Prescription Foot Orthotics • Livonia • Royal Oak
Custom Orthotics in Livonia & Royal Oak, MI
Prescription Orthotics Designed Around Your Feet, Mechanics & Treatment Needs
Custom foot orthotics may be used as part of treatment for certain foot and lower-extremity conditions when additional support, cushioning or changes in how forces are distributed across the foot may be beneficial.
Custom Foot Orthotics
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed for an individual’s feet and specific treatment needs following a podiatric evaluation.
Depending on the condition, an orthotic may be designed to provide support, cushioning, accommodate areas of pressure or influence how forces are distributed across the foot during standing and walking.
Unlike a general over-the-counter shoe insert, a prescription orthotic is selected or designed based on findings from an evaluation rather than simply choosing a standard size from a store shelf.
Custom orthotics are not necessary for every person with foot pain. A podiatric evaluation can help determine whether an orthotic is appropriate and what type may be useful for your particular condition.
Support Based on Your Feet
Custom Orthotics Are More Than Shoe Inserts
There are many products that can be placed inside a shoe, but not every insert is a prescription orthotic.
Over-the-counter arch supports, insoles, heel cups and cushioning products are generally manufactured in standard sizes and shapes. They may be useful for some people, but they are not individually designed around a podiatric evaluation.
Prescription custom orthotics are different. Their design can take into account your foot structure, symptoms, mechanics and the condition being treated.
The goal is not to permanently reshape an adult foot or create a new arch. Rather, orthotics may be used to support the foot, accommodate pressure and modify loading or mechanics when clinically appropriate.
Understanding the Difference
Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Shoe Inserts
Both can sit inside a shoe, but they are not the same product and do not serve exactly the same purpose.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Nonprescription shoe inserts are typically manufactured in standard sizes and may provide general cushioning or support.
Prescription Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are prescribed when a podiatrist determines that an individually designed device may be useful for a specific foot or lower-extremity problem.
Conditions & Symptoms
What Conditions May Be Treated With Custom Orthotics?
Orthotics can be incorporated into treatment for a variety of foot and ankle problems, but whether they are appropriate depends on the diagnosis and individual examination.
Flat Feet
Orthotics may provide support and help manage forces through the foot in selected patients with symptomatic flat feet.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Orthotics may be one component of a broader treatment plan when plantar heel pain is associated with mechanics or loading of the foot.
Bunions
Orthotics do not remove a bunion, but selected patients may use them to address mechanics, pressure or associated discomfort as part of conservative care.
Arthritis
Depending on the joints involved, an orthotic may be used to provide support, accommodation or changes in loading as part of an arthritis treatment plan.
Sports & Overuse Problems
When mechanics or repetitive loading contribute to certain activity-related symptoms, orthotics may be considered alongside rehabilitation and other treatment.
Pressure & High-Risk Foot Care
Accommodative devices may sometimes be considered to help redistribute pressure in selected patients, including some people requiring diabetic foot care.
Orthotics Treat the Patient—Not Just a Foot Shape
Having flat feet, a high arch or another structural characteristic does not automatically mean you need custom orthotics. Treatment should be based on symptoms, examination findings, functional needs and the underlying condition.
Prescription Orthotic Types
Functional & Accommodative Orthotics
Prescription orthotics can be designed differently depending on what the device needs to accomplish.
Functional Orthotics
Functional orthotics are generally made from firmer or semi-rigid materials and may be prescribed when the treatment plan calls for additional control or modification of foot mechanics and loading.
Depending on the diagnosis, they may be considered for certain problems involving abnormal motion, repetitive stress or mechanical foot and lower-extremity symptoms.
Accommodative Orthotics
Accommodative orthotics generally emphasize cushioning, support and pressure redistribution rather than primarily controlling motion.
They may be considered when a patient has painful pressure areas, certain calluses or other conditions where accommodation and cushioning are important treatment goals.
Foot Mechanics
How Do Custom Orthotics Work?
Custom orthotics can change how the foot interacts with the shoe and the ground, but their exact function depends on how they are designed.
A device may provide support beneath certain areas of the foot, cushion sensitive areas, redistribute pressure or influence how forces move through the foot during standing and walking.
Because different conditions have different mechanical needs, there is no single orthotic design that is appropriate for everyone.
This is one reason a podiatric evaluation matters. The objective is to determine whether an orthotic makes sense for the condition and, if so, what the device should be designed to accomplish.
Your Orthotics Evaluation
What to Expect When Getting Custom Orthotics
The process begins by determining whether prescription orthotics are appropriate for the problem you are experiencing.
Podiatric Evaluation
Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, relevant medical history and the foot or ankle problem that brought you to the office.
Foot & Mechanical Assessment
Depending on the condition, the evaluation may include foot structure, joint motion, areas of tenderness or pressure, alignment and how you stand or walk.
Orthotic Recommendation
If a custom orthotic is appropriate, the device can be prescribed according to the findings and treatment goals rather than using the same design for every patient.
Diagnosis Before the Device
Why See a Podiatrist for Custom Orthotics?
Foot pain can have many causes, and an orthotic is not automatically the right treatment simply because your feet hurt.
A podiatric evaluation can help identify the condition responsible for your symptoms and whether mechanics, pressure or alignment appear to be contributing.
This matters because a shoe insert cannot appropriately address every source of foot or ankle pain.
When orthotics are indicated, they can also be incorporated into a broader treatment plan that may include footwear changes, activity modification, physical therapy or other nonsurgical treatments when appropriate.
