How Are Prescription Orthotics Different Than the Drugstore Type?

Custom orthotics are important therapeutic corrective tools that can help with a host of foot problems. You might wonder, though, whether custom orthotics are worth getting considering you can get generic orthotics at the drugstore.

While custom orthotics can cost more ― even though they’re often covered by insurance ― when it comes to your foot health, it’s best not to be pennywise and pound foolish. Depending on what issues your podiatrist is treating, you may come out ahead — both cost-wise and comfort-wise — by opting for prescription orthotics.

At Premier Foot & Ankle, we want you to have the best foot health possible. And if your feet aren’t supported right, your foot and overall health may suffer. That’s why we offer custom orthotics, which can cradle your feet and give you the support you need.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics can be used on many parts of the body, but orthotics for your feet are shoe inserts that can address an array of foot and ankle problems that may be painful and limit your mobility. These problems can include:

• Plantar fasciitis, a painful heel condition
• Flat feet
• Problems walking
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Foot problems and deformities present from birth
• Injuries

Orthotics can also protect and support your feet while playing sports. They can also be used in conjunction with physical therapy after you’ve had foot or ankle surgery.

What can orthotics do? 

Orthotics are wonderful multitaskers. They can do a number of things, including:

• Adjust your gait
• Provide pain relief
• Lessen pressure on problem areas of your feet
• Support parts of your feet that need it

Orthotics can also help align your entire lower body, which can help your back and overall posture.

What types of orthotics are there?

There are two types of foot orthotics: soft and hard. 

Soft orthotics are also called accommodative orthotics, because they’re pillowy and surround your feet with a soft cushion. These can relieve pain and increase comfort for those with certain disorders, such as plantar fasciitis. 

Hard orthotics, or functional orthotics, are more inflexible and can help provide a stable foundation for your feet while relieving pain. They can act as shock absorbers, help counter foot deformities, and help prevent problems associated with repetitive stress. These types of orthotics are often recommended for children.

Semi-soft and semi-rigid orthotics also exist. Our physicians will prescribe these depending on your foot’s physiology and your specific condition.

Are custom orthotics better than store brands?

Store-bought orthotics are inserts that are mass-produced. While specific ones may not be bad ― one of our physicians, in fact, may even recommend one ― we don’t advise going to the drugstore and rolling the dice. Getting the wrong orthotics might worsen your problem.

Custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet at a special orthotics lab, and they’re made from sophisticated materials, such as carbon and high-tech plastics. Because of their higher quality materials, custom orthotics are more durable and can last up to several years with proper care, unlike drugstore models.

To learn more about the benefits of custom orthotics, book an appointment over the phone with Premier Foot & Ankle today.