Support From the Ground Up
Foot and ankle mechanics play a critical role in how the entire body moves. Subtle changes in the way your foot strikes the ground can lead to pain and dysfunction not only in the foot, but also in the knees, hips, and lower back. At Orlando Sports Medicine, we offer custom orthotics designed to correct biomechanical imbalances, reduce pain, and enhance movement efficiency across a wide range of patients and activities.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts specifically designed to support your foot structure, control motion, and distribute pressure more evenly during walking, running, or standing. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made based on a detailed assessment of your individual foot shape and function. These devices can be an essential component in treating chronic pain, supporting injury recovery, and improving performance in athletic populations.
Conditions That Benefit from Custom Orthotics:
Custom orthotics are commonly prescribed for individuals experiencing:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Flat feet and fallen arches
- Heel pain or heel spurs
- Achilles tendinitis
- Shin splints
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Overpronation or oversupination
- Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia)
- Morton’s neuroma
- Knee pain related to poor foot alignment
- Hip and lower back pain resulting from poor gait mechanics
Orthotics can also help prevent recurring injuries in individuals who place high stress on their lower extremities due to sports or prolonged standing and walking.
Who Can Benefit from Custom Orthotics?
Runners
Runners are prone to overuse injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and stress reactions. Orthotics can help by correcting overpronation, supporting the arch, and improving shock absorption during each foot strike.
Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse Players
These athletes frequently perform quick direction changes, cuts, and jumps. Custom orthotics help stabilize the foot and ankle, improve dynamic balance, and reduce the risk of ankle sprains and foot fatigue.
Walkers and Fitness Enthusiasts
Individuals who walk for fitness or work on their feet all day may develop foot or lower extremity discomfort over time. Orthotics offer cushioning, proper alignment, and arch support that enhance endurance and reduce stress-related injuries.
Pre-Adolescent Children with Flat Feet or Foot Pain
Children with flat feet or foot pain often present with fatigue, coordination difficulties, or early signs of lower extremity alignment issues. Orthotics can provide early support to promote healthier movement patterns as they grow and mature.
Adults with Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain
Chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis can severely limit daily activity. Custom orthotics help unload the plantar fascia, improve arch function, and allow the tissue to heal by reducing strain with every step.
What to Expect During an Orthotic Consultation
At Orlando Sports Medicine, the custom orthotic process begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a Doctor of Physical Therapy with specialized expertise in foot and ankle biomechanics. Your consultation includes:
- A full history of your symptoms, activities, footwear use, and movement habits
- A physical examination including posture, gait analysis, and joint mobility testing
- Evaluation of your foot alignment and function during walking and standing
- Discussion of your specific needs—whether athletic performance, pain relief, or structural support
Once the assessment is complete, your foot will be scanned using state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology—the same technology used in advanced facial recognition systems. This quick and efficient process captures a high-resolution, three-dimensional contour of your foot without the mess or variability of traditional plaster casting or foam crush boxes.
Your scan, along with clinical measurements and findings from your assessment, will be used to create a fully customized orthotic that meets your unique needs. Our team works with top-tier fabrication labs to ensure optimal fit, durability, and comfort.
Why Choose Orlando Sports Medicine for Orthotics?
- Evaluations performed by board-certified Doctors of Physical Therapy
- Advanced 3D scanning technology for precise foot contour capture
- Expertise in orthopedic and sports-related movement dysfunctions
- Integration of orthotic prescription with a full physical therapy plan, if needed
- Comfortable, performance-driven orthotic designs for all levels of activity
