Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Relief

What You Need To Know

How custom molded orthotics work and who benefits most from them.

Understanding Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that help realign the foot to function in a more efficient position. They help control foot mechanics so there is less arch pressure, unlike an off-the-shelf arch support. Orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. Unlike typical shoe inserts, custom orthotics are prescribed by a podiatrist to provide your feet with optimal cushion and support, and they can aid in correcting a specific foot condition.

During activity, your arch goes up and down to absorb shock. As we age, the arch begins to collapse due to genetics and wear and tear, and with that collapse, pain and disability can result. 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. Even people experiencing minimal foot discomfort without a significant deformity can find relief in custom orthotics.

At Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers of Washington, we prescribe orthotic devices to control abnormal walking patterns, to slow the progression of conditions such as bunions or flatfoot, and often for patients following surgery. A clinical evaluation must be performed by your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic can help your foot condition best, based on your needs and the shoes you normally wear.

If you feel orthotics are a treatment option for you, we recommend meeting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss how to improve your foot health.

Types, Technology, and Follow-Up Care

There are several types of orthotics. Accommodating orthotics use padding to protect and support the foot to offload a specific area and relieve pressure. Functional orthotics use biomechanical applications and posting to influence foot motion and alter the forces acting on it. When a blend of both is necessary, functional-hybrid orthotics combine an accommodating, shock absorbing top cover with a stabilizing shell. Soft orthotics are commonly prescribed for rigid feet or for diabetic feet prone to ulcers and sores.

Conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and flat feet can highly benefit from custom orthotics. These devices are also a clinical tool for Achilles tendon pain, bunions, high arched foot, hallux rigidus and limitus, medial knee pain, metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, and shin splints. Benefits include improved posture, reduced foot and ankle pain, less pressure on joints, and increased stability.

Our orthotics are made from electronically scanned images or physical impressions of your foot to ensure accuracy. We also offer Go 3-D orthotics, which capture thousands of data points using a 3D scanner and a gait plate with 40,000 sensors that analyze how weight is distributed while walking. The result is a lightweight orthotic with a biomechanical lattice design for precise support.

Upon receiving your orthotics, our doctors provide wearing instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your progress and make any adjustments needed.