What are Orthotics?
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.
Why You Need Them
Orthotics correct many structural deviations of the feet, such as high or low arches, by holding your foot in a neutral position. 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 healthcare professional. For severe problems, a cast may be taken of your feet and sent to a lab for a more rigid device. For 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.
What are the Types of Orthotics?
Orthotics fall under accommodative and lab types. 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 the patients responsibility.
- 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. They should be worn 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. For more information, have your physician contact our training department.