Not All Orthotics Are Created Equal: The Difference Between Accommodative and Functional Devices

The term "custom orthotic" is often used as a single, catch-all phrase, but the reality is more nuanced. Within the world of biomechanics, there are two primary categories of devices, each designed for a very different purpose: functional and accommodative.

While both are custom-molded to an individual's foot, they are built with different materials and have entirely different therapeutic goals. Understanding this distinction is the key to selecting the right tool for your specific needs. Using the wrong type of device can be ineffective at best and uncomfortable at worst. As a comprehensive provider, Fits Perfect Orthotics offers distinct models in both categories, ensuring you can get a solution that is perfectly aligned with your health goals.

Functional Orthotics: The Goal is Control and Alignment

A functional orthotic is an active, corrective device. Its primary job is to control abnormal motion and improve the biomechanical function of the foot.

• Who They Are For: This is the most common type of custom orthotic for active adults. These models are ideal for individuals dealing with common overuse injuries caused by faulty mechanics, such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and runner's knee. They are specifically designed to manage conditions like overpronation (collapsing arches).

• How They Are Made: The core of a functional orthotic is a firm, semi-rigid shell, often made from a material like polypropylene. This shell is the engine of the device. While it is complemented by cushioning layers and a soft top cover for comfort, its underlying structure is firm and supportive.

• The Primary Function: The main goal is motion control and realignment. By providing a stable, supportive platform for the arch and heel, a functional orthotic prevents the foot from collapsing or rolling inward excessively. This is what corrects the faulty mechanics that lead to strain and pain throughout the kinetic chain. The models for athletes, everyday use, and dress shoes from Fits Perfect fall into this category.

Accommodative Orthotics: The Goal is Protection and Cushioning

An accommodative orthotic is designed with a different philosophy: its primary job is to "accommodate" a particular foot issue by providing maximum cushioning and pressure relief.

• Who They Are For: These models are most often recommended for individuals with at-risk feet, particularly patients with diabetes who may have peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation). They are also used for severe, rigid foot deformities or painful arthritis where the primary goal is to offload pressure from sensitive areas.

• How They Are Made: Accommodative orthotics are typically fabricated from multiple layers of soft, compressible foam materials. They are designed to be forgiving and to distribute pressure as evenly as possible across the entire surface of the foot.

• The Primary Function: The main goal is pressure redistribution and shock absorption. By creating a "total contact" fit with soft materials, they help to protect the foot's delicate tissues, reduce shear forces that can cause blisters, and provide a safe, cushioned environment. While they provide general support, they are not designed for the high degree of biomechanical control found in a functional device.

Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs

The comprehensive range of products from Fits Perfect: Custom Orthotics ensures that you can select the model that is perfectly suited to your condition.

If you are an active individual looking to resolve a nagging running injury or address the root cause of your back pain, you would choose from the functional models. If you are managing a condition like diabetic neuropathy and your primary goal is protection and pressure relief, you would opt for an accommodative model.

Understanding your own needs is the first step. The process of getting the right device is simpler than ever. A precise 3D foot scan provides the perfect blueprint, and our system allows you to choose the personalized solution that is engineered for your specific functional or accommodative needs.