Here's How Custom Orthotics Can Help Flat Feet: Leonard Greenwald, DPM: Podiatrist (2024)

FAQs

Here's How Custom Orthotics Can Help Flat Feet: Leonard Greenwald, DPM: Podiatrist? ›

Custom orthotics can help flat feet by providing the exact support your feet need in order to prevent knee or ankle pain that is being caused by your flat feet. They can be used to postpone or even avoid surgery for problems that are the result of alignment issues.

Today's podiatrist is the most experienced medical professional to prescribe orthotics. True. Podiatrists are the only physicians who focus exclusively on the foot and ankle. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat foot-related problems.

Orthotics can sometimes rub against the skin, causing blisters or irritation. This is more likely to occur if your orthotics are not fitted properly or if you wear shoes that are too tight.

Custom-made orthotics are available by prescription. They can be costly, and provincial health plans or private health insurance may not pay for them. Before getting an expensive pair of custom-made orthotics, consider trying quality non-prescription orthotics.

Custom orthotics are specially molded to match the exact shape of your feet to treat specific foot problems. They provide firm, long-lasting support and are more effective for issues like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. However, they can be expensive, typically ranging from $200 to $800.

Custom orthotics can help flat feet by providing the exact support your feet need in order to prevent knee or ankle pain that is being caused by your flat feet. They can be used to postpone or even avoid surgery for problems that are the result of alignment issues.

Resting at home: If you're relaxing at home and not putting much stress on your feet, you may not need to wear your orthotics. Specific activities: Some activities, like swimming or showering, may require removing your orthotics to avoid damaging them.

The Right Time To Wear Orthotics

After 2 weeks, wearing time should be up to 8 hours a day. If you experience a time delay in this wearing program due to pain or dysfunction, please contact your physician or therapist and reduce your wearing time to the last level of best comfort.

Potential Drawbacks of Custom Orthotics

One major issue is that custom orthotics can be quite expensive, and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, some people find them uncomfortable or difficult to adjust to, especially if they are used to wearing regular shoes without any additional support.

Do insurance companies cover orthotics? ›

Generally, orthotics are covered if:

They are considered medically necessary and prescribed to treat a diagnosed medical condition covered under the health benefit plan. The orthotics are prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner for protection, support, pain relief, and body alignment.

During an appointment, your podiatrist will take 3D images of each foot and do a thorough examination. That might include watching you walk and noting how your feet, ankles, legs, and hips move. If you need orthotics, your podiatrist will make a precise mold of your feet. This is important to get the right fit.

Because it's not designed for your unique foot shape and size, a store-bought orthotic can cause additional pressure points and balance issues that can weaken your foot or cause painful symptoms in other areas, not to mention making your existing issues even worse.

There are three common types of orthotics known as soft, rigid, and semi-rigid. Soft orthotics are made to provide extra cushioning while the foot is planted on the ground. Semi-rigid orthotics, which are often used on flat feet, are designed to provide both cushioning and stability.

Not only can custom orthotics treat more foot conditions, they are a long-term treatment option for many conditions, whereas most shoe inserts provide only temporarly relief. This is because custom orthoitcs fit the curves and arches of your feet, while with OTC shoe inserts, the foot is forced to conform to it.

Orthotics are invaluable to overweight people because they can help reduce the impact on the ligaments of their lower bodies. It can help to reduce pain. Custom orthotics can help those with arthritis, diabetes, and chronic pain by improving gait and reducing muscle and ligament strain.