Orthotics, Braces & Insoles
Podiatrist, Custom Orthotic Specialist in Montebello & Burbank, CA
Custom Orthotics & Braces
Biomechanical evaluation for pain relief
Depending on your foot structure and the support from your footwear, your stance and walk may be creating problems not only for your feet, but also for your legs, hips, and back. Proper posture and an even gait can keep you aligned and reduce stress and pressure on your feet, legs, and back.
Prescription orthotics are crafted for you and no one else. Custom made orthotics (shoe inserts) are molded devices designed for comfort and support of your feet. They match the contours of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move.
The 3 major types of orthotics include:
Rigid orthotics – Often used to eliminate pain in legs and back.
Semi-rigid orthotics – Often used for athletes in training or children with flatfeet, Intoeing (pigeon-toe) & Out-toeing.
Soft orthotics – Often used for patients with diabetes, arthritis, and foot deformities.
Our orthotics are only manufactured after our doctor has conducted a biomechanical and gait analysis, so the orthotic can accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology.
Semi Rigid Orthotics
Orthotics can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort in otherwise healthy individuals. The most effective orthotics are custom-made inserts that are designed specifically to meet the needs of a particular person. Of the three types of orthotics available, semi-rigid orthotics are the most versatile.
Need for semi-rigid orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics are crafted to provide the control of a rigid orthotic and the cushioning of a soft orthotic. They help balance the foot while walking or participating in sports. Semi-rigid orthotics promote optimum physical performance.
How semi-rigid orthotics work
The classic semi-rigid orthotic has multiple layers of soft material, reinforced with harder materials. Like soft and rigid orthotics, they are created based on measurements from a podiatrist’s mold of the feet.
Use for athletes
Semi-rigid orthotics increase foot balance, helping to guide the foot through proper movement. This allows the muscles and tendons in the feet and legs to function more efficiently. Athletes often favor semi-rigid orthotics to help reduce pain while training and competing. Each sport has unique physical demands so every orthotic is constructed with both the athlete and the demands of the sport taken into consideration.
Use for children
Semi-rigid orthotics are also recommended for children with flat feet or in-toeing and out-toeing foot disorders. The orthotics help regulate movement and balance the dynamic movement of the feet.
Contact us to be fitted for semi-rigid orthotics for sports use or to have your child fitted to treat a foot disorder.
Over-the-counter Orthotics
Almost anyone can benefit from the use of orthotics. Shoe inserts are not just for seniors; orthotics can also help treat a variety of foot conditions in children and adults.
Need for orthotics: Basic over-the-counter foot orthotics are available at grocery stores and pharmacies. Typically, these mass produced orthotics are less expensive than custom orthotics and can help relieve discomfort associated with minor foot conditions.
Foot orthotics can help if you have: Bunions, Calluses, Collapsed arches, Foot complications related to arthritis or diabetes, Forefoot pain, Heel pain or High arches.
What to look for: There are many things to consider when buying over-the-counter orthotics. The most important factor is the shape of your arch since orthotics are made specifically for high arches, flat feet, or normal feet. Today some stores offer basic foot mapping to help you choose an orthotic. However, even if this is not available, an easy way to find out the shape of your arch is to dip your feet in water and then step on cement.
The footprint you leave behind will demonstrate the shape of your arch:
High arches will leave a narrow impression of the outside of the foot
Flat feet will leave a much wider footprint
You should also make sure to factor in the type of activity you will need the orthotic for and the type of shoes you will be putting them in when you make your decision. There are orthotics designed for use in: Athletic shoes, High heels or Walking shoes. Make sure to choose the most appropriate category for your needs, and invest in more than one pair of orthotics if necessary.
Issues created by improper fit: When choosing over-the-counter orthotics, it is important to focus on fit. Over-the-counter orthotics will fit most people but not all. This type of orthotic can help with minor arch pain, but they cannot function in the same manner as custom orthotics because they are not made to fit your unique foot structure. One of the issues with over-the-counter orthotics is that they are usually purchased without the assistance of a healthcare professional. When people choose orthotics that do not fit their feet or purchase the incorrect product for their foot type, the orthotics will fail to provide any relief and may even aggravate an existing foot condition. Consulting our podiatrist is the best way to find out which type of orthotic is right for your feet.
Rigid Orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts prescribed by podiatrists to help correct an abnormal walking pattern. They make it easier to walk, run, and stand by altering the angles at which the foot hits the ground.
Orthotics come in different shapes and sizes and are made of varying materials. A rigid orthotic is composed of a hard material like plastic or carbon fiber. This type of orthotic is designed for placement in walking shoes or dress shoes. Orthotics serve 3 general purposes. Change foot function, Protect the feet or Control the feet. Rigid orthotics are a type of functional orthotic; they are designed to control foot function and support abnormal foot mechanics.
How rigid orthotics work: Rigid orthotics are created from a plastic mold of the feet. The finished orthotic is made of a hard plastic material and will extend from the heel to the ball of the foot or all the way to the toes. Rigid orthotics are designed to be worn in close-toed shoes with a heel no more than two inches high. This type of orthotic is long lasting, durable, and will not stretch or change shape. Rigid orthotics help control motion in the two major joints of the feet that lie below the ankle joint. They can help to:
Absorb some of the shock from running and walking
Compensate for a difference in leg length
Correct abnormal function of the feet
Reduce or eliminate aches and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back
Reduce overpronation
To find out if you would benefit from rigid orthotics, contact our Foot & Ankle Doctor.