Orthotics

What are Orthotics?

ANATOMY

Orthotic inserts are widely used for off-loading pressure on your feet, so wounds, injuries, and inflammation can resolve. At Stepping Stone Foot & Ankle Specialists, located in King of Prussia, PA, you can get fitted for a pair of custom-molded orthotics, made just for you. Find out how orthotics can benefit you by booking an exam online or by calling to speak with a team member at our clinic location.

Orthotics Q&A

What are the benefits of Orthotics?

It’s common for your legs to be different lengths or for your feet to be different shapes or sizes. These issues, among others, can lead to chronic pain and can even increase your risk of certain injuries. Orthotics are designed to correct these imperfections. They help balance out your feet, so your skeleton aligns perfectly from your feet on up.

Podiatrists recommend slipping orthotics into your shoes for a variety of reasons. Orthotics can minimize symptoms associated with:

Corns and calluses
Ankle instability
Plantar fasciitis
Hammertoes
Tendonitis
Arthritis
Bunions
Heel pain

Orthotics are also widely recommended for diabetics for a couple of reasons. First, orthotics help cushion your feet, which can reduce your risk of foot wounds. Second, orthotics can redistribute your weight if you have an area that already has an injury that needs to heal.

Which type of Orthotics do I need?

Stepping Stone Foot & Ankle Specialists is dedicated to ensuring you receive a pair of orthotics designed to help with any concern you may have. Your podiatrist may recommend either of the orthotics described below.

Rigid Orthotics

Rigid or “functional” orthotics are made from durable plastic or carbon fiber material. These orthotics are highly beneficial for stabilizing your feet and easing chronic foot pain, frequent strains, and even lower leg pain.

Soft Orthotics

Your podiatrist may recommend soft or “accommodative” orthotics if you require extra cushioning in your shoes. Generally, these orthotics are helpful for people with diabetes or anyone who may need to off-load pressure from a wound.

How are custom orthotics made?

Stepping Stone Foot & Ankle Specialists is home to a truely customized experience. While there are newer technological advancement in obtaining your foot molds via a 3D scanner on an iPad or iPhone, Dr. Wendy Le prefers to keep with the basic, old school technique of casting each patient's foot herself. She, herself, have been wearing custom orthotics for over 15 years. Depending on your foot type, she may use a non-messy STS slipper cast or the traditional plaster casts. While it may get a bit messy with a plaster casting technque, it is still one of the best ways to capture your arch height and foot deformities where you, yourself, can see what your feet looks like and how the custom orthotics can correct them.

We then send the casts/molds to the podiatric lab for orthotic fabrication. It may take a few weeks to receive your custom-designed orthotics, but once you get them, you can wear them right away to start experiencing the relief you deserve.

Learn more about the benefits of orthotic inserts by contacting Stepping Stone Foot & Ankle Specialists today. Book your evaluation now.

Please call us at (215) 883-8806 or click below to schedule an appointment online!