Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Relief

What You Need To Know

How custom orthotics work, who benefits, and what to expect during the process.

Understanding Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom-made shoe inserts, called orthotics, are prescribed by your doctor at Nevada Foot and Ankle as a treatment method to relieve foot or ankle pain and to restore normal foot function. 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 to make it more mechanically efficient. Even people experiencing minimal foot discomfort without a significant foot deformity can find relief in custom orthotics.

During activity, your arch goes up and down to absorb shock. As we age, the arch (due to genetics and wear and tear) begins to collapse. With that collapse of the arch, pain and disability can result. Custom orthotics help support the arch and reduce the strain that leads to discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Orthotics are custom made to your foot size and type. They are molded to exactly the contours of your foot for a perfect fit and feel. As a result, they are comfortable and, with modern plastics and rubber, they are easy to care for.

A clinical evaluation must be performed by your podiatrist to determine which type of orthotic can help your foot condition best. Your podiatrist’s clinical evaluation will help determine the best type of orthotic for your particular needs and the types of shoes you normally wear. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain or fatigue, schedule an evaluation with our team to learn whether custom orthotics are right for you.

Types of Orthotics and What to Expect

There are several types of orthotics, and accommodating orthotics are among the most traditional. These orthotics use padding to protect and support the foot to accommodate or offload a specific area of your foot to relieve pressure.

Another type is a functional orthotic. Functional orthotics use bio-mechanical applications and posting to influence the motion of the foot and alter the forces acting on the foot to make the foot work better and pain free.

There are many foot types and there is a middle ground where you need the benefits of both accommodation and function. When a blend of both is necessary, podiatrists turn to functional-hybrid orthotics, which have an accommodating, shock absorbing top cover with a stabilizing shell that provides correction. They can be prescribed for reasons such as standing for prolonged periods at work or playing sports.

All of our orthotics are made from electronically scanned images or physical impressions of your foot to ensure accuracy and prompt service. Upon receiving your orthotics, our doctors will provide wearing instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your progress. Should you need adjustments, your doctor can often provide them in the office while you wait.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of orthotics, and our team will obtain authorization and help with claims so you can focus on getting back on your feet.