Custom Orthotics and Braces

Custom Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, Arthritis & more...

Many foot and ankle conditions are caused by poor foot position or alignment and can be dramatically improved with use of custom orthotics. The purpose of orthotics is to hold the foot in a certain position while controlling the amount of motion the joints go through while standing, walking and even running.

Many athletes use custom orthotics to improve their performance and endurance. Athletes demand so much from their feet and ankles and even the slightest imbalance in their feet makes them prone to injury. Custom orthotics can reduce the need for muscles to compensate for such imbalances, improving muscle function and decreasing fatigue.

Orthotics are custom-made inserts that slip into your existing shoes. They do not require use of special orthopedic shoes. They can be rigid or flexible, full-length or partial-length, and many different modifications can be added that are specific to your foot or ankle problem.

Orthotics are effective in the management of many conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur)
• Flat Feet
• High Arch Feet (Pes Cavus)
• Bunions: Hallux Valgus Deformity & Hammertoes (while they don’t correct these problems, they can help slow the progression)
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
• Shin Splints
• Limb/Leg length inequality (which can happen after knee or hip surgery, or with scoliosis or other spine or hip problems)
• Neuroma (Morton's Neuroma)
• Arthritis
• Painful calluses

How Are Our Custom Orthotics Different From Shoe Inserts?

Over-the-counter shoe inserts are designed to fit the average foot, not the unique contours of your foot, and while they may provide some support they are not designed to treat your specific conditions.

The Podiatrists at Kalmar Family Podiatry carefully examine your feet as you walk, known as a gait examination. Every situation and every foot requires a different amount of control and positioning and every foot has a unique arch and foot type. For these reasons, custom orthotics are significantly more effective than over-the-counter type shoe inserts.  

Will My Orthotics Fit In All My Shoes?

There are several different types of orthotics, those for athletic shoes to very thin orthotics used for dress shoes.  While orthotics work in most shoes, they will not work in flip-flops, or any shoe where the heel is able to rise off of it while walking.

How Are Custom Orthotics Made?

We take great pride and expend a lot of energy in making our custom orthotics nothing less than exceptional.

To create a great orthotic we first take a careful impression of your foot in a neutral position with a precision laser scanner. We have found this to be the most reliable and sensitive technique in orthotic manufacturing.  The scan is sent over to our partnered lab for fabrication with specific accommodations and support customized to each patient’s needs.  

The patient will return to the office to be fitted with the orthotics in their shoes. Another gait analysis will be performed to be certain the orthotics are performing the desired effect. There will be an initial break in period during the first few weeks but after “getting used to the orthotics,” we recommend using them in all shoes in which they will fit.  Want to order another pair, no problem, we save the scanned file and we simply send a new order form to the lab. 

Custom Foot and Ankle Braces

There are instances when more extensive bracing is required to accommodate a deformity or injury of the tendon, ankle or foot bone. These custom-made braces properly position foot and ankle joints that can relieve symptoms and reduce risk of further damage.  The added support a brace offers may also help reduce your chance of injury during sports activities.  The custom braces can be for temporary or for long-term use.

Kalmar Family Podiatry: Custom Orthotics Huntington, New York

Kalmar Family Podiatry specializes in custom orthotics, braces and boots for the foot and ankle.  We provide expert knowledge in the most friendly, professional and comfortable environment.  Call us today to schedule your appointment at our centrally located downtown Huntington office.