Orthotics Specialist

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-crafted shoe inserts or heel pads designed for your feet. They provide an additional level of support and reduce uncomfortable symptoms like foot and back pain. 

You can’t buy custom orthotics at the grocery store. Dr. Christie scans your feet during an in-office appointment. Then, a podiatry lab uses your scans to design and manufacture a pair of orthotics that provide lasting support.

Custom orthotics can be adjusted to fit almost any shoe or activity. Dr. Christie strives to give you the most out of your custom orthotic experience, which is what separates our office from the rest. Orthotic insoles are prescribed for people of all ages and athletic activities. Dr. Christie also prescribes pediatric patient custom inserts, for any number of conditions, that can improve your child’s quality of life.

What conditions can benefit orthotics?

Dr. Christie and the team use orthotics to treat various conditions, including:

• Back pain
• Arthritis
• Heel spurs
• Flat feet
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• High arches

You might also be a candidate for orthotics if you experience plantar fasciitis or another type of chronic heel pain.

What are the types of orthotics?

Dr. Christie and the team offer several types of orthotics, including:

Rigid or “functional” orthotics

Rigid orthotics are made from tough and inflexible materials like plastic or carbon fiber. They slip inside close-toed shoes and relieve pain caused by muscle strains. Dr. Christie might prescribe rigid orthotics if you regularly experience back, leg, or foot pain.

Soft or “accommodative” orthotics

Dr. Christie offers an “accommodative” orthotic brand used by foot and ankle specialists for decades to treat common foot and ankle ailments. The “accommodative” product ushers in the next generation of comfort, not offered by our competitors.

Accommodative orthotics are made from soft and padded materials, taking the pressure off of sore spots, and are easily transferred into most shoes. Dr. Christie also offers diabetic inserts to treat diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds.

What does getting orthotics involve?

Before he prescribes orthotics, Dr. Christie asks about your symptoms and examines your feet and ankles. During the exam, he conducts a series of tests to pinpoint areas of pain, swelling, or sensitivity. He also takes X-rays to assess your bones and joints and to see if there are any underlying issues, like fractures or bone spurs.

If Dr. Christie determines you can benefit from orthotics, he takes 3D scans of your feet. Afterward, he sends your scans to a podiatry lab that uses them to make your custom orthotics.

About a week or two later, when the lab finishes your orthotics, you return to the office and try them on. Dr. Christie makes adjustments as necessary and explains how to keep your orthotics in optimal condition.

If you’re interested in learning more about orthotics, make an appointment at Christie Foot & Ankle by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.