Foot or ankle pain that just won’t go away can make every step miserable. Don’t let podiatric problems get in the way of your active lifestyle. Custom orthotics are a simple, effective solution that can help relieve discomfort and improve foot and ankle function.
Calabasas Podiatry Group’s talented podiatric specialist Dr. Dana Brems, DPM, provides complete medical and surgical care for foot and ankle conditions. She can recommend and prescribe custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Wondering if custom orthotics are right for you? Here’s what you should know about these medical devices, including the conditions they address, how they compare to their storebought counterparts, and how to schedule an appointment with our expert.
Custom Orthotics Versus Over-the-Counter Insoles
Both custom orthotics and store-bought insoles fit into your shoes to improve comfort and support. However, other than this detail, custom orthotics and over-the-counter shoe products couldn’t be more different.
Whereas custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed to provide support, cushioning, and alignment for your specific feet, store-bought insoles are manufactured in a range of one-size-fits-most styles to accommodate as many consumers as possible. Though over-the-counter insoles may provide some cushioning and support, they’re far less effective than their custom counterparts.
Don’t waste time or money on mass-manufactured insoles that weren’t designed with your needs in mind. Calabasas Podiatry Group offers custom orthotics that provide the specific benefits your feet require.
Custom Orthotics Types: Functional and Accommodative
There are two main types of orthotics: functional and accommodative. Functional orthotics are usually made of a semi-rigid material like plastic. Their primary purpose is to correct abnormal and harmful foot and ankle movements.
Accommodative orthotics are generally softer and can be made of various materials, including plastic foams, cork, leather, and rubber. While accommodative orthotics can be designed to address abnormal foot function, their primary advantages lie in providing cushioning and padding to alleviate pain and pressure on the foot.
Conditions Custom Orthotics Can Address
At Calabasas Podiatry Group, we use custom orthotics to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions in children and adults. Examples of podiatric issues custom orthotics can address include:
- Plantar fasciitis. An overuse injury caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of the toes.
- Flat feet or fallen arches. Adult-acquired flat feet occur when the posterior tibial tendon is injured or worn, allowing the arch to collapse. This can cause foot pain, fatigue, and other podiatric problems.
- Bunions. Caused by misalignment of metatarsals, bunions cause the big toe to lean toward the smaller toes while the base of the big toe joint sticks out unnaturally. Though custom orthotics can’t eliminate a bunion, they can help prevent the deformity from progressing.
- Morton’s neuroma. The thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes. It’s most common between the third and fourth toes and can make regular daily activities difficult.
- Ankle instability. When the outer side of the ankle regularly gives way, it can put you at risk for strains, sprains, broken bones, and other injuries. Custom orthotics can help stabilize the ankle joint.
- Overpronation or supination. Gait abnormalities, such as overpronation (excessively rolling the foot inward) and supination (insufficient inward rolling), can cause pain and discomfort. Custom orthotics can help to restore proper foot alignment and function.
- Metatarsalgia. Inflammation in the forefoot can make every step uncomfortable. Orthotics can redistribute pressure, making standing and walking less painful.
- Achilles tendinitis. Often the result of repetitive strain, this condition is caused by irritation or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.
- Overpronation or supination. Gait abnormalities, such as overpronation (excessively rolling the foot inward) and supination (insufficient inward rolling), can cause pain and discomfort. Custom orthotics can help to restore proper foot alignment and function.
How to Find Out If Custom Orthotics Are Right for You
Dr. Brems can prescribe custom orthotics after thoroughly examining your feet, ankles, and legs and discussing your symptoms and family history.
If custom orthotics are part of your treatment plan, our specialist will use the latest technology to capture the exact dimensions of your feet and ankles. This information will go to a lab that will fabricate your orthotics from high-quality materials according to precise specifications. When your custom orthotics arrive, Dr. Brems will have you come in to ensure a proper fit.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with our expert to find out what we can do for your feet. Complete the contact form or call our office.