If you experience foot pain, arch problems, or discomfort when walking or standing, custom orthotics may be part of your treatment plan. But what actually happens during a custom orthotics evaluation?
At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, an evaluation helps determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your feet, your symptoms, and your daily activities.
1. We Start With Your Symptoms
Your evaluation begins with a conversation about what you’re experiencing. Your podiatrist may ask about:
- Where you feel pain or discomfort
- How long you’ve had symptoms
- Activities that make your symptoms better or worse
- Your work, exercise, or sports activities
- Any previous foot or ankle injuries
- The types of shoes you regularly wear
Understanding how your feet function in everyday life helps determine what type of support may be beneficial.
2. Your Feet Are Examined
Your podiatrist will evaluate your feet and ankles for factors that may contribute to pain or changes in your gait. This may include looking at your:
- Arch structure
- Foot and ankle alignment
- Range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Areas of tenderness
- Overall foot mechanics
The goal isn’t simply to look at the shape of your feet, it’s to understand how your feet function.
3. We Evaluate How You Walk & Stand
Your gait can provide important information about how your feet move and distribute pressure.
Your podiatrist may observe you walking and standing with your feet flat on the ground to identify things such as excessive pronation, changes in alignment, or other movement patterns that could contribute to discomfort.
4. We Check Your Insurance Benefits
At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, we reach out to your insurance for you! We will determine what your insurance coverage for orthotics looks like so you are aware of your benefits and the possible total cost of orthotics.
5. We Use Updated 3D Scanning Technology
To create the perfect mold for your orthotics, we will create a 3D scan of your feet in-office. We will position each foot in a “neutral” position, where the foot is flexed 90 degrees and the heel and Achilles are aligned.
This creates the perfect mold for your orthotics because once they are placed in your shoes, your feet will be held in neutral position, helping to prevent pronation, supination, and supporting the arch as you walk and stand. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your needs, keeping in mind your specific foot structure and treatment goals.
6. Follow-Up Is Important
It can take some time for your feet to adjust to wearing orthotics, so following the break in instructions for gradually increasing wear time can be helpful.
Getting custom orthotics is not the end of the process. We recommend a yearly follow-up to make sure the orthotics are still fitting properly and working as intended. Although orthotics can last for years, we also re-check your insurance benefits to determine if you are eligible for a new pair every year!
Could Custom Orthotics Help You?
If foot pain or discomfort is affecting the way you walk, exercise, work, or enjoy your everyday activities, an evaluation can help determine what’s contributing to the problem.
Custom orthotics aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s the point. They are designed around your feet and your individual needs.
Take the next step toward more comfortable movement. Schedule an evaluation with New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute today!
