Orthotics are custom made inserts for your shoes, similar to the insoles present in athletic shoes. Orthotics are molded to the contours of your feet to correct many structural problems. They vary from full foot length to half length and from soft materials to rigid.

Your feet undergo many stresses in standing, walking, working and playing sports. They need to accommodate between the ground and the forces of your body. Orthotics correct many structural deviations of the feet, such as high or low arches, by holding your foot in a neutral position. Such deviations make accommodation of your feet more difficult. Rather than stressing your feet by forcing them to adapt to your walking surface, orthotics bring the floor to your feet. Your physician may have diagnosed you with such conditions as plantar fascitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, neuroma, bunions or post surgical conditions which orthotics can help to treat.

Orthotics are custom molded to your feet by a trained health professional. Materials are heated to soften them and then molded to your feet while you are lying or standing. For severe problems, a cast may be taken of your feet and sent to a lab for a more rigid device. To your first appointment, you should bring socks to protect your feet from the heat, several pairs of shoes you commonly wear, especially lace up and athletic shoes and wear comfortable clothes that can be rolled to the knees.

Orthotics can be accommodative and lab. Accommodative orthotics are made of softer material and last 8 to 12 months. Lab orthotics are made of rigid plastic or graphite and are guaranteed for life.

Orthotics work best in a wider, lace up shoe such as athletic shoes, loafers or boots. Depending on your footwear demands, orthotics can be fitted into dress shoes, most heeled shoes or post op shoes. Footwear recommendations can be made by your therapist.

Many insurance companies do not cover orthotics. Your insurance will be billed, but often times the cost is collected when the orthotic is picked up.
Accommodative Orthotics range from $40-$60 per pair.
Lab orthotics range from $80 -$120 per pair.

Orthotics redistribute forces through your foot and often change angles involved in walking and standing. Therefore, you should slowly break in your orthotics day by day. Wear them 1-2 hours the first day, increasing by 1 to 2 hours every day until you are wearing them all day.

You do need a prescription for Orthotics. Please talk to your doctor about how orthotics could help you. If your doctor needs more information, have them contact our training department for details.