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 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 Custom Orthotics
Orthotics promote more efficient and proper foot alignment during motion, optimize foot function to improve balance and stability, and neutralize excessive forces.
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.
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 from a mall kiosk?
Kiosk orthotics are typically built from a static foot scan and a generic prescription. They are a step above drugstore inserts, but they do not involve a medical exam, a gait analysis, or a doctor-driven prescription. A custom orthotic from a podiatrist is a medical device built for your specific condition by someone trained to diagnose and treat that condition.
¿Habla español?
Sí. Dr. Udall y nuestro equipo hablan español con fluidez. Llame al 623-248-4734 para programar una evaluación.
Get Expert Foot Care From Dr. Craig Udall
Other Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Heel Pain
(Plantar Fasciitis)
After seeing Dr Udall and getting xrays, you'll understand why your heel hurts, and feel confident that conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis works well.
Ingrown Toenails
Ready to have your toe stop hurting? When you have an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it really is. If your toe hasn't gotten better within a few days, it's not going to get better on its own.
Neuropathy
If you have neuropathy, or think you might have neuropathy, make an appointment to visit Dr. Udall to talk about it. Dr Udall is not like other doctors out there when it comes to neuropathy. He is interested in helping you understand what is going on, helping you get a proper diagnosis, and doing what is best for you. There is no one size fits all treatment for neuropathy.
Flat Feet
Flat feet are feet with a collapsed arch, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Dr Udall performs a thorough physical exam, including weight bearing x-rays to fully evaluate the arches and look at the bones and joints. Even if you aren't having lots of pain, a thorough evaluation is important to potentially prevent future problems. Custom orthotics and proper shoes are essential for supporting your feet and reducing pain.
Drop Foot
Dr Udall is the Valley's drop foot doctor expert for balance problems! As a podiatrist focusing on biomechanics of the lower extremity, Dr Udall can help you determine what is causing your balance issues, and work on helping you feel more functional again.
Foot & Ankle Pain
There are many things that cause foot pain. Feet are complicated, so you need an expert to help you sort it all out and get a proper diagnosis. Whether you have foot or ankle pain, arthritis, or an old injury, Dr Udall will take the time to get the right diagnosis, and then you'll work together on a solution that works best for you.
Diabetic Foot Care
Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet. Dr Udall provides gentle diabetic foot exams, nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help prevent complications and keep you safely on your feet.
Elderly Foot Care
As we age, caring for our feet becomes more difficult. Dr Udall provides gentle nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help seniors stay comfortable, mobile, and independent.
Hammer Toes
In-Office Treatment
Hammer Toes can rub on the shoe, or cause pressure on the tip of the toes, causing pain. Not to mention they can look a little funny when they're curled. Dr Udall is an expert at diagnosing, and treating hammer toes. He has mastered a simple procedure that fixes most hammer toes.
What Our Patients Say
Book Your Custom Orthotic Evaluation
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.
