity: If you are someone who only bears weight while transferring from bed to a chair or other types of transfers, an OTC product may be helpful to protect your feet from injury during these activities.

As a first step: If you require substantial mechanical assistance in order to allow your foot to function more “normally” yet are not able to tolerate this assistance, an OTC product can be used to provide insight into how you will respond to and tolerate a more aggressive support.

Different shoe styles: One style of orthotic does not fit into every shoe. If you require support in another style of shoe that is not worn as often, an OTC product may be an option.

Adapted from the Pedorthic Association of Canada Position Statements, 2003.