Custom Orthotics in Goodyear, AZ
We take thousands of steps every day. That repetitive impact can lead to foot stress and pain, especially if there’s already a known problem with the feet. This stress can also cause ankle, knee, hip or even low back pain. A conversation with a foot doctor about arch supports and good shoes are the first steps to take to solve the problem.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are arch supports that are prescribed specifically for each person. In our clinic, we use digital scanning technology to create a 3-D model of the foot, and those scans are sent off to be hand-crafted by a professional orthotics lab.
The Process Matters
Getting proper custom orthotics is a process, not just a thing you buy at a shoe store. To truly maximize the benefit of orthotics so they work like a tool to help your feet, it requires the person making and ordering them to have an understanding of the foot anatomy and the interaction of all the bones, joints, muscles and tendons while walking. This process is called biomechanics. It requires a expert foot doctor who not only understands the biomechanics of the feet, but also spends the time and effort to analyze your feet and determine how to adjust the orthotics specifically to address your foot issues.
Benefits of prescription custom orthotics
Orthotics promote more efficient and proper foot alignment during motion, optimize foot function to improve balance and stability, and neutralize excessive forces.
prescription custom orthotics minimize the stress and strain on the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments, and better balance the high pressure areas of the foot.
And they also prevent foot pain, deformity and injuries.
Not All Orthotics Are the Same
Standing on a mat, or being sold an overpriced piece of plastic to put in your shoes doesn’t make it a custom orthotic.
Sometimes prefabricated, non custom arch supports are sufficient to ease your tired and achy feet. It’s worth your time to have a conversation with a foot expert who specializes in biomechanical foot evaluation to see what type of arch support is right for you.
One of the most common reasons patients end up in custom orthotics is heel pain that is worst with the first few steps out of bed in the morning. That pattern usually points to plantar fasciitis, and proper arch support is central to treating it rather than an add-on. If that sounds like your mornings, read
why your heel hurts when you get out of bed in the morning.
Meet Your Custom Orthotics Specialist
Dr Craig Udall, DPM is a board certified and fellowship-trained podiatrist, and is the west valley’s dedicated expert in custom foot orthotics and specialist in lower extremity biomechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics
Are custom orthotics worth it?
For most patients with a real foot problem, yes. They solve issues that drugstore inserts cannot, they last years, and they often prevent the need for more invasive treatment later. If you have tried over-the-counter inserts and they did not help, custom orthotics are usually the next logical step.
Can I wear custom orthotics in any shoe?
Most shoes, yes. We design orthotics to fit the type of shoes you actually wear. Patients who wear a mix of dress shoes, running shoes, and work boots sometimes get more than one pair so the orthotic matches the shoe.
Does Medicare cover custom orthotics?
Usually not on its own. Original Medicare covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for diabetic patients under a specific benefit, but it does not cover most other custom orthotics. Some Medicare Advantage plans do. Call us at 623-248-4734 and we will check your specific plan.
How long does it take to get my orthotics?
About two to three weeks from your casting or scanning visit to when your orthotics are ready for fitting.
Will my feet feel weird at first?
Often, yes, especially in the first few days. Custom orthotics change how your feet move, and that takes a short adjustment period. Most patients break them in by wearing them for short stretches at first, then gradually increasing wear time over a week or two. Any discomfort that does not go away should be reported. Small adjustments are part of the process.
What is the difference between custom orthotics from a podiatrist and the ones you buy at a store or online?
Any orthotics that are labeled as custom arch supports, but aren’t ordered by a foot doctor, aren’t truly custom orthotics. Everyone’s feet are different, so you need your feet evaluated through an exam, gait analysis, etc. A custom orthotic from a podiatrist is a medical device prescribed by an expert who is trained to diagnose and treat that condition, and made by a professional orthotics lab.
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The first step to custom orthotics is a real evaluation. Dr. Udall will examine your feet, watch you walk, and tell you whether custom orthotics are likely to help with your specific problem. If they are not the right answer, we will tell you that too.
