Smart Orthotics

Smart Orthotics

The Area

There are 47.35 million orthopaedic patients in the US and no less than 4.8 million in Canada. One of the major disorders contributing to these statistics is impaired gait that can be corrected with the use of custom orthotic shoe insoles. These custom-moulded insoles fit the contours of a specific foot and provide support at key areas to correct the gait. These insoles are made from hard materials like wood or carbon fibre to provide reliable support. Manufacturing these custom orthotics requires either a skilled technician who can hand craft the insole or computers, milling machines and machinists who can machine the desired orthotic

The Problem

Custom orthotics are more popular and effective than over-the-counter insoles. This is because the custom orthotics are designed specifically for the foot in question. However, achieving this custom shape makes them about 20 times more expensive due to the cost of precise manufacturing by skilled personnel. There is also a recurring cost of using custom orthotics. Adjustments or replacement are required within several years of usage.