Orthotics

Are orthotics and shoe inserts the same thing?

Orthotics and shoe inserts both slip inside your shoes and help support your feet, but they aren’t the same.

Over-the-counter (OTC) shoe inserts

You can find OTC shoe inserts at most grocery and athletic stores. They’re made of soft, squishy materials and help relieve pain caused by common foot problems.

Prescription orthotics

Prescription orthotics look similar to OTC shoe inserts. The difference is that they’re designed specifically for your feet. As a result, prescription orthotics are better at relieving pain. Furthermore, they’re made of tough, durable materials and last 3-5 years on average.*

Who should consider orthotics?

The Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team prescribes orthotics to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Heel pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Diabetic foot problems (for example, neuropathy)

Sometimes, the team prescribes orthotics to manage sports injuries. For example, if you suffer from ankle instability, orthotics can help support your joint and prevent it from rolling.

Are there different types of prescription orthotics?

The Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team provides several types of orthotics, including:

Rigid (functional) orthotics

Rigid orthotics are stiff and inflexible. They’re made from hard materials like plastic or carbon fiber and slip inside closed-toed shoes. You might benefit from rigid orthotics if you have pain in the arch or ball of your foot.

Soft (accommodative) orthotics

Soft orthotics feature soft, padded materials. They take pressure off painful areas, like your heel or diabetic ulcers. Soft orthotics are bulkier than rigid orthotics, so they must often be worn with special shoes.

What does getting orthotics involve?

Getting orthotics at Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists involves two visits several weeks apart.

If your provider determines you’re a candidate for orthotics, they take digital scans of your feet and send them to a podiatry lab. Technicians at the lab use your scans to design and manufacture your custom orthotics.

When your orthotics are finished, you return to Lousivlle Foot and Ankle Specialists. You try the orthotics on, and your provider assesses their fit. They make adjustments if needed and explain how to keep your orthotics in good condition.

Call the nearest Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists office today to schedule an orthotic consultation, or book your visit online.

*Results may vary.