Custom Molded Orthotics for Your Feet

What You Need To Know

Learn how custom orthotics work and why they differ from store-bought insoles.

Understanding Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom-fitted orthotics are prescribed by a foot doctor and are designed to support and comfort your feet. They are manufactured after a thorough exam of your feet, ankles, and legs, so these inserts fit your unique foot structure and needs. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are prescription-grade medical devices created from a precise scan or mold of your feet. They correct biomechanical imbalances, prevent injury, and relieve pain throughout your body, not just your feet.

Orthotics are similar to eyeglasses in that they provide stabilization to relieve pain that comes with strain, and they restore proper function of the foot to make it more mechanically efficient. Even people with minimal discomfort and no significant foot deformity can find relief in custom orthotics. During activity, your arch moves up and down to absorb shock. As we age, the arch can collapse due to genetics and wear and tear, and pain and disability may result.

Shoe inserts found in retail stores are one-size-fits-all. Custom orthotics are molded to fit your foot and made of high-quality materials that are durable for years with proper care, designed to relieve your unique foot health needs.

Orthotics are effective in treating plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendonitis, and heel, foot, and ankle pain. They also benefit patients with diabetes, arthritis, flat feet, bunions, high arches, hammertoes, Achilles tendonitis, and related knee, hip, or lower back pain. If you feel orthotics are a treatment option for you, we recommend meeting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a plan to improve your foot health.

How Our Orthotics Are Made and Fitted

At University Foot and Ankle Institute, we use advanced technology and decades of experience to create truly customized orthotic solutions. Our process includes 3D digital scanning and pressure mapping, custom molding from precise foot data, board-certified podiatrists and foot surgeons on staff, in-office gait analysis to optimize your orthotic fit, and post-fitting adjustments to ensure ongoing comfort.

We first assess your overall health and evaluate your pain or discomfort along with contributing factors. After a thorough examination of your feet, we check your gait and watch the movement of your feet, ankles, and legs. Based on our evaluation, we design the right orthotics to relieve your foot problem. There are two main categories: functional orthotics, which help control abnormal motion and are usually made of semi-rigid material like graphite or plastic, and accommodative orthotics, which provide cushioning and support and can help treat diabetic foot ulcers and painful calluses.

After your evaluation and foot scanning, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for your orthotics to be fabricated and fitted. Our doctors then provide wearing instructions and schedule a follow-up to evaluate your progress. Should you require adjustments, your doctor can often provide them in the office while you wait.

Most custom orthotics last 2 to 3 years depending on your activity level and wear. Many insurance plans cover medically necessary orthotics, and our team can help verify your benefits and handle the paperwork so you can get back to comfortable, pain-free movement.