One type of treatment that we sometimes recommend for patients dealing with a variety of foot conditions is an orthotic insert. These inserts help to protect our feet from the forces they experience with every step we take, but as you might imagine, not all orthotics are the same. A local company is working hard to show that they’ve unlocked new technology that could revolutionize the orthotic industry in short order.
SubioMed Orthotics
The company is called SubioMed, which is in reference to their patented Suspension Biomechanic technology. The suspension biomechanic technology is built around dynamic energy management and precision motion control, and the orthotics are designed to protect and support your foot at all stages of the stepping motion. Here’s a breakdown of how their orthotic inserts can offer additional protection and support compared to a standard orthotic insert.
Dynamic Energy Management
Deceleration & Energy Absorption – As the foot makes initial contact with the ground, the orthotic device absorbs and dampens the forces being expressed on the foot. The process is similar to how a car’s suspension absorbs bumps on the road.
Energy Translation & Suspension – As your weight shifts forward during the gait cycle, kinetic energy is captured and loads that orthotic device. The orthotic device also minimizes energy transferred to the body, which further reduces the effects of wear and tear.
Energy Return – This built up kinetic energy is returned to the patient as the heel raises during the push-off phase of walking, offering a propulsive assist that makes it easier to keep moving.
These multi-layer orthotics consist of one, two or three layers that are designed to absorb and return energy, and a specific model can be fitted to a patient based on their individual needs.
Precision Motion Control
Hindfoot Control – The multi-layered design of the orthotic device ensures that the hindfoot is in the correct position at the start of the gait cycle.
Midfoot Control – The design of the layered orthotic allows a foot specialist to make additional adjustments at the midfoot section to control, support and optimize midfoot position as your foot moves through the gait cycle.
Forefoot Control – Your forefoot plays a crucial role in balance, support and propulsion during the gait cycle, and since the ball of your forefoot is not flat, you don’t always naturally land as you should on the forefoot area as you move through the gait cycle. The orthotic device ensures correct forefoot positioning during both the loading and off-loading periods of the gait cycle.
Dr. Silverman Comments
We’ve trialed the SubioMed products as part of our non-surgical management arm of foot and ankle care, and we’ve seen firsthand how the insert can help. It is truly revolutionary for people with arthritic joint pain. For the right patient, which in our experience is oftentimes a person who has a foot/joint issue that cannot have surgery, it can provide near immediate pain relief. We’ve referred five patients to SubioMed, and all five wanted the orthotic insert after trying it.
