Custom orthotics are the best way to truly support your feet when combined with a good shoe. When done right, orthotics are helpful for anyone. They can both treat current conditions, and also prevent future problems, so they can keep you active and on your feet. And because they are custom, they are made just for your feet. Arch supports balance the pressures and stresses in the foot bones and joints, which reduces aches and pains.They are made of durable materials that last a long time, unlike the cheap drug store inserts you can buy. Some people can do just fine with a good pair of prefabricated inserts, but it can be hard to know. Let Dr Udall evaluate your feet and help you determine what’s best for you. 

 

What is a Custom Orthotic?

Custom orthotics are arch supports that are prescribed specifically for your feet. In our clinic we use digital scanning technology to create a 3-D model of your foot, and those scans go to a professional orthotics lab where the device is hand-crafted just for you. It’s more than just a piece of plastic a store sells you to put in your arch. You need an expert who understands what to order and prescribe to address your specific foot issues. Dr Udall tells the orthotics lab how to make them so they’re done just right. Getting proper custom orthotics is a process, not just a thing you buy at a shoe store.

 

Are Custom Orthotics Worth It?

We take thousands of steps every day. That repetitive impact leads to stress and pain, especially when there is already a known problem with the feet, and that stress can travel up into the ankle, knee, hip or even the low back. Orthotics are designed to promote proper foot alignment during motion, improve balance and stability, neutralize excessive forces, and minimize strain on the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. In practice, that makes them a main treatment for conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis, and a useful tool for many other kinds of foot and ankle pain. If you have already tried over-the-counter inserts and they did not help, consider custom orthotics. Orthotics are always helpful, as long as they are done right.

When an over the counter insert isn’t Enough

Most store-bought inserts are cheap and not good enough to support your feet and arches. Being sold an overpriced piece of plastic to put in your shoes does not make it a custom orthotic, no matter what the store employees tell you. Try to avoid these stores that make it seem like they can solve all your foot problems by putting a piece of plastic in your shoe. It’s more complicated than that. They don’t know anything about feet or why you are having pain. A custom orthotic from a podiatrist is a medical device built for your specific condition by someone trained to diagnose and treat that condition. Trust an expert foot doctor who knows what the problem is in order to get the right treatment. Don’t trust the health of your feet to a shoe store employee that doesn't know feet.

What the Evaluation Looks Like at Foot Envy

The evaluation is based on your symptoms and pain, my thorough exam, and xray images, which are taken right here in the office the same day. Feet are complicated, so the goal is to understand what your true problem is first, and then work on a solution together. If custom orthotics are part of that solution, we scan your feet that day with a digital scanner. The orthotics are usually ready for fitting in about two to three weeks, and we also discuss proper shoes that will work best with your orthotics.

What to Expect Once You Have Them

Your feet may take a brief period of time to adjust to orthotics, especially if you’ve never worn them before. It’s important that you come to the office for your try on, to see how they feel. Most of the time it’s quick and easy, and there are no issues. If something doesn’t quite feel right, we make every effort to make any adjustments needed until the orthotics feel right. But our body is very good about noticing any problems right away, so if there isn’t any pain or discomfort at the initial try on, you’re likely to not need any adjustments. You may need to break them in by wearing them for short stretches at first. As mentioned before, the right shoe and the right arch support is a good combination. If you don’t have the proper shoes, it could be limiting how much relief you get because a good orthotic can’t compensate for an unsupportive shoe.

Book a Custom Orthotic Evaluation in Goodyear

Anyone can benefit from wearing arch supports. Whether you are an athlete, weekend warrior, golfer, someone who likes to walk a lot or travel, or you want to treat pain or prevent future foot problems, do something nice for your feet and give them proper support with custom orthotics. Thousands of steps every day takes a toll, so treat your feet! Foot Envy is on Indian School Road at Bullard in Goodyear, and we see patients from Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Estrella, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson and the Luke AFB community. Same-week appointments are usually available. Se habla español. Call Foot Envy at 623-248-4734.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every foot is different, and the right treatment depends on an in-person evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics

Does Insurance cover custom orthotics?

Tricare is one of the few insurances that cover custom orthotics, for the active duty service members. Unfortunately the family members don’t have coverage for orthotics, but we do offer a military discount for retirees or family members. We accept Medicare and most major insurance for the office visit and initial evaluation, but unfortunately most insurance plans don’t cover custom orthotics. Some exceptions exist, and we can help navigate that with you if needed.

How long does it take to get custom orthotics?

About two to three weeks from your scanning visit to when your orthotics are ready for fitting.

Can I wear custom orthotics in any shoe?

Typically you can in most good tennis shoes. We can make them fit any type of shoes however, and that can be part of the conversation. Some patients get more than one pair to fit in different shoes. There is a discount for any additional pairs.

Contact Foot Envy

Foot Envy

14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880

Goodyear, AZ 85395

Phone: 623-248-4734⁠

 

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