Custom Orthotics- Are they worth the investment?

Custom Orthotics

Are they worth the investment?

Have you had custom orthotics in the past or are wondering if they would be beneficial for you? Have you never even heard of them?

There are many reasons you could be looking into getting these for yourself.

Orthotics refer to devices that are designed to improve comfort and support for those with foot and ankle problems. These devices are specially made for you and your specific foot and or ankle problems. They may include specific accommodations for your specific foot structure or foot problem.

First- WHAT problems can orthotics assist with?

• Reduce foot pain caused by structure, previous injuries, arthritis and much more.
• Reduce fatigue with feet, ankles and even back.
  • People who have to stand for long periods at their jobs or want to keep up with their physical activities benefit from these.
• Realign your foot and ankle.
  • These take preventative measures to avoid new injuries or assist with pronation (flat feet or rolling in) and supination (rolling out or high arches).
  • They can keep a problem (for example- a bunion) from becoming worse.
• Limb length discrepancy. Lifts can be built directly into the orthotic.

Second- WHY custom orthotics and not over-the-counter/less expensive options?

• Types of over-the-counter inserts
• Gel/foam- offer some comfort but due to the lack of support it is usually not beneficial in treating foot and ankle problems. i.e.- Dr. Scholl’s ($10-30), multiple brands of foam insoles ($10-20). Wearable life is about 2 months.
• Prefabricated/rigid- Generally a harder orthotic with a good level of support, may be beneficial for people with normal foot structures and no specific foot and ankle problems. i.e.- Ped Pillows ($60-65), Superfeet ($45-60). Wearable life is 6 months- 1 year.
• Custom orthotics tend to be more beneficial for people experiencing problems. They are able to be made with specific accommodations to better treat each patient’s biomechanical structure, foot pain and specific diagnosis.
• Custom orthotics cost ($550 -1,000) depending on where receiving the orthotics but wearable life is 3-7 years.
• Some insurances will reimburse the cost of custom orthotics.

Our office and orthotics

Here at Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care, we have the ability for our podiatrists to evaluate for custom orthotics, do the actual casting and order these specifically for you. The doctor’s will first evaluate if they would be beneficial for each patient and what accommodations, style etc. would be helpful for the problems, pain and types of shoes the patient wears. Patients can even pick the color depending on the material recommended. 

They may use X-ray to diagnose and or evaluate biomechanical issues. If the doctor recommends custom orthotics as part of the treatment plan, they would then set up a casting where they mold the patient with plaster that is sent out to a specific lab that builds the orthotics off of the doctor’s prescription for the patient. Castle Rock Foot and Ankle Care’s billers will also bill out to a patient’s insurance if there is potential coverage. They will try to get the insurance to cover (depending on deductibles, diagnosis codes, coverage etc.).

**LIMITED TIME ONLY BOGO 1/2 OFF** (Through Dec. 31, 2021)

Through the end of 2021, the office will be running a special for anyone who has been casted in 2021 to get a second pair of orthotics for only $250. Please call the office at 303.814.1082 option 1 for an appointment to get casted or to order your second pair today.

Author

Dr. Jessica Herzog Dr. Jessica Herzog provides podiatry care as a Board-Certified foot and ankle surgeon at Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Herzog earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at The Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Herzog is dedicated to providing exceptional care for all of her patients, which involves taking several factors into consideration to create a treatment plan. She bases this personalized plan on the patient’s lifestyle, living situation, and long-term plans/goals. Dr. Herzog also shows a strong commitment to the Castle Rock community as a whole by participating in local events, including races, chamber events and at her local church.