What are orthotics?
Orthotics, unlike typical shoe inserts, are prescribed by a podiatrist to help provide your feet with cushion and support. They can also aid in correcting a specific foot condition that you may be dealing with. Conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and flat feet can highly benefit from the use of orthotics, and orthotics may assist you in alleviating pain that often comes with those ailments.
Can orthotics be picked up in stores?
Orthotics are not sold in stores, over-the-counter arch supports are. Frequently patients come in to our office stating they paid $900-$1500 to a shoe store for "custom orthotics", that they received the same day of their visit. These insoles are not custom and do not work!
Are there different kinds of orthotics?
Orthotics can come in many different shapes and sizes and can be made from different types of materials. The purpose of a custom orthotic is for it to match your specific needs. Some orthotics may be rigid or functional, while others are soft and accommodative. Rigid orthotics are made to help ease foot aches and strains, and they’re made from harder materials like plastic or carbon fiber. Soft orthotics serve to take the pressure off of uncomfortable areas of the feet, such as sores or foot ulcers. This type of orthotic is typically made from soft, compression materials.
How are orthotics "custom"?
Custom orthotics are made to mold of your feet. Your feet are placed in "neutral" position, where the arch is not high or low, and casts are made of your feet. Our doctor writes a prescription that is sent over to the lab with the casts, and the lab follows the prescription in making custom orthotics. These orthotics should be very comfortable. Call us today if you would like to have custom orthotics made. (562) 429-5300.