We are often asked which is better; custom made foot orthoses or ready made ones from the drug store? Like anything in life, it is dependent on the proper use at the proper time. In some cases a ready made insole is appropriate to help with foot and leg conditions; other times they are not and custom made foot orthoses are necessary.
Ready made insoles are made to fit everyone, usually in small, medium and large and fit according to shoe size. They offer some support for the medial longitudinal arch (along the inside of the foot) and often provide cushion to the heel. For people that have mild foot conditions and only need a little bit of support or cushion with regular shaped feet, the ready made insoles will work fine. Often they are used as a first treatment option. The advantage of the ready made insoles is that they are easily available and the cost is about $40.00 - $100.00. They are not usually covered by insurance.
Custom made foot orthoses or orthotics are usually made from plaster impressions of the feet while held in a corrected position. The casts are then used to make the orthoses with specific criteria for the individual foot. The support, cushion, correction and/or accommodation is designed into the orthoses based on the particular condition of the person. Each foot orthosis is unique. The advantage of the custom made foot orthosis is that they are made according to the medical requirements and can address the exact need of the individual which provides for better fit and function. They can also be adjusted if there are minor changes to the medical condition. For more information on Custom Made Foot Orthoses, click here.
If you have questions, speak to your medical doctor or schedule an appointment and we can provide you with further information. There is no charge for the initial assessment.
