When your foot needs support beyond your shoes, there are numerous orthotic and arch support devices available that help correct foot pain, structural imbalances, and provide padding and general comfort. You have two options: buying inserts over-the-counter at a store or getting medical-grade custom orthotics.
Although drugstore inserts can help in certain situations, for anyone with a foot condition or chronic problems, having Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, and Amber O’Connor, DPM, fit you with medical-grade custom orthotics at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, is usually the better choice. These are the key differences between medical-grade custom orthotics and drugstore inserts.
All orthotics are insoles designed to fit inside your shoes. They can correct various foot problems, including pain, structural imbalances, and callus and corn relief.
Orthotics can be rigid or soft and padded, depending on your needs. Medical-grade custom orthotics are custom-fitted by a podiatrist, while you buy store orthotics over the counter at a drug store or shoe store.
Not all orthotics are equal, and you can expect a different experience and outcome wearing store-bought and custom orthotics. Some of the most significant differences include:
Store orthotics are general insoles made universally for all foot types and sizes. They aren’t fitted to your feet specifically, and it’s often a guessing game whether the orthotics will fit properly and address your concerns.
Medical-grade custom orthotics are precisely custom-fitted by our team of experienced podiatrists to perfectly accommodate your feet. We use 3D imaging and a medical-grade orthotics manufacturer to fit orthotics exactly to your feet.
When buying orthotics at a store, you frequently choose the insoles yourself without any assistance. Some stores have a pharmacist or salesperson who can offer general advice on your foot type and gait.
When you buy medical-grade custom orthotics, our team of podiatrists with detailed knowledge and training carefully assesses your foot and makes specific orthotic recommendations.
General advice at a store can be adequate for someone experiencing a minor problem like occasional aches when you go for a run. Store-bought orthotics can relieve some symptoms but are unlikely to address the underlying cause of your issue.
Anyone dealing with chronic issues, severe pain, or a diagnosed foot issue needs more detailed advice and personalized care. Custom orthotics can help many foot problems, including:
Always wearing medical-grade custom orthotics for foot conditions can bring significant relief by treating the underlying problems causing them.
Store-bought orthotics can help with temporary problems that resolve quickly, but they aren’t usually reliable for long-term foot management and care. On the other hand, carefully measured and prescribed medical-grade custom orthotics can be a permanent remedy for many foot problems.
If you have foot or ankle problems and want a simple nonsurgical solution, medical-grade custom orthotics might be right for you. Contact us to schedule your podiatry consultation.
