What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made individually for each patient and molded to fit their foot perfectly.
Orthotics can help improve various foot conditions worsened by poor foot position or alignment. They also add cushioning to relieve pressure points and improve 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 provide extra 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?
Orthotics keep the foot in a specific position while controlling joint range of motion during standing, walking, and even running. They can significantly reduce foot pain and may even 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 a lot from their feet and ankles; even the slightest imbalance can make them prone to injury. Custom orthotics can reduce the need for muscles to compensate for these imbalances, improving muscle function, decreasing fatigue, and 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 – and at DOCS Foot and Ankle in Los Angeles, Dr. Baravarian uses a personalized, two-stage gait analysis to match the right orthotic profile to your exact needs. Whether you’re dealing with everyday pain, a biomechanical imbalance, or a sports-related overuse injury, the right pair of custom orthotics can make a meaningful difference in how you feel and move.
Pain-related conditions
Heel spurs
Calluses
Hip, knee, and lower back pain
Pain that starts in the foot often travels upward – custom orthotics address the root cause at ground level, reducing stress on the joints and soft tissues above.
Biomechanical and structural conditions
Leg length inequality
Slow the progression of bunions & hammertoes
Structural imbalances rarely correct themselves. A tailored orthotic – whether a Control, UCBL, or Dress profile – can redistribute load and slow deformity progression before surgery becomes necessary.
Sports and overuse injuries
Shin splints
Runner’s knee pain
Overuse injuries
Active patients and athletes across Southern California trust Dr. Baravarian’s Performance orthotic profiles to keep them training longer and recovering faster – backed by the experience of fitting over 10,000 pairs annually.
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 different 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.
How much do custom orthotics cost, and does insurance cover them?
Cost is one of the first questions patients ask when searching for shoe orthotics near me, and it’s a completely fair one. Custom orthotics are a meaningful investment, but when you compare them to months of pain, missed workouts, or the long-term consequences of an untreated foot problem, most patients find the value speaks for itself.
Generally speaking, custom orthotics range from around $300 to $600 or more, depending on the type and complexity of the device. At DOCS Foot and Ankle, Dr. Baravarian’s team crafts orthotics across four specialized width profiles – Dress, Performance, Control, and UCBL – so the price reflects a truly tailored treatment plan, not a one-size-fits-all insert pulled off a shelf. That personalized care is a big part of what separates a custom device from a $30 drugstore insert that may actually make things worse over time. If you want to understand exactly why, this breakdown of custom orthotics vs. over-the-counter inserts is worth a read.
As for insurance, many plans do offer partial or full coverage for custom orthotics when they are deemed medically necessary – think plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot complications, flat feet, or post-surgical support. Medicare and some PPO plans are among the more common payers. However, coverage varies widely, so it’s always best to check your specific benefits before your appointment.
Dr. Baravarian’s team in Los Angeles is happy to help you navigate the insurance process and determine what your plan covers, so cost never stands between you and the relief you deserve.
Will my orthotics fit in all shoes?
Orthotics come in several types, from athletic shoe orthotics to very thin orthotics 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): 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 right width depends on the environment where you’ll use the orthotic, and adjusting it can help create a comfortable yet effective orthotic for 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 of all your activities and the footwear you use for each. Each orthotic device must match the footwear it will be used with.
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. He then sends the mold to his lab for fabrication, with specific accommodations and support customized to each patient’s needs.
Part of what makes Dr. Baravarian’s state-of-the-art process stand out – especially for patients searching for shoe orthotics near them in Los Angeles – is the selection of four distinct orthotic width profiles: Dress, Performance, Control, and UCBL. Each profile is matched to your lifestyle, your footwear, and the specific biomechanical correction your foot requires. Whether you need a slim insert for dress shoes or a high-control UCBL device for significant deformity, we’ll design a tailored solution around you.
Once we create your orthotics, you’ll return to the office for fitting. We’ll also perform another gait analysis to ensure the orthotics provide the desired effect. This two-stage gait analysis – one before fabrication and one at fitting – is a hallmark of Dr. Bob’s personalized care approach, ensuring your orthotics perform exactly as intended from day one.
