Feet don’t get enough credit. They stand between you and the ground, hitting hard surfaces hundreds or thousands of times a day to carry you everywhere you need to go. It makes sense that these hard-working body parts need help sometimes. That’s where custom orthotics come in. Orthotics are prescription medical devices that reduce foot problems by altering how you stand, walk, and run. Orthotics can improve how your feet function in any situation. Many insurance plans cover the full cost of orthotics.
Conditions orthotics can help with:
- Pronating, in toes and out toes
- Shin splints, heel spurs
- General pain (back, leg, neck, hip, arch, heel, knee including Patellofemoral Syndrome)
- Tendonitis (post tib, Achilles)
- Bony protrusions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Forefoot valgus, forefoot varus
- Hallux limitus, hallux rigidus, hallux valgus
- Intractable plantar keratoma (IPK)
- Leg length discrepancies
- Equinus
- Metatarsalgia
- Neuromas
- Plantarflexed first ray
- Sesamoiditis
- Sever’s disease
- Pes planus (flat foot), pes cavus (high arch)
- Bunions, calluses, corns, foot ulcers, lesions
- Ankle instability
- Claw toes, drop foot, hammer toes, Morton’s toe
- Dropped metatarsals
- Chondromalacia
- Abnormal patellar tracking
- MTP collapse
- Abnormal ankle/foot range of motion
- Diabetic neuropathy
- ITB Syndrome
- Rearfoot varus, rearfoot valgus
- Scoliosis, pelvic tilt
- Arthritis (knee, ankle, foot)
Benefits of Prescription Orthotics
Each foot is different, and orthotics accommodate that uniqueness. While you can buy ready-made orthotics, they won’t cater to your feet. An orthotics prescription works because it involves taking an imprint of a patient’s feet to create a custom mold. The mold allows professionals to make a perfect device to support the feet and subtly realign bones. This combination of support and realignment makes your feet move optimally for comfort and health.
Custom orthotics can reduce pain and swelling while improving balance. They are great for everyone—especially athletes and people with foot-related medical conditions. Individuals with particularly flat or high arches also see tremendous benefits, as will anyone who stands on their feet all day.
What can you expect from a pair of custom orthotics?
Custom prescription orthotics have many benefits including:
- Increased cushioning and support
- Injury prevention
- Less stress on the body
- Reduction in muscle fatigue
- Better athletic performance
- Shock absorption
- Increased comfort for patients with diabetic neuropathy
- Pain reduction
You might be wondering how these molds are made. Thanks to the latest advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to experience the above benefits. Technology’s impact on orthotics is undeniable. GaitScan™ Analysis provides a full picture of how your feet move; all you have to do is walk on a pressure plate, and the GaitScan™ device will use its thousands of sensors to map your feet and their movement. Though your treatment provider will also examine your feet, technology records detail human eyes wouldn’t spot.
Your chiropractor will also take a 3D foam impression and scan your feet so we have additional information about the shape of your feet when you’re not standing. By rendering a 3D model of your feet, we’re able to gather as much data to help create the perfect orthotic for you and your situation.
Customized orthotics help more than just your feet. They’re good for the health of all joints and muscles in your lower body. Your knees, ankles, and hips will thank you when you get orthotics.
Popular Custom Orthotic Types
Sport Orthotics
Are you an athlete looking to boost your performance? If so, sports orthotics are the answer. They’re designed to focus on sports-related issues caused by unusual movements that most people don’t face daily. Orthotics’ ability to fix biomechanical misalignment distributes pressure more evenly, increasing efficiency and preventing injury. In addition to general athletic orthotics, we also have specialty orthotics for a range of sports from court sports (e.g. badminton, squash, tennis, etc.), to soccer, running, and sprinting. Existing injuries can also be healed more quickly with the right orthotics.
Dress Orthotics
Some people have the idea that orthotics and fancy shoes don’t mix. That’s false. Dress orthotics are an excellent option for a polished, high-end look. Admittedly, they aren’t quite the same as traditional orthotics: They’re smaller so that they won’t be visible in dress shoes. At first glance, these narrow orthotics might not look like much. However, customized versions work well to prevent problems that even people with the healthiest feet often experience with dress shoes.
Diabetic Orthotics
Diabetic patients with sensitive feet who require something to relieve pressure and prevent the formation of ulcers would benefit from orthotics. These orthotics have three layers of memory foam specifically designed for individuals with diabetes.
Occupational Orthotics and Orthotics for Work
We have a range of orthotics for all kinds of occupations and work. From jobs that require standing for most of the day (e.g. flight attendants, teachers, retail, nurses, hospital staff, health workers, etc.) to those who work in construction or rugged environments and need extra comfort, shock absorption, stability, and support, we have the right orthotic for your needs.
Getting Your Specialty Orthotics
By now, you probably see how custom orthotics can improve your quality of life by supporting your feet. Whether you’re an athlete, a person with a medical condition, or just someone who wants to avoid trouble down the road, prescription orthotics are worthwhile. They reduce pain and improve performance even when you choose options that suit dressy shoes.
How Do I Get An Orthotics Prescription?
You can ask your family doctor or a doctor you see at a walk-in clinic for a prescription. Just tell them your symptoms and ask for a prescription. Many insurance plans will also let your chiropractor prescribe orthotics as well. Check your insurance plan to see what’s required. Once you have a prescription, an orthotics appointment with one of our chiropractors will ensure you can get everything you need to get the orthotics you need. Once you have an appointment, it can take up to a few weeks to have your orthotics manufactured and ready for you to wear.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of My Orthotics?
Most insurance plans cover all or most of the cost of your orthotics. If you’re eager to get orthotics, it would be wise to use your benefits before the year is over. The final date for submitting benefits is Dec. 8. Waiting until the last minute isn’t a good idea, so we encourage you to make an appointment and start the orthotics prescription process as soon as possible.
There isn’t direct billing for any orthotics, which is another reason to initiate the process early. Most insurance plans will cover at least $400 every one or two years, though many are even more generous. Check with your insurance company if you’re concerned about coverage. Teachers, flight attendants, and hospital workers might be eligible to access even more orthotics.
Contact Backs in Action today to start your own custom orthotics journey toward happier feet with an experienced Chiropractor.
Special Offer: Get your foot in the door this October or November with a complimentary GAIT scan ($75 value). Book your orthotics appointment today.
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