Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics relieve pain caused by common foot and ankle problems, including plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, and bunions. At his Brentwood, California, practice, experienced chiropractor Michael Sheps, DC, prescribes custom orthotics to manage foot and lower limb problems. Dr. Sheps partners with area podiatrists to improve mobility and quality of life. Call the Los Angeles area office today to schedule a custom orthotics consultation, or book your appointment online.

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that support your feet and ankles. They look like the inserts you can buy at the grocery or drug store but are designed specifically for you. Orthotics help align the bones and joints in your feet. They relieve pressure on painful spots and provide a cushion for improved mobility.

Dr. Sheps provides orthotic consultations in the office, but he partners with area podiatrists to ensure comfort and quality.

Which foot problems benefit from custom orthotics?

Dr. Sheps uses custom orthotics to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Flat feet
• High arches
• Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Corns, calluses, and blisters
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Neuromas (nerve tumors)
• Foot and ankle fractures
• Ankle sprains

Sometimes, Dr. Sheps prescribes custom orthotics to relieve back pain caused by gait abnormalities (problems with how you walk).

What does getting custom orthotics involve?

Before recommending custom orthotics, Dr. Sheps reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if it's worse when standing and walking.

Dr. Sheps examines your feet and ankles, checking for swelling and redness. He gently presses on the part of the foot, causing your problems to identify sensitive spots.

Dr. Sheps has you walk around the exam room and asks you to complete a few easy exercises, observing your gait (how you walk) and posture. Then, he orders X-rays or an ultrasound to check for injuries, including fractures and soft-tissue damage.

If Dr. Sheps determines you can benefit from orthotics, he refers you to a nearby podiatrist. The podiatrist takes impressions of your feet and sends them to a lab that creates your custom-fitted shoe inserts.

After the lab finishes your orthotics, they ship them to Dr. Sheps. You return to the office to try them on. Dr. Sheps makes adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.

How long do custom orthotics last?

Custom orthotics typically last 2-3 years*, but because you wear them inside your shoes, they undergo wear-and-tear daily. If you notice your foot or ankle pain returning or getting worse, contact Dr. Sheps. This often means it's time for new orthotics.

Call the office of Michael Sheps, DC, today to schedule a custom orthotics consultation, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.