Custom Orthotics Effectively Treat Many Foot Conditions

Custom Orthotics to Match Your Foot Problem and Lifestyle

Many of our patients require foot support and stability to resolve their pain.  After identifying the source of pain and discussing your lifestyle and treatment goals, we'll will help choose the best insert or orthotic for you. These solutions are not one-size-fits-all but range from a simple, inexpensive insert to a prescriptive orthotic.

Medical Grade Over-the-Counter Orthotics

The Medical Grade Orthotics we carry are Redi-thotics. They are prefabricated, full-length arch supports. They are excellent for temporary relief of mild arch or heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, and neuromas, and are best used in athletic or walking shoes. They are moderately supportive, and have a shock-absorbing top cover and heel post for stability. Redi-thotics need to be replaced every 6 months; for purchase at our office. Redi-thotics also makes orthotics for kids.

Traditional Custom Orthotics in North Seattle

Custom orthotics provide the highest degree of support, controlling abnormal motion in the foot and helping with postural alignment. These inserts offer the greatest potential for foot pain relief for those with heel pain, flat feet, and other foot pain problems. They are the longest-lasting types of orthotics, effective for 3-5 years, and are tailored specifically to your foot.

How Custom Orthotics Work

Custom orthotics can provide dramatic relief from foot pain more quickly than you may have thought possible by:

• Increasing balance
• Increasing endurance
• Decreasing fatigue in your entire lower extremities
• Correct postural alignment that may diminish symptoms that extend to your back
• Increase performance in sports
• Provide an alternative to foot surgery

All custom orthotics are made from a scan or impression of your feet. Custom orthotics can be fashioned in many shapes and thicknesses, and can use a variety of materials. For example, some heel pain patients may benefit from a functional orthotic comprised of a rigid shell with a thin, soft top cover. Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis find relief with a softer, accommodative orthotic that relieves pressure.

Can Custom Orthotics Be Adjusted?

The beauty of traditional custom orthotics is that they can be adjusted to accommodate your feet. For example, if you have a bone spur on the heel of your foot, our office can adjust the orthotic so it doesn't rub on that area. 

In addition, your orthotics may need adjusting a year or more after you've received them if you've gained weight or notice new foot or back pain.  Learn more about "5 Signs Your Orthotics Need Adjusting" below.

Custom 3D Printed Orthotics

Our office now offers the latest technology in orthotics to keep you comfortable and active--Custom 3D Printed Orthotics. Unlike traditional orthotics, 3D-printed orthotics have a lattice design able to adjust to your specific foot mechanics. Learn more about these amazing new devices by visiting our website--Custom 3D Printed Orthotics.

What Foot Disorders Do Custom Orthotics Treat?

Custom orthotics can be used to treat a variety of foot disorders. If you have one of these foot problems you may be helped by custom orthotics:

• Heel pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Neuromas
• Midfoot pain caused by high arches

Foot disorders left untreated over time can contribute to degenerative joint disease of the foot, ankle, and knee and low back pain.

Foot Problems Are Hereditary

Foot abnormalities tend to run in families. It's best to have your children's feet evaluated by one of our Seattle foot doctors early to detect and correct faulty foot mechanics before problems develop. If you have children, avoid short-term, over-the-counter solutions that could allow easily treated foot issues to develop into something much more serious. Learn more about how we treat kids with flat feet.

Also, if you have aging parents walking with difficulty or pain, be sure to bring them in for an evaluation with Dr. Berg.

Patient Testimonials

"After seeing the patient care Dr. Berg gave to my elderly mother-in-law, I finally decided to do something about my complex foot and ankle problems. Right before I had a trade show that involved miles of walking every day, he made me orthotics that made such a difference for me. Instead of limping around for four days, I was really able to enjoy the show by wearing professional-looking shoes instead of the tennis shoes I've had to resort to in the past. I have even been able to start walking with my husband again. Thanks Dr. Berg!"

- Trey S, Seattle

“Walking is my life. I walk 3-6 miles a day at age 75. The ball of my foot would get extremely sore and prevent me from walking. Dr. Berg diagnosed the problem, prescribed orthotic inserts, and cured the problem! I'm now back to my 3-6 mile walks. His "bedside manner" is also great! A very, very nice doctor to deal with.”

-T. Patterson, Edmonds, WA 

Dr. Berg and everyone in the office are all wonderful people! They all care a lot about their work, and their patients. Dr. Berg takes the time with every person who comes into his office, to find out exactly how to relieve their pain. He puzzled over my orthotics for months until we found the exact right fit. He embraces all kinds of treatment, he knows and uses old school methods, as well as fascinating modern tech. He's the best, everyone there is.

-Courtney N., Seattle 

FAQs

1. How long do custom orthotics last?

While custom orthotics can last from 3 to 5 years, athletes and individuals who stand on their feet for work should have their orthotics checked after 3 years.  Other signs your orthotics need to be checked are:

• New foot or back pain
• General discomfort when wearing them
• Heels are worn down
• Thinning or worn-out top covers

To learn more about when to get your orthotics checked, check out "5 Signs Your Orthotics May Need Adjusting or Repair".

2.  What is the difference between over-the-counter inserts and custom orthotics?

Over-the-counter (OTC) inserts can provide extra comfort and cushion, and can often control mild foot pain. Because these inserts are over-the-counter (OTC) they are not customized to a specific foot type and may not fit properly; this can decrease how well they function. Most patients who come to our office have already tried OTC remedies and are still in pain.

For most people with ongoing foot pain, custom orthotics are needed to properly match the shape and function of the foot and provide the greatest benefit.  Our office creates orthotics by taking a scan of the foot to determine the size, width, pressure points, and other factors. The scan is used to design orthotics that are a perfect match for the patient’s foot. In addition to relieving a patient’s foot pain, custom orthotics can successfully treat patients with body alignment issues, including ankle, knee, and back pain.

3. How long does it take to get used to custom orthotics?

While many people become accustomed to wearing their orthotics within a couple of weeks, it's not unusual for it to take several weeks for your feet and body to get used to wearing them.  Our office recommends starting by wearing orthotics for one hour on the first day, then increasing wear time by one additional hour each day as your feet adjust. If this isn't tolerated, start by wearing them for 30 minutes a day and increasing wear time by 30 minutes every two days.

4. Do I need to wear my orthotics all the time?

Short answer: yes—daily use matters.

This question arises frequently when our patients first receive their orthotics and during follow-up visits. The most common answer we hear is, “Most of the time.” That’s very understandable. Life is busy. Sometimes your orthotic-friendly shoes aren’t nearby, and it feels easier to slip on an old pair just to walk down the street.

An occasional short walk without your orthotics usually won’t cause a problem. But doing this repeatedly can add up.

Your custom orthotics are designed to provide your feet with the support they need and prevent them from slipping back into old movement patterns, such as over-pronation. When orthotics aren’t worn consistently, your feet can slowly return to those habits—often leading to a return of pain or symptoms you worked hard to get rid of.

It’s also important to remember that problematic foot mechanics can impact more than just your feet. Your knees, hips, and even your lower back can be affected when your feet aren’t properly supported.

If you find yourself skipping orthotics because you don’t want to keep switching them between your shoes it’s probably time to consider a second or third pair for different shoes or activities. We can create orthotics to fit your narrower shoes using the same orthotic scan.

Our office is always happy to check your insurance benefits to see if additional pairs are covered. Consistent use is one of the best ways to protect your feet—and your whole body—for the long term.

Finally, think of your orthotics as part of your daily support system. The more consistently you wear them, the better your long-term results—and the lower your risk of pain returning.