Orthotics are inserts that fit into shoes that provide extra support for your feet. Being fitted for custom orthotics can provide support to all areas including:
| Generic/Over the Counter Inserts | Custom Orthotics |
|---|---|
| Can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, grocery stores, or shoe stores. | Prescribed and designed by a doctor |
| Main benefit is extra comfort in shoes | Designed specifically for your feet to correct issues that are diagnosed by your doctor. |
| Typically made of gel, plastic, or foam. | Made of a unique bio-mechanical lattice-design that is lightweight and comfortable. Made to fit in a wide variety of shoes and are designed around both the width and length of the desired shoe. |
| Wear out in 3-6 months and need to be replaced. | Will last 3-5 years. |
| One size/design for all foot structures. | Custom every person as a unique foot structure and gait pattern, the orthotics are designed specific to you. |
While over the counter inserts can make your shoes feel more comfortable for a short period of time, custom orthotics can be used to correct the issues that are causing your pain:
Our feet have a big job to fulfill! Spending large amounts of time standing/walking on hard surfaces can cause pain in not only the feet, but also the knees, hips, and back. Custom orthotics are a great option to offload the pressure that is put on our feet. This can lead to a more balanced gait and in turn will reduce pain and discomfort in more areas than just the feet.
Some insurance plans include coverage for custom orthotics! At West Michigan Foot and Ankle, we are happy to do a complementary insurance check to find out if your plan includes coverage for orthotics, or provide you with all of the information that you need to check your own plan if you choose. All you have to do is call our office!
These custom Orthotics are a life changer. They have made such a difference in the way I walk and how I feel after a 14 hour day on my feet. So much so that I purchased a second pair. Thank you Dr. Squires!
