Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Relief

What You Need To Know

How custom molded orthotics work and how they can relieve foot and ankle pain.

Understanding Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom-made shoe inserts, called orthotics, are prescribed by your doctor at Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists 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. If you are experiencing ongoing foot or ankle pain, or discomfort that limits your daily activity, a clinical evaluation with your podiatrist can determine whether custom orthotics are right for you.

Types of Orthotics and the Fitting Process

There are several types of orthotics, and our doctors prescribe different types based on your specific needs and the shoes you normally wear. A clinical evaluation must be performed to determine which type of orthotic can help your foot condition best.

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.

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. When a blend of both approaches is necessary, podiatrists turn to functional-hybrid orthotics. These have an accommodating and shock absorbing top cover with a stabilizing shell to provide correction, and can be prescribed for 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, your doctor will provide wearing instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your progress. Should you require any adjustments, your doctor can often provide them in the office while you wait. Most insurance companies cover the cost of orthotics, and our team will help with authorization and claims processing for you.