Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet to provide personalized support, improve foot mechanics, and help relieve pain. They may be recommended for heel pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, walking discomfort, and other conditions that affect how your feet function.
At our Berkeley, CA office, Dr. Yuko Miyazaki, DPM, can evaluate your feet and determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition.
Schedule an Appointment or Call Now to learn more about your treatment options.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts made specifically for your individual foot structure, symptoms, and support needs. Unlike generic over-the-counter inserts, custom foot orthotics are designed based on a professional evaluation of your feet and how they function when you stand and walk.
By providing targeted support and pressure distribution, prescription orthotics may help improve foot mechanics and make walking and standing more comfortable.
If you are experiencing persistent heel pain or plantar fasciitis, a podiatric evaluation can help determine whether custom orthotics may be appropriate for you.
Conditions Custom Orthotics Help Treat
Custom orthotics may be used as part of a personalized treatment plan for several foot and lower-extremity conditions. Learn more about common foot and ankle conditions and available treatment options.
Heel Pain
Orthotics for heel pain can help redistribute pressure across the foot and reduce stress on painful areas. Depending on the cause of your heel pain, custom orthotics may also provide additional support and shock absorption during walking and other daily activities.
Learn more about heel pain and available treatment options.
Plantar Fasciitis
Custom orthotics are commonly used as part of treatment for plantar fasciitis. Supporting the arch and redistributing pressure can help reduce excessive strain on the plantar fascia.
If you have persistent heel pain or symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis, a podiatric evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Flat Feet and Fallen Arches
Flat feet can affect the way your feet and ankles move when you walk. Custom orthotics can provide targeted arch support and may help improve foot alignment, stability, and overall function.
High Arches
High arches can place increased pressure on certain areas of the foot. Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly and provide additional support during standing and walking.
Bunions
Bunions can change the structure and mechanics of the foot, potentially increasing pressure around the affected joint. Custom orthotics may help redistribute pressure and provide additional support as part of a conservative treatment plan.
Tendonitis and Sports Injuries
Certain sports injuries and tendon conditions can be associated with abnormal or excessive foot motion. Custom orthotics may help control motion, improve foot mechanics, and reduce stress on the feet and lower extremities during activity.
If you are dealing with an activity-related foot problem, learn more about foot and ankle sports injuries.
Diabetic Foot Conditions
For people with diabetes, reducing excessive pressure on vulnerable areas of the foot is especially important. Accommodative orthotics can provide cushioning and help redistribute pressure as part of a comprehensive diabetic foot care plan.
Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Inserts
Over-the-counter inserts can provide general cushioning and support and may be appropriate for people with mild or occasional foot discomfort. However, they are manufactured in standard shapes and sizes rather than being designed for your individual foot structure.
Over-the-counter inserts:
- Provide general cushioning and support
- Come in standard shapes and sizes
- Are not customized to your foot structure
- May be useful for general comfort
Custom orthotics:
- Are prescribed based on your individual needs
- Are designed specifically for your feet
- Provide targeted support and pressure distribution
- Can be incorporated into a treatment plan for specific foot conditions
If foot pain continues despite using an over-the-counter insert, a professional evaluation can help determine whether custom orthotics or another treatment option is more appropriate.
Explore additional foot and ankle treatments available for different conditions and symptoms.
Types of Custom Orthotics
Functional Orthotics
Functional orthotics are generally made from semi-rigid materials and are designed to help control abnormal foot motion and provide structural support.
They may be recommended for patients with conditions or biomechanical issues involving heel pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, overpronation, or other alignment concerns.
Accommodative Orthotics
Accommodative orthotics are generally made from softer materials and focus on cushioning, pressure relief, and comfort.
They may be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, sensitive feet, painful areas, or conditions where reducing pressure on the foot is important.
How Custom Orthotics Work
Custom orthotics are designed to provide support based on your individual foot mechanics. Depending on your condition and treatment goals, they may help:
- Improve foot alignment
- Redistribute pressure across the foot
- Reduce excessive strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Support more comfortable walking and standing
- Provide cushioning for sensitive or painful areas
The type of orthotic recommended depends on your foot structure, symptoms, activity level, and overall treatment needs.
Our Custom Orthotics Process
Getting custom orthotics begins with a professional evaluation. Dr. Miyazaki can assess your symptoms, foot structure, and movement to determine whether prescription orthotics may benefit you.
Your evaluation may include:
- Foot evaluation and diagnosis: Your feet and symptoms are assessed to identify contributing factors.
- Gait analysis: Your walking pattern and foot mechanics may be evaluated.
- Custom mold or digital scan: Measurements, impressions, or digital scans may be used to create orthotics designed for your feet.
- Orthotic fabrication: Your prescription is used to create your custom orthotics.
- Fitting and adjustments: Your orthotics are fitted and adjusted as needed for proper comfort and support.
When Should You Consider Custom Orthotics?
You may want to speak with a podiatrist about custom orthotics if you experience:
- Persistent heel or arch pain
- Foot fatigue after walking or standing
- Recurring foot or lower-extremity injuries
- Difficulty walking comfortably
- Pain that has not improved with over-the-counter inserts
- A diagnosed condition that affects your foot mechanics
If your symptoms continue or interfere with your daily activities, a professional evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics
When properly prescribed and fitted, custom orthotics may provide benefits such as:
- Improved foot support
- Better pressure distribution
- Greater comfort while walking or standing
- Support for healthy foot mechanics
- Improved mobility for some patients
- Reduced stress on certain areas of the foot
The results of custom orthotics vary depending on your condition, foot structure, and overall treatment plan.
Custom Orthotics in Berkeley, CA
If you are looking for custom foot orthotics in Berkeley, CA, personalized care can help you find the right type of support for your feet. Dr. Yuko Miyazaki, DPM, can evaluate your foot structure, symptoms, and mechanics to determine whether custom orthotics may be appropriate for you.
Whether you are experiencing heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch problems, sports-related discomfort, or another foot condition, a professional evaluation can help you understand your options.
Schedule Your Custom Orthotics Consultation
You do not have to continue dealing with persistent foot pain or discomfort without knowing what is causing it. A professional evaluation can help determine whether custom orthotics are right for your feet and your specific condition.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yuko Miyazaki, DPM, at our Berkeley, CA office.
Call our office at 510-647-3744 or book your appointment online today to get started!