How Are Custom Orthotics Made and How Do They Work?

You might not consider just how helpful your feet are until you develop pain or an otherwise frustrating foot condition. While things like rest and switching to more supportive shoes may help ease foot-related symptoms, they may not suffice if you’re dealing with a diagnosable disorder or anatomical issues.

Enter custom orthotics. These specialized devices, often made of foam, gel, or plastic, may be just what you need to get the pep back in your step long term.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno prescribe custom orthotics for various common foot issues.

Here’s a closer look at custom orthotics, including how they’re made and ways they can benefit your wellness.

How custom orthotics work

Custom orthotics are very different from basic shoe inserts you can pick up at a shoe store. By providing cushioning and support specific to your feet needs, they help ease a variety of common foot conditions, such as:

• Bunions
• Bursitis
• Chronic foot pain
• Diabetes-related pain 
• Foot trauma
• Foot ulcers
• Plantar fasciitis

Orthotics help treat these conditions by providing attributes like arch support or increased cushioning around parts or all of your feet. They can also make your shoes fit comfortably, soothe heel pain, and reduce knee pain related to excessive pronation (when your feet turn or roll slightly inward). 

Custom orthotics can help if you’re vulnerable to stress fractures, too, and may even help you avoid surgery related to flat feet.

How custom orthotics are made

Unlike foot inserts, custom orthotics are tailored to the unique shape and needs of your feet. The process starts with a comprehensive exam in our office, where your provider will take 3D images of your feet. They may watch you walk or make an exact mold of your feet as well.

The images or mold are then sent to an orthotics lab to be created. Once your custom orthotics are ready, you simply slip them into your shoes. 

Depending on your needs and shoe type, we may recommend rigid, or “functional,” orthotics or soft “accommodative” orthotics. Rigid orthotics may be ideal if you’re dealing with chronic foot aches or leg pain. Soft orthotics tend to work best for diabetic foot ulcers and plantar fasciitis. You can even request custom orthotics to be worn in ice skates or ski boots.

To find out if custom orthotics are ideal for you or learn more about them, call Mayfair Foot Care or schedule an appointment using our online booking feature today.