Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Relief

What You Need To Know

How custom molded orthotics work and how they are prescribed for your feet.

Custom Orthotics Built for Your Feet

Custom-made shoe inserts, called orthotics, are prescribed by your doctor at Foot Care Center as a treatment method to relieve foot or ankle pain and to restore normal foot function.

Orthotics are similar to eyeglasses in that they provide stabilization to relieve the pain that comes along with strain and they restore proper function of the foot to make it more mechanically efficient. Even people experiencing minimal foot discomfort without a significant foot deformity can find relief in custom orthotics.

Orthotics are custom made to your foot size and type. They are molded to exactly the contours of your foot for a perfect fit and feel. As a result, they are comfortable and, with modern plastics and rubber, they are easy to care for.

During activity, your arch goes up and down to absorb shock. As we age, the arch (due to genetics and wear and tear) begins to collapse. With that collapse of the arch, pain and disability can result. A clinical evaluation must be performed by your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic can help your foot condition best. Your podiatrist’s clinical evaluation will help determine the best type of orthotic for your particular needs and the types of shoes you normally wear. If foot or ankle pain is affecting your daily activities, schedule a clinical evaluation to learn whether custom orthotics are right for you.

Types of Orthotics and What to Expect

There are several types of orthotics, and accommodating orthotics are among the most traditional. These orthotics use padding to protect and support the foot to accommodate or offload a specific area of your foot to relieve pressure.

Another type of orthotic is a functional orthotic. Functional orthotics use bio-mechanical applications and posting to influence the motion of the foot and alter the forces acting on the foot to make the foot work better and pain free.

There are many foot types, and there is a middle ground where you need the benefits of both accommodation and function. When a blend of both accommodating and functional orthotics is necessary, podiatrists turn to functional-hybrid orthotics. Functional-hybrid orthotics have the best of both types of orthotics built-in. An accommodating and shock absorbing top cover with a stabilizing shell provides correction. Functional-hybrid orthotics can be prescribed for specific reasons, such as standing for prolonged periods at work or playing sports.

All of our orthotics are made from electronically scanned images or physical impressions of your foot to ensure accuracy and expedite handling. Upon receiving your orthotics, our doctors will provide necessary wearing instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your treatment progress. Should you require any adjustments, your doctor can provide them for you many times in the office while you wait.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of orthotics, and our team will help obtain authorization and process claims so you can focus on feeling better.