Could a Custom Orthotic Benefit You?

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know our Manhattan patients can go into any drug store and find a wide variety of shoe inserts designed to increase comfort and relieve foot pain. What’s the difference between these products and the prescription orthotics we make for our patients? Custom molded orthotics are made just to fit your unique foot and no one else’s. Therefore, they are more likely to provide relief and be an appropriate treatment for the source of your lower extremity pain. Orthotics can address a wide range of podiatric problems and generally fall into the following two categories.

Correcting Biomechanical Problems

Some orthotics control the motion of the foot to align your foot and redistribute weight and pressure more appropriately. Some types of conditions that this type of orthotics may be helpful with include: plantar fasciitis, arch pain, flat feet, chronically weak ankles, and lower back and knee pain. Often these orthotics will be made of rigid materials such as carbon fiber or plastic.

Protecting Vulnerable Areas

The second function of custom orthotics is to prevent friction and pressure on a painful area of the foot. These orthotics have softer materials that provide cushioning and shock absorption. Common foot conditions such as diabetes, hammertoes, and bunions may lead to corns and calluses. A custom orthotic can increase comfort for these and other disorders.

Getting the Right Fit

Our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia will start by conducting a complete examination of your feet, ankles, and legs. A hard or digital mold will then be made of your foot from which an orthotic will be created that will fit your unique foot structure and address your specific pathology.

If you are experiencing ongoing foot, ankle, knee, or back pain and are curious if a custom orthotic device could give you relief, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 to arrange an appointment for a consultation today.