Custom Insoles and Orthotics

Whether you have an acute foot or ankle injury, a congenital abnormality, or persistent pain from overuse and aging, custom foot orthoses could be the key to relieving your discomfort.

Our board-certified podiatrists at Shady Grove Podiatry in Gaithersburg, Maryland, specialize in developing custom insoles for our patients. We offer diagnosis and treatment to help identify the problem and improve your overall comfort. The goal at Shady Grove Podiatry is to enhance your foot and ankle function and reduce your pain and discomfort so you can enjoy life to the fullest.

What Are Custom Insoles/Orthotics?

Prescription orthoses are specially designed to support your feet by decreasing pain and improving functionality. Custom insoles are made to match the contours of your feet which allows you to move about in comfort without them slipping out of place.

Our podiatrists at Shady Grove Podiatry conduct detailed examinations of the feet and ankles, including gait analysis, to match each individual’s unique foot structure.

Custom-made insoles are divided into two categories — functional orthoses and accommodative orthoses. Functional foot orthoses help to relieve abnormal foot function, while accommodative orthoses provide additional cushioning and support.

Feet with structural abnormalities like plantar fasciitis and flat feet typically do better with a functional orthotic, which is harder and provides a more stable foundation. Feet with issues like calluses and mild heel pain do better with the softer supportive cushioning of accommodative orthotics Which one you’ll need will depend on your feet and ankle issues and your podiatrist’s findings.

Are Prescription Insoles Right for You?

Custom insoles typically cost more than the ones you find in a store. However, they are specially molded to each foot and are made with materials that are meant to last for years. The insoles are specially made to relieve the discomfort of inflamed and irritated muscles, tendons, and joints and abnormal chronic stress or strains placed on the feet. Other conditions that can benefit from prescriptions insoles are:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Foot calluses
• Flat feet
• Heel pain
• Neuromas
• Plantar fasciitis

When to See a Podiatrist

If you’ve tried over-the-counter shoe inserts and are still having pain and discomfort, it might be time to request an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists. Podiatrists are unique in that they are specially trained in the biomechanics of human movement. This in-depth knowledge of how the parts of the body work together to create movement, specifically how the foot, heel and ankle affect movement, is why seeing a podiatrist is your best defense against foot and ankle conditions.

During your appointment, your foot doctor will discuss your concerns with you, examine your feet and ankles, observe your gait and stance and look for other possible factors contributing to your pain.

If your podiatrist determines that custom orthoses are needed, they will measure your feet and use three-dimensional imaging to capture images of each foot. This information will be used to create a custom brace or support unique to your foot structure. Your new orthoses should provide the right amount of support to improve your comfort and mobility.