Custom Orthotics

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are individually made inserts for your shoes. Unlike the shoe inserts you can buy over the counter, the custom orthotics you get from Dr. Geoghan are prescriptions that fit your foot, and only yours. 

Orthotics serve many purposes. They can correct movement, support weak feet or ankles, protect you from injury, and prevent certain foot and ankle related problems.

Dr. Geoghan can make orthotics for virtually any type of shoe, from athletic shoes to dress shoes and even high heels. 

When do I need orthotics?

Dr. Geoghan may recommend orthotics if you have foot, ankle, leg, or back problems that start in your feet or ankles. Conditions that Dr. Geoghan often prescribes orthotics for include:

• Chronic back or lower body pain
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• High arches
• Flat feet
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Peripheral neuropathy or other diabetic foot care issues
• Sever's disease and other pediatric foot care problems
• Sports injuries involving the feet and ankles

Dr. Geoghan may also prescribe orthotics if you're looking to perfect your foot, ankle, and leg function. For example, many competitive athletes wear custom orthotics to help them maximize efficiency and speed.

In many cases, orthotics are only one aspect of your podiatry treatment. Other treatments typically encompass a mix of nonsurgical care like physical therapy, prescribed exercises, bracing, medication, Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Therapy Laser, and shockwave therapy. 

What are the types of orthotics?

There are many different orthotics materials, including thermoplastics, composite carbon, cork, polyethylene foam, acrylic, and polypropylene. The material used for your orthotics depends on why you need them. 

When the main purpose of the orthotic is controlling foot and ankle movement, you need a functional orthotic. Functional orthotics are usually made of hard materials like composite carbon and are beneficial to athletes or people who often wear dress shoes. 

When you need orthotics mainly to protect healing wounds or to add an extra layer of cushioning or support in your shoes, an accommodative orthotic is often the right choice. 

Accommodative orthotics are usually soft, but may have layers of semi-rigid materials, and are beneficial to people with conditions like plantar fasciitis or who have diabetic feet. 

Find out how custom orthotics can protect your feet, support healing, and improve function by calling the office of Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, or using the online scheduling tool today.