Custom Orthotics Specialist
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DFW Foot and Ankle
Davey Suh, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist & Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Flower Mound, TX
Custom orthotics can ease pain, correct balance issues, and restore proper motion when you have foot and ankle issues. At DFW Foot and Ankle, board-certified podiatrist Davey Suh, DPM, offers custom orthotics in his Flower Mound, Texas, office. Dr. Suh can measure your feet precisely and perform a gait analysis to find the perfect orthotics for you. Call the office or click on the online scheduler now.
Custom Orthotics Q & A
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that can treat many foot issues. Every pair of custom orthotics is made to your foot specifications, so they fit only you. Custom orthotics can be prescribed to address:
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neuromas
- Ankle instability
- Flatfoot
- High arches
Many people wear custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive foot or ankle treatment plan. As an example, for diabetics who may have problems with slow-healing or nonhealing foot ulcers, custom orthotics may be one aspect of a diabetic foot care plan.
Custom orthotics can also serve as preventive care by keeping your feet and ankles properly positioned as you walk. Many athletes wear custom orthotics because they can optimize movement and potentially improve sports performance.
How are custom orthotics made?
At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Suh takes a series of precise foot measurements and makes a mold of your foot. He also conducts a gait analysis, a test to evaluate how you walk and stand.
A gait analysis can show the different pressure points as you move and stand, information that allows Dr. Suh to determine what type of orthotic corrections you need to ensure a smooth gait.
What are common types of custom orthotics?
There are two main kinds of custom orthotics:
Rigid orthotics
Rigid orthotics improve your function by repositioning your feet into an ideal position as you walk. They gently and painlessly guide you from abnormal to healthy motion.
In general, rigid orthotics are hard and fairly thin. Common materials include carbon graphite, copolymer, and polypropylene.
Accommodative orthotics
Accommodative orthotics don't change your gait — they're more about improving comfort, supporting your feet, and relieving pressure in vulnerable areas.
Typically, accommodative orthotics are thicker than rigid orthotics. They're usually made of softer (but still reasonably firm) materials like cork or neoprene.
Dr. Suh considers your condition and your personal needs carefully as he determines the custom orthotics that can give you the best results.
How long do custom orthotics last?
Custom orthotics usually have excellent longevity — from 2-6 years, with rigid orthotics typically lasting the longest due to their hard construction. Your custom orthotics are an investment that can yield improved long-term foot health and function.
To learn whether custom orthotics could help you, call DFW Foot and Ankle or use the online appointment scheduling feature now.
