What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are individually made for each patient and molded to fit their foot perfectly.
Orthotics can help improve various foot conditions that are exacerbated by poor foot position or alignment. They also offer additional cushioning, which relieves pressure points and improves foot comfort.
Custom-molded orthotics provide pain relief for a range of common foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, tendonitis, bunions, neuromas, and arthritis. They also offer additional arch support for high arches and flat feet, and can help relieve knee and back pain caused by improper gait or posture.
Who are custom orthotics for?
The purpose of orthotics is to maintain the foot in a specific position while controlling the range of motion through the joints during standing, walking, and even running. They can significantly reduce the amount of foot pain patients experience, as well as potentially improve the foot condition itself.
Dr. Bob Baravarian makes orthotics for everyone, from small children to the elderly, professional athletes to weekend warriors, and everyone in between. He understands that no two patients are the same, and so no two orthotics are identical.
Many athletes incorporate custom orthotics into their routine foot care to enhance performance and endurance. Athletes demand so much from their feet and ankles; even the slightest imbalance in their feet makes them prone to injury. Custom orthotics can reduce the need for muscles to compensate for such imbalances, thereby improving muscle function and decreasing fatigue, while enhancing foot support.
Orthotics are easy to use. They slip into your existing shoes, don’t require special orthopedic shoes, and can be rigid or flexible, full-length or partial length. Dr. Bob can also make numerous modifications tailored to your specific foot or ankle problem.
What conditions do orthotics generally help?
Orthotics are effective in the management of many specific foot conditions, including:
- Arch or heel pain
- Flat Feet
- Slow the progression of bunions & hammertoes
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin Splints
- Leg length inequality
- Neuromas
- Big toe arthritis
- Overuse injuries
- Runner’s knee pain
- Heel spurs
- Calluses
- Hip, knee, and lower back pain
Why are custom orthotics better than over-the-counter shoe inserts?
Over-the-counter shoe inserts are designed to fit the average foot, rather than the unique contours and biomechanics of your foot. While they may provide some support, they are not intended to treat your specific condition and (if they fit improperly) could exacerbate some of your foot and ankle problems.
Dr. Bob Baravarian will carefully examine your feet as you walk and, if appropriate, run. Every situation and every foot requires a different amount of control and positioning, and every foot has a unique arch and foot type. For these reasons, custom-fit orthotics are significantly more effective than over-the-counter-type shoe insoles.
Will my orthotics fit in all shoes?
There are several different types of orthotics, from athletic shoe orthotics to very thin orthotics used for dress shoes (often purchased as a second pair). While foot orthotics work in most shoes, they will not work in flip-flops or any shoe where the heel can rise off the ground while walking.
Finding the correct width for your orthotics
Because a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t address individual needs, Dr. Bob offers the following orthotic width profiles:
- Dress Profile (Narrowest): This is the slimmest option, designed to fit snugly into tight shoes, such as dress shoes.
- Performance Profile (Default Width): The most common width. It offers a good balance of support and fit for most shoes.
- Control Profile (Wider): These provide more control and support than the Performance profile.
- UCBL Profile (Widest): This is the broadest option. It’s designed to wrap around the foot, offering maximum support, especially in the forefoot area.
The correct width depends on the environment in which the orthotic will be used, and adjusting the width can help achieve a comfortable yet effective orthotic for these complex situations.
How are Dr. Baravarian’s custom orthotics made?
Dr. Baravarian takes great pride and expends a lot of energy in making his custom orthotic devices nothing less than exceptional. He takes a complete history of the presenting problem and performs a gait analysis to assess how you walk.
A podiatric gait analysis includes a thorough observation by the podiatrist of all phases of your walking (and, if appropriate, running) style. It can also include a discussion about all your activities and the footwear used in each of them. Each orthotic device must be appropriately matched to the footwear for which it will be used.
To create a great orthotic insole, Dr. Bob takes a careful mold of your foot in a neutral position. He has found this to be the most reliable and sensitive technique in orthotic manufacturing. The mold is then sent to his lab for fabrication with specific accommodations and support customized to each patient’s needs.
Once the orthotics are created, you’ll return to the office to have the orthotics fitted to your shoes. We’ll also perform another gait analysis to be certain the orthotics are providing the desired effect.
