What custom orthotics actually do
Orthotics are prescription shoe inserts made from a precise cast or scan of your feet. Unlike drugstore insoles, which only cushion, custom orthotics correct the mechanics of how your foot strikes the ground: controlling overpronation, supporting the arch, and redistributing pressure away from painful areas.
Because your feet are your foundation, correcting their alignment often relieves pain far above them: in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Patients are frequently surprised that knee pain they've had for years traces back to their feet.
Who benefits
Orthotics help with plantar fasciitis and heel pain, flat feet and fallen arches, bunions and hammertoes (by slowing progression and relieving pressure), diabetic feet (by preventing pressure sores), and overuse injuries in runners and people who work on their feet all day. We cast orthotics for both sneakers and dress shoes, so support doesn't require changing your wardrobe.
Choosing shoes that work with your feet
Shop at the end of the day when feet are largest, and have both feet measured, since sizes change with age. Look for a firm heel counter, a sole that bends at the ball of the foot (not the middle), and a roomy toe box. Replace athletic shoes every 300–500 miles; cushioning breaks down long before the shoe looks worn out.
If pain persists in good shoes, that's your cue for an evaluation. Call (718) 232-2100 and we'll look at how you stand, walk, and wear down your soles.
Questions about your own health?
This guide is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your feet or your smile, come see us in Dyker Heights.
Call (718) 232-2100