Custom Support in Minutes: Using Atlas Biomechanics’ Heat Moldable Orthotics

 For patients and practitioners seeking a fast, effective, and customizable solution for foot pain and biomechanical issues, heat-moldable orthotics from Atlas Biomechanics offer a compelling alternative to traditional lab-made orthotics. These devices combine the benefits of a semi-custom fit with the convenience and affordability of a prefabricated product. By providing a personalized foundation for the feet, they can address a wide range of conditions and improve overall body alignment.

The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

Generic, off-the-shelf insoles often fall short. While they may provide some cushioning, they are not designed to address the specific contours and biomechanical needs of an individual’s foot. For conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or chronic arch pain, a truly supportive device must conform to the unique shape of the foot to properly distribute pressure and provide targeted support.

The Atlas Biomechanics Advantage

Atlas Biomechanics’ heat-moldable orthotics bridge the gap between generic inserts and expensive, time-consuming lab orthotics. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages they offer:

1. True Customization, On-the-Spot: Unlike off-the-shelf inserts, these orthotics can be molded directly to the patient’s foot. With the use of a simple heat gun, the semi-rigid material softens and becomes pliable. The practitioner then guides the patient’s foot into a neutral, corrected position while the orthotic cools and hardens, capturing the precise contours of the arch, heel, and metatarsals. This process, which can take as little as 10 minutes, ensures a total-contact fit that is unique to the individual.

2. A Fraction of the Cost and Time: Traditional custom orthotics require a lengthy process of casting, lab fabrication, and multiple office visits. This often results in a high cost for the patient and a significant wait time for the finished product. Atlas Biomechanics’ heat-moldable orthotics eliminate this long and costly process. By allowing for in-office fabrication, they provide a much more affordable and immediate solution, increasing patient satisfaction and compliance.

3. Thin Profile, Versatile Fit: Atlas Biomechanics manufactures its orthotic arch supports with a thin profile, typically around 1.3 mm. This design is a significant advantage, as it allows the orthotics to fit comfortably in a wide variety of footwear, from athletic shoes and ski boots to dress flats and heels. This versatility means patients don’t have to compromise on style to get the support they need.

4. Addressing a Range of Conditions: The ability to customize the orthotic’s shape makes it an effective tool for treating a number of common foot ailments. By providing a solid arch support and a firm heel cup, these orthotics can help manage:

• Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: By supporting the arch, they reduce the strain on the plantar fascia ligament.
• Achilles Tendinitis: They can help correct overpronation, which is often a contributing factor to Achilles pain.
• Low Back and Knee Pain: By addressing issues at the foundation of the body, such as leg length discrepancies or overpronation, they can improve overall body alignment and alleviate pain in the knees and lower back.

5. Re-moldable and Adaptable: A major benefit of heat-moldable technology is that the orthotics are reheat-formable. This means that if the patient’s foot shape or needs change over time, the orthotic can be reheated and remolded. This adaptability ensures a long-lasting and effective device that can be fine-tuned as part of ongoing care.

In conclusion, Atlas Biomechanics’ heat-moldable orthotics offer a professional-grade, custom solution that is both practical and effective. They allow practitioners to provide immediate, high-quality care, while offering patients a comfortable, versatile, and affordable path to pain relief and improved foot health.

Atlas Biomechanics manufactures heat moldable orthotics.

How Heel Lifts Treat Limb Length Discrepancy After Hip Replacement Surgery

 Hip replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can restore mobility and relieve chronic pain. However, a common post-operative challenge for some patients is a limb length discrepancy (LLD), where one leg ends up being slightly shorter than the other. This can occur due to a number of factors, including the type of implant used, the surgical technique, or pre-existing conditions. While a small discrepancy may go unnoticed, a more significant difference can lead to a cascade of biomechanical issues, including back pain, hip pain, and an altered gait.

A simple and effective solution exists to address this issue: Atlas Biomechanics' heel lift.

The Effects of Unequal Leg Length

When one leg is shorter, the body compensates in various ways to maintain balance. The pelvis tilts, the spine curves to one side (a functional scoliosis), and the shoulders may become uneven. This forced asymmetry places unnatural stress on the joints and muscles, particularly in the lower back, hips, and knees. This can lead to:

Chronic Pain: The uneven loading can cause chronic pain in the hips and lower back as the body struggles to adapt.

Gait:  A patient with limb length descrepancy may develop a limp or an inefficient walking pattern, which can increase the risk of falls and further joint stress.

Postural: Over time, the body’s compensatory mechanisms can lead to poor posture and muscular imbalances, affecting the entire kinetic chain.

How a Heel Lift Restores Harmony

A heel lift is a wedge-shaped insert placed inside the shoe of the shorter leg. By raising the heel, this seemingly minor adjustment has a profound impact on the body’s alignment and function.

1. Equalizing Leg Length: The primary function of the heel lift is to physically equalize the length of the two legs. By adding height to the shorter side, it brings the pelvis back into a level position. This foundational correction is the key to addressing all the subsequent issues.

2. Correcting Posture and Spinal Alignment: With the pelvis level, the spine can straighten, and the compensatory curves are no longer needed. This reduces the strain on the back muscles and vertebrae, often providing immediate relief from back pain and improving overall posture.

3. Restoring Natural Gait: When the legs are of equal functional length, the patient’s walking pattern becomes more symmetrical and fluid. The limp disappears, and the stride becomes more balanced, reducing the risk of falls and making daily activities more comfortable.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Prescription

While heel lifts are an effective solution, their use requires a precise approach. A doctor or physical therapist will use specialized measurements, such as a standing X-ray or a scanogram, to accurately determine the exact leg length discrepancy.

Accurate Measurement: The height of the heel lift must be carefully calibrated to match the measured discrepancy. Using a lift that is too high or too low can be just as problematic as having no lift at all, as it could introduce new imbalances.

Gradual Introduction: In some cases, a professional may recommend starting with a slightly smaller lift and gradually increasing the height as the body adapts. This helps the muscles and joints adjust slowly and comfortably to the new alignment.

Part of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan

It’s important to understand that a heel lift is a powerful tool within a broader rehabilitation strategy. While it addresses the physical discrepancy, a patient may also benefit from a physical therapy program to:

Strengthen Core Muscles: To support the new, corrected posture.

Improve Flexibility: To release tight muscles that may have developed during the period of LLD.

Retrain Gait: To help the patient relearn a normal, balanced walking pattern.

In conclusion, for patients facing limb length discrepancy after hip surgery, a heel lift is not just a shoe insert—it’s a critical component of their recovery. By restoring physical symmetry, it alleviates pain, corrects posture, and allows patients to regain the balanced, pain-free mobility that hip surgery was intended to provide.

Atlas Biomechanics manufactures heel lifts in several heights and materials. We produce cork heel lifts, rubber heel lifts, adjustable heel lifts and heel wedges here in the USA.