You’ll have an initial break-in period during the first week, but after you’ve gotten used to the orthotics, Dr. Bob recommends using them in all shoes they 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. It’s a seamless, patient-first experience that reflects the same compassionate care Dr. Bob brings to every aspect of his practice. With over 10,000 pairs of custom orthotics crafted annually, his team has the expertise and precision to get it right – every time.
“I came in with chronic foot pain that had been bothering me for years,” shared patient Georgia P. “Dr. Bob took the time to truly understand how I move and what I needed. My custom orthotics changed everything – I wish I had found him sooner.” That kind of outcome drives Dr. Baravarian’s state-of-the-art approach to orthotic care right here in Los Angeles.
Custom foot and ankle braces
Sometimes, more extensive bracing is needed to accommodate a deformity or injury to 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. You can use custom braces for temporary or long-term support.
Custom Charcot boots for diabetic foot conditions
The Custom Charcot Boot is essential in treating Charcot’s foot deformity, a condition that can affect 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 worsens the problem because patients may not feel or notice 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 supports the ankle joint and distributes body weight evenly across the foot and leg.
Tips for getting the most out of your orthotics
Custom orthotics are an investment in your long-term foot health, so a little care goes a long way. Whether you’ve just received your first pair from Dr. Baravarian’s team in Los Angeles or you’re a returning patient, these are the most important habits to build from day one.
Match your orthotics to the right shoes. The pair designed for your athletic shoes likely won’t fit your dress shoes correctly – and forcing the fit can compromise both the orthotic and your results.
Remove any manufacturer arch supports before inserting your orthotics. Factory insoles and custom devices don’t layer well together, and the extra bulk can throw off your alignment.
Break them in gradually. Start with one hour of wear on day one, then add an hour each day until you’re comfortable wearing them all day. Rushing this process is one of the most common reasons patients feel unnecessary discomfort early on.
Always wear socks or stockings with your orthotics. Bare skin against the device increases friction and can cause irritation over time.
Give yourself a few weeks to fully adjust. Some mild pressure or an unfamiliar sensation is normal as your foot adapts to proper alignment. If anything feels sharp, persistent, or forces you to compensate in your gait, contact our Los Angeles office – don’t push through it.
Clean your orthotics with mild soap and water, wipe them down, and let them air dry completely before wearing them again. If they break or wear out, bring them in for repair or replacement instead of trying to fix them at home.
The best custom orthotics near you in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California
If you’ve been searching for shoe orthotics near me in Los Angeles or anywhere across Southern California, Dr. Bob Baravarian at DOCS Foot and Ankle is the specialist patients – and other doctors – trust most. Conveniently located near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Bob’s practice serves patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Culver City, Brentwood, Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, and communities throughout the greater Southern California region.
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 – a volume that reflects both the trust patients place in his care and the depth of experience he brings to every fitting. Drawing on his expertise 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.
What sets this practice apart from a typical shoe store or general podiatry clinic is the level of personalized care built into every step. Dr. Bob’s two-stage gait analysis process – combining a detailed biomechanical exam with dynamic movement assessment – ensures your orthotics are engineered for how you actually walk, run, or stand. Whether you need a slim Dress profile that fits inside dress shoes, a Performance profile for athletic footwear, a Control profile for maximum support, or a UCBL shell for serious rearfoot instability, you’ll receive a tailored treatment plan matched to your lifestyle and anatomy.
“I came in barely able to walk after years of failed over-the-counter insoles,” one patient shared. “Dr. Bob took the time to understand exactly what was going wrong with my gait. Within weeks of wearing my custom orthotics, I was back on my feet without pain – something I hadn’t experienced in years. I only wish I’d found him sooner.”
Whether you’re managing plantar fasciitis, flat feet, diabetic foot complications, or recovering from surgery, world-class orthotic care is available right here in Los Angeles – no need to travel far or settle for less.
To schedule a consultation, call (855) 557-5400 or book an appointment online now. Dr. Bob and his team are ready to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the life you love.
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 foot and ankle position. Orthotics are sometimes suitable after a knee replacement, but at other times they may need adjustment.
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 widely depending on several factors, including use, the wearer’s foot structure, and 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.
