Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Pain

What You Need To Know

How custom orthotics work and what to expect from treatment.

Understanding Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom-made shoe inserts, called orthotics, are prescribed by your doctor at Bay Area Foot Care 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.

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

A clinical evaluation must be performed by your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic can help your foot condition best. The evaluation considers your particular needs and the types of shoes you normally wear. After evaluation by our Bay Area Foot Care doctors, the most effective type of orthotic for your condition will be determined and prescribed, so you can get started on the path to lasting relief.

Types of Orthotics and the Fitting Process

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 is necessary, podiatrists turn to functional-hybrid orthotics. These have the best of both types built in, with an accommodating and shock absorbing top cover paired with a stabilizing shell for 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 Bay Area Foot Care doctors 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.