Should I go to a podiatrist for orthotics?

Asked by: Violet Runolfsson  |  Last update: November 2, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)

If the over the counter arch support does not fix your foot pain, you need to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are the experts when it comes to foot and ankle health. They can prescribe a custom orthotic for you.

Can a podiatrist do orthotics?

A podiatrist will prescribe orthotics based on medical problems or pain a patient may be experiencing. The podiatrist will also watch how a patient moves (known as gait analysis) and consider other issues like their level and type of activity, foot type, and the movement of their ankle, knee and hip.

Should I see a podiatrist or orthotist?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it's best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it's best to see an orthopedic physician.

Who should prescribe orthotics?

Complete Podiatric Evaluation

Only a doctor or a podiatrist can diagnose and prescribe foot orthotics.

Why do podiatrists recommend orthotics?

Clinical research studies have shown that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function. Orthotics typically cost more than shoe inserts purchased in a retail store, but the additional cost is usually well worth it.

Orthotics for Flat Feet with Seattle Podiatrist Dr. Larry Huppin

16 related questions found

What are signs you need orthotics?

7 Signs You Need Orthotics
  • You have foot pain or swelling. ...
  • You have sharp heel pain. ...
  • You have a flat foot or high arch. ...
  • You're having problems with balance or are falling over. ...
  • Your shoes are wearing unevenly. ...
  • You've had a lower limb injury. ...
  • You have diabetic foot complications.

What conditions do orthotics treat?

What Conditions Can be Treated with Orthotics
  • Arthritic or other pain in the Big Toe Joint (or anywhere in the feet)
  • Forefoot pain (Mortons neuroma, Metatarsalgia etc)
  • Heel pain (plantar fascitis)
  • Arch pain.
  • Ankle pain.
  • Muscular pain in the legs, feet and ankles.
  • Hip pain.
  • Lower back pain.

Why are orthotics covered by insurance?

Orthotics can eliminate the need for long-term dependency on medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Consequently, many insurance plans consider orthotics as therapeutic medical devices and provide coverage.

Do custom orthotics really work?

Custom foot orthoses or orthopedic footwear or modifications may be helpful for specific medical situations, but it's probably only truly reliable for a single condition: painful pes cavus (high arches).

Can anyone get custom orthotics?

Find a provider with years of experience fabricating custom orthotics to make sure yours are done right. Unless you have a complex foot disorder, are diabetic, are a high- performance athlete, or have a recurring injury that over-the-counter insoles can't address, you likely don't need custom orthotics.

Is a chiropractor or podiatrist for orthotics?

After diagnosing a disease or injury, chiropractors provide treatment through manipulations, adjustment of joints and spine with massage as well. However, Podiatrists provide treatment through, pain killers or medication, surgery, and the prescription of orthotics.

What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?

What Is The Most Common Foot Problem That A Podiatrist Treats? The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain.

Can an orthotist diagnose?

A foot and ankle specialist orthotist will be qualified to accurately assess and diagnose injuries of the foot, ankle and lower limb. They have extensive knowledge of whole body biomechanics, which is how the joints of the entire body are aligned and function.

Do orthotics hurt at first?

The short answer is no; though there can be an adjustment period when using new foot orthotics, they are custom-designed for each patient and are intended to help your feet, not hurt them.

How long do podiatrist orthotics last?

How long a pair of custom orthotics will last depends, not surprisingly, on the amount of usage. The more often they are used and the more actively, the quicker they will wear out. Typically, orthotics will last anywhere from one to five years.

How long do custom orthotics last?

While a typical custom orthotic might last around 2-3 years on average, not every case is a typical one. Some people need theirs replaced every year, while others can get 5 years or more (occasionally much more) of use out of theirs. In other words, it really is a case-by-case thing.

How much can I expect to pay for orthotics?

There are many types of custom orthotics, and they can cost anywhere from $300 to $800. Semi-custom orthotics cost between $60 and $300, and basic off-the-shelf inserts are available for as little as $10 to $20. Some health insurance plans won't pay for custom-made orthotics.

Why do my feet still hurt with custom orthotics?

If you are still feeling pain or discomfort after 2-3 weeks, visit your podiatrist to adjust your orthotics. If you have generic store-bought variations, perhaps consider visiting a podiatrist for a complete gait analysis and some custom-made orthotics. Take proper care of your orthotics.

Why are foot orthotics so expensive?

Unlike over-the-counter insoles, which are generic and can be easily purchased by walking into a store, different types of custom orthotics are specially designed to fit a particular foot and address specific foot conditions. Because of this, they tend to be more expensive compared to over-the-counter orthotics.

How often will insurance cover orthotics?

If your plan covers orthotics at all, it will typically allow you to get another pair after a certain period of time has passed. Often, this is one new pair per year, but sometimes the waiting period is longer.

Why are custom orthotics better than over the counter?

With every foot being different, over the counter orthotics companies produce orthotics to fit the general public. They tend to evenly distribute the stress on the foot while custom made foot orthotics work to reduce the overall fatigue placed on the foot.

Should you always wear orthotics?

Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet and intended to restore them to their ideal condition. There is no such thing as wearing them too much, but at some point, your podiatrist may say that it is alright to stop wearing them, or only to wear them during certain activities.

How many hours should you wear orthotics?

Wear your ICON ORTHOTICS a total of 2 - 4 hours today, and increase the time you wear them by 1 – 2 hours a day. It usually takes one to two weeks to become completely used to wearing your orthotics but this time can differ from person to person. Most people can wear the orthotics full time in 3-5 days.

Do you remove insoles when using orthotics?

In most cases, we recommend that you remove the insole, or footbed, from your shoes and replace them with your custom foot orthotics. Most shoes that are compatible with orthotics have a removable footbed that allows your custom foot orthotics to fit inside comfortably.

What are the two types of orthotics?

Wearing orthotics may help to restore ankle function, in addition to correcting foot deformities, such as flat feet. Many patients who have bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or diabetes may benefit from wearing orthotics as part of their treatment plan. There are two types of orthotics, rigid and accommodative.