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.
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.
Custom orthotics are made to mold to your feet and should fit your shoes perfectly. If you feel like the orthotic isn’t fitted properly, it’s extremely important you let your podiatrist know right away so they can assist in getting you as comfortable as possible.
In order to ensure your orthotic is doing its job, it’s recommended that you keep a healthy line of communication with your podiatrist and visit at their requested schedule. Doing this will keep track of gradual improvement and will allow you to discuss any possible adjustments needed. If you feel orthotics are a treatment option for you, we recommend you meet with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss how to improve your foot health.
3D Digital Scanning Technology
We utilize high-precision 3D digital scanning to capture every contour of your foot with millimeter accuracy. This data allows us to prescribe medical-grade orthotics that are far superior to generic over-the-counter options. Each pair is engineered to provide the exact degree of correction needed for your specific gait, helping to align your feet, ankles, and knees.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Store inserts are generic cushioning — one shape for every foot. Prescription custom orthotics are built from a 3D scan of your feet after a physician’s biomechanical exam, engineered to correct your specific alignment problem. That is why they resolve pain that drugstore inserts only muffle.
Many PPO plans cover custom orthotics when prescribed for a diagnosed condition such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot deformity, though coverage varies widely. Our Escondido office will verify your benefits and give you a clear cost picture before anything is ordered.
A well-made prescription pair typically lasts 2 to 5 years depending on your activity level and body weight. We recommend a periodic recheck so the correction can be adjusted as your feet, footwear, and activity change.
Your first visit includes the exam and 3D scan. Fabrication of the prescription device typically takes a few weeks, and we fit and fine-tune them at a follow-up visit. Call (760) 546-2220 to schedule your biomechanical assessment.