An Evaluation Can Help Determine:
Orthotics for Flat Feet
Can Custom Orthotics Help Flat Feet?
Custom orthotics may help manage symptoms associated with certain types of flat feet, but they do not permanently create a new arch in an adult foot.
When flat-foot mechanics contribute to pain or abnormal loading, an orthotic may be designed to provide support and modify how forces are distributed through the foot.
Not every person with flat feet needs treatment. Some people have low arches without pain or functional problems. Treatment becomes more relevant when symptoms, progressive changes or functional limitations are present.
Orthotics for Heel Pain
Can Orthotics Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Orthotics may be incorporated into treatment for plantar fasciitis and plantar heel pain when additional support or changes in foot loading are appropriate.
Plantar fasciitis is rarely treated with only one intervention. Depending on the individual, care may also include activity modification, stretching or rehabilitation, footwear changes and other treatments.
If your heel hurts during the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for an extended period, learn more about plantar fasciitis treatment and our heel treatment services.
Realistic Expectations
What Custom Orthotics Can—and Cannot—Do
Understanding the purpose of an orthotic is important when deciding whether it fits into your treatment plan.
Custom Orthotics May Help:
Orthotics Do Not:
Orthotics & Footwear
Do Custom Orthotics Work in Every Shoe?
The fit of an orthotic can depend on the device design and the amount of room available inside the shoe.
Some footwear accommodates prescription orthotics more easily than others. Shoe depth, width, removable insoles and the intended activity can all affect fit.
If you regularly wear a particular type of shoe for work, athletics or daily activities, discuss this during your orthotics evaluation. The footwear you expect to use can be relevant when planning the device.
You can also review our guide to choosing appropriate footwear.
Should You Consider Orthotics?
When Should You See a Podiatrist About Custom Orthotics?
An evaluation may be worthwhile when foot or lower-extremity symptoms continue despite basic measures or appear to be related to pressure, mechanics or activity.
These symptoms do not automatically mean custom orthotics are required. They are reasons to consider evaluation so the underlying problem can be identified.
Related Foot & Ankle Care
Explore Conditions & Services Related to Orthotics
Custom orthotics often work as one part of a broader treatment plan. Explore related conditions and conservative treatment options.
Plantar Fasciitis
Explore one of the common causes of plantar heel pain and available treatment approaches.
Heel Treatments
Learn about evaluation and treatment for heel pain and related conditions.
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation may be combined with orthotics for selected conditions when appropriate.
Nonsurgical Services
Explore additional conservative approaches to foot and ankle treatment.
Foot & Ankle Conditions
Explore common foot, ankle, heel, nail and lower-extremity conditions.
Local Podiatry Care
Custom Orthotics in Livonia & Royal Oak, Michigan
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, P.C. evaluates foot and ankle conditions and provides custom orthotics when appropriate at our Livonia and Royal Oak offices.
Livonia Office
Custom Orthotics in Livonia, MI
13407 Farmington Road
Suite 102
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: (734) 261-3400
Royal Oak Office
Custom Orthotics in Royal Oak, MI
32121 Woodward Avenue
Suite #201
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Phone: (248) 549-3338
Custom Orthotics FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics
Common questions about prescription foot orthotics, shoe inserts and orthotics for foot pain.
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed for an individual’s feet and treatment needs following a podiatric evaluation. Depending on the condition, they may provide support, cushioning, pressure redistribution or changes in how forces are distributed across the foot.
Are custom orthotics different from store-bought insoles?
Yes. Over-the-counter inserts are generally manufactured in standard shapes and sizes. Prescription custom orthotics are selected or designed based on an individual evaluation and specific treatment goals.
What conditions can custom orthotics help?
Orthotics may be incorporated into treatment for selected patients with flat feet, plantar fasciitis or heel pain, arthritis, pressure-related problems, sports or overuse symptoms and other foot or lower-extremity conditions. Whether they are appropriate depends on the diagnosis.
Can custom orthotics help plantar fasciitis?
They may be included in a treatment plan for plantar fasciitis when additional support or changes in foot loading are appropriate. Other treatment approaches may also be recommended depending on the individual.
Can orthotics fix flat feet?
Orthotics do not permanently create a new arch in an adult foot. They may provide support and help manage loading or symptoms in selected patients with painful flat feet.
Do I need custom orthotics if I have flat feet?
Not necessarily. Some people have flat feet without pain or functional limitations. An evaluation can help determine whether the foot structure is contributing to symptoms and whether orthotics are appropriate.
How does a podiatrist determine if I need orthotics?
A podiatrist can review your symptoms and medical history and examine your foot structure, areas of pain or pressure, motion and mechanics as appropriate. These findings help determine whether an orthotic may be useful and what it should be designed to accomplish.
Do custom orthotics work in every type of shoe?
Not always. Fit depends on the orthotic design and available room inside the shoe. Shoe depth, width, removable insoles and the intended activity can all affect compatibility.
Will custom orthotics eliminate my foot pain?
No treatment can guarantee complete pain relief. Orthotics may help selected conditions when appropriately prescribed, but results vary and they may be only one component of a broader treatment plan.
Where can I get custom orthotics in Metro Detroit?
Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, P.C. provides podiatric evaluations and custom orthotics when appropriate at offices in Livonia and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Foot Pain, Pressure or Mechanical Concerns?
Find Out Whether Custom Orthotics Are Appropriate for You
If foot pain, heel pain or another lower-extremity problem continues to interfere with walking, work or activity, a podiatric evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether prescription orthotics should be part of your treatment plan.