← What we treat

Flat Feet and Orthotics

Flat feet are common, and many people have them without ever having a problem. Symptoms that do develop include aching along the inside of the ankle, arch pain by the end of the day, tired legs after standing, or pain that appears when a job or activity changes.

Not all flat feet are the same. Some are flexible and have been present since childhood. Others develop in adulthood, often as the tendon supporting the arch gradually gives way, and these tend to progress rather than stay the same. Distinguishing between them matters, because the treatment differs and the adult onset type is worth identifying early.

High arches cause their own problems. A rigid, high arched foot absorbs shock poorly, which loads the heel and the outside of the foot and contributes to instability and repeated ankle sprains.

Custom orthotics

Many arch related problems respond to stretching, shoe changes, and over the counter support. When those are not enough, a custom orthotic is made from a mold of your own foot and built for your specific mechanics.

Custom orthotics differ from inserts sold at a pharmacy. Store bought inserts add cushioning. A custom device is built to control how the foot moves through the step, which changes the loading that caused the pain.

Coverage for custom orthotics varies between insurance plans. We check your benefits before anything is ordered so you know the cost in advance.