Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet: What to Expect

Do you have flat feet? If you do, the entire sole of your foot comes in contact with the floor when you stand. This can occur for various reasons and doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do arise, they’re impossible to ignore.

When you have flat feet, you have little or no arch. Arches often get little attention, but they have an important job: They absorb shock, put a bounce in your step, and help distribute your weight evenly. 

Without an arch, it’s common to experience numerous issues, such as:

• Muscle pain or fatigue in the foot or leg
• Pain anywhere in the foot, especially the outside, heel, arch, or ankle
• Leg cramps
• Shin splints
• Corns, calluses, and bunions
• Bone spurs and arthritis
• Pain in the knee, hip, or lower back

It can also lead to pain while walking, changes in gait, and even toe drift, in which the front portion of your foot points outward.

Fortunately, Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS, at Align Foot & Ankle Center can treat this issue with custom-made orthotics, and no surgery or downtime is required.

Custom-made orthotics and flat feet

When experiencing an arch issue, such as flat feet, it can be tempting to look for quick and easy answers — like over-the-counter shoe inserts. However, there’s a reason to work closely with a skilled podiatrist when exploring anything to correct a foot problem, even if it slips in your shoe.

While it’s certainly true that you can find prefabricated inserts at numerous stores and online, they’re also mass-produced. That means they get made for the general population instead of your unique needs.

When you get custom-made orthotics, Dr. Peng performs a comprehensive exam, discusses your symptoms, and learns more about your lifestyle. This enables him to identify specific foot and ankle problems and prescribe the best orthotic to address them. 

Dr. Peng can even make recommendations based on the activities you enjoy most, whether you love playing sports or taking relaxing walks.

How custom orthotics are made

You can expect to undergo two appointments for custom-made orthotics. 

Initial consultation

Dr. Peng uses your first appointment to perform your exam and review your symptoms. He also orders X-rays or MRIs to assess your joints, bones, and soft tissues. 

Finally, Dr. Peng takes 3-D scans of your feet. The lab uses these images to create the custom-made orthotics he recommends.

Second appointment

For your second appointment, you return to Align Foot & Ankle Center to try your new custom-made orthotics. During this visit, Dr. Peng can make additional adjustments to the inserts and provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them.

Custom-made orthotics may not cure your arch problems, but they can significantly reduce your symptoms and get you back on your feet again, pain-free.

Are your flat feet slowing you down? Get the help you need by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Align Foot & Ankle Center today. We have locations in Camarillo and Santa Barbara, California.