What are Foot Orthotics?

Foot orthotics are supportive inserts for your shoes that are designed to correctly align your foot and ankle.  Correctly aligning the foot and ankle will help to distribute the forces that occur when you walk, run, and play sports.  This can decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis, plantar fascitiis, metatarsalgia, tendonitis, and many other conditions. 

Foot Orthotics at Greensboro Orthopaedics:
 
During your evaluation for custom foot orthotics, experienced physical therapy staff will perform a thorough evaluation of your lower extremity, feet, and ankles to determine the amount of correction needed. We will also discuss the most appropriate shoe type for your foot.  We utilize the Amfit custom orthotic system when evaluating your feet to achieve a precise mold of each foot.  Using this system we are able to fabricate your orthotics here at Greensboro Orthopaedics allowing us to get your orthotics to you quickly, in 1 week or less. 
         
You will be able to use your custom orthotics in multiple pairs of lace up shoes, as long as they are the same size.  The orthotics can be cleaned easily with soap and water.  You may experience some initial discomfort in your arch and lower legs as you begin wearing your orthotics.  This is normal and will dissipate as you get used to wearing them.  We recommend slowly increasing your wear time with the custom orthotics by 1-2 hours a day to allow your feet to get used to being in this new position with greater support.  Should you continue to have difficulty wearing your orthotics, please contact one of our staff and they will be happy to discuss this with you and schedule you for a follow-up adjustment to the orthotics. 
        
We do not make custom orthotics for our patients with diabetes.  Diabetic foot orthotics require special materials and considerations that we are unable to provide at our facility.  If you have diabetes and your physician prescribes orthotics at our facility please let one of our staff members know and we will be happy to recommend a qualified facility that is equipped to handle your specific needs.