Orthotics and Shoe Inserts

What are orthotics?

Orthotics should be prescribed by the podiatrist and custom made for your feet. Dr. Li custom constructs foot orthotics in the office. These are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe to control abnormal foot function and/or accommodate painful areas of the foot. These control adbormal motion across the joints of the feet. This may result in result in dramatic improvement in many different foot symptoms. Functional orthotics are made from different materials rigid types like plastics and carbon-fiber composites depending on your evaluation.

Orthotics are constructed upon a plaster impression/molding of the feet done by a podiatrist and modified based on the podiatrist’s evaluation of your problem. They are normally quite comfortable, and do not feel hard or uncomfortable in the shoe after a normal break in period. Rigid orthotics normally last for years, additions such as top covers and extensions may require periodic replacement. Some patients may not tolerate rigid functional orthotics for which Dr. Li can prescribe an orthotic made from softer materials with special accommodations for painful areas. Many different materials can be utilized, such as leather, cork, rubber, and soft synthetic plastics.

Patient before custom orthotic
Patient foot with custom orthotic