Proven Custom Foot Orthotics at Optimal Physical Therapy
Physical therapists with specialized training in the evaluation and fitting for custom foot orthotics start with a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation to determine what could be causing your pain or condition and then make recommendations to best correct for it. This may include over-the-counter arch supports or custom foot orthotics. Physical therapists with this extra training and experience are highly trained in asking about your medical history and physical activities that may have contributed to your issue and then correlating them to the biomechanical findings during their examination.
Without a thorough examination (which does not just include watching someone stand or walk), the selection of an appropriate arch support or orthotic is only a generalized guess. You can spend a significant amount of money and not be in the best option for the true nature of your problem.
There are multiple options for over-the-counter arch supports by very well known manufacturers but unfortunately these mainly provide very little support and are just shock absorption insoles. Other devices offered are more supportive but not custom-made to your foot and are often more expensive than a custom device would be at our clinic. If you can walk out of an office or store with a arch support the same day you went in for your “fitting”, it is most likely not custom and should be less than $75. These devices were selected off of their self existing inventory.
Foot pain can come from a variety of issues and everyone’s feet are unique. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, dropped arch/flat foot, sustained high arch, overpronation or delayed pronation, chronic foot pain, and diabetic foot deformities are some of the conditions that our PTs will evaluate. We work closely with podiatrists, primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons including foot and ankle specialists who often send us their tough cases.
Key aspects of a PT Orthotic Evaluation
Every person has a certain amount of shock absorption and certain amount of stability built into their foot and ankle. People with foot pain that have plenty of shock absorption but lack stability typically require some level of arch support and often have a low arch height in weight bearing postures. Those with high arches in weight bearing typically are very stable and require shock absorption. Additional shock absorption and stability can come from specific shoe features and / or inserts.
Our PTs determine the amount of range of motion patients have at the ankle, midfoot, forefoot and big toe and then look at standing, walking and occasional running patterns. We then analyze how the components work together. Painful callouses and even problem healing ulcers need to be considered. Previous leg or ankle /foot fractures and surgeries need to be taken into consideration.
If an over-the-counter arch support is appropriate initially, then we give recommendations based upon need, desired shoe wear and brands and typically cost $50-75. If the over-the-counter device is not enough or only partially relieve your symptoms, then a custom foot orthotic is recommended.
At Optimal Physical Therapy, we use the plaster cast method which best positions and controls specific joint motions to give the best guide for the orthotic fabrication company. We then advise the fabrication company how to angle certain areas or what modifications should be done based upon our evaluation. Sitting with your feet in a foam box to make an impression is probably the 2nd best technique but it makes it difficult to control mid foot joints. Some clinicians use force platforms and even cell phone pictures to send data to the fabrication company. Custom foot orthotics at Optimal PT are typically around $300 and some health insurance companies cover them.
Occasionally, there is further treatment integration needed as a part of a broader, personalized physical therapy plan to correct biomechanical faults that will complement the use of the orthotics. Most often, however, its just a matter of getting them made for you. It takes about 3 weeks for your orthotics to arrive and then the physical therapist will fit them into your shoes and give you a break-in schedule.
Are Custom Orthotics covered by medical insurance?
Insurance companies typically cover the evaluation and casting for custom foot orthotics. Some insurance plans do cover the cost of the orthotics. They are considered durable medical equipment. Our front office staff can inquire with your insurance as to whether they would be considered as a covered expense or not. If your insurance does not cover orthotics, we can give you a price and it is most likely less expensive than some companies non-custom arch supports. We would be happy to discuss this with you.
Types of orthotics
There are different kind of orthotics that can be recommended whether you need them for sport, recreation, work boots or dress shoes. Our physical therapists would be happy to discuss the differences and what would fit into your lifestyle and needs. Give us a call at 724-779-1300 if you think custom orthotics may be of help to you.