You’ll have an initial break-in period during the first week, but after “getting used to the orthotics,” Dr. Bob recommends using them in all shoes in which they will fit.
You’ll keep your orthotic molds at home, just in case you need or want additional orthotics. If you’re going to order another pair, no problem; just bring the molds, and Dr. Bob will send them to his lab without needing to take new impressions.
Custom foot and ankle braces
There are instances when more extensive bracing is required to accommodate a deformity or injury of the tendon, ankle, or foot bone. These custom-made braces properly position the foot and ankle joints, which can relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of further damage.
The added support a brace offers may also help reduce your chance of injury during sports activities. The custom braces can be used for either temporary or long-term purposes.
Custom Charcot boots for diabetic foot conditions
The Custom Charcot Boot is essential in the treatment of a Charcot’s foot deformity — a condition that can afflict diabetic patients. For patients with Charcot’s foot, weakened bones create a high risk for breaks and fractures. Foot deformities and ulcers may also develop, and nerve damage exacerbates the problem, as patients may not feel or be aware of injuries.
The Charcot boot protects the foot and ankle, helping to prevent breaks and ulcers. When an injury is present, the custom boot aids with healing by easing swelling and reducing pressure on the foot. The Charcot boot offers support to the ankle joint and distributes body weight equally throughout the foot and leg.
Tips for getting the most out of your orthotics
If you’re new to custom orthotics, here are some tips for how to wear them:
- Only use your orthotics with the type of shoes for which they were designed. Often, the orthotics you would wear for athletic or work shoes may be different than those you would use for formal shoes.
- Remove any manufacturer’s arch supports or additions to your shoes before fitting them with the orthotic.
- Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes.
- On day one, wear your orthotics for one hour. On day two, wear them for two hours. Increase the wear time by one hour each day until you can wear them continuously throughout the day.
- It may take several weeks for your orthotics to feel comfortable. You may feel odd pressure points or notice some slippage. If you think that you need to force yourself to wear them, stop and contact the office.
- Squeaky shoes? Remove the orthotics and sprinkle them with talcum or baby powder, then re-insert them.
If the orthotics break or wear out, bring them to your doctor for repair or replacement. Don’t try to fix them yourself.
- Avoid getting your orthotics wet, as their shape may warp. If they do get wet, just let them air dry. Don’t place them near or in any heat sources.
- You can wash your orthotics with mild soap and water. Wipe them down with a paper towel and let them dry out completely before wearing them again.
The best custom orthotics near you in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California
Dr. Baravarian specializes in custom orthotics, braces, and boots for the foot and ankle. He is a premier orthotics specialist in California, producing over 10,000 pairs annually.
Drawing on his experience in orthopedic surgery, podiatry, and sports medicine, Dr. Bob strives to employ the least invasive methods possible to treat your pain and enhance foot function. He offers expert knowledge in a friendly, professional, and comfortable environment.
For a consultation, please call (855) 557-5400 or make an appointment online now.
Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orthotics
Sometimes my orthotics squeak in my shoes. What can I do about this?
Dr. Baravarian recommends rubbing candle wax around the edges of the insert to stop and prevent squeaking.
I just had knee replacement surgery. Will my orthotics still work, or do I need new ones?
Knee replacement can leave you with a leg length discrepancy, where one leg is shorter or longer than the other. It also usually corrects angular deformities in the knee, which can affect the position of the foot and ankle. Orthotics are sometimes suitable after a knee replacement, but at other times, they may need to be adjusted.
It is best to visit Dr. Bob so he can assess your leg length and foot position and determine if your orthotics need adjustment.
How long do custom orthotics last?
The lifespan of custom orthotics can vary significantly depending on several factors, including their use, the wearer’s foot structure, and the wearer’s activity level. However, as a general guideline, they can last three to five years or more.
Repadding and recovering the orthotics can double their life at a fraction of the cost of new orthotics.
Does insurance cover orthotics?
Insurance coverage for custom orthotics can vary significantly based on the specific policy, the insurance provider, and the medical necessity as determined by a healthcare professional.
Contact your insurance provider directly to ask about coverage for custom orthotics.
