Custom Orthotics Specialist in Alpharetta & AtlantaCustom orthotics allow patients to move the foot and ankle into the correct position again, and they often help in pain reduction as well. Dr. Michael Maiorino at Structural Based Therapy in Alpharetta, Georgia is an experienced chiropractor who can help patients get orthotics specially designed for their specific case. Many patients with problems like bunions, back pain, and plantar fasciitis feel like they have a whole new lease on life thanks to custom orthotics from Structural Based Therapy.


Custom Orthotics Q & A

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are devices created for the purpose of improved foot and ankle alignment. Custom orthotics are created using a mold of the patient’s feet, which allows for a perfect fit. Orthotics are very similar in appearance to insoles; however, they’re actually quite different. An orthotic is a biomechanical medical appliance that is made based upon the patient’s specific foot imbalance.

How do custom orthotics work?

Custom orthotics help the feet in much the same way that eyeglasses help the eyes. Orthotics alleviate stress and strain on the feet and on the entire body by moving the feet into correct alignment. The orthotics gently redirect improper motions a patient may make during their gait cycle. Just like insoles, custom orthotics fit into the shoes.

What types of issues can custom orthotics help with?

Custom orthotics can help with a wide variety of foot and leg issues, as well as issues involving the upper half of the body. Some of the problems that custom orthotics help with may include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammer toes
  • Arch pain
  • Heel pain
  • Leg pain
  • Knee pain
  • Hip pain
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Plantar fasciitis

How often should custom orthotics be worn?

The more often that custom orthotics are worn, the more beneficial they are. If possible, custom orthotics should be in the shoes all day, every day. This includes all walking and daily activities. For patients who have several different types of footwear, for example heels for work and tennis shoes for everything else, two different kinds of orthotics are recommended to make sure that feet are protected and the gait is corrected at all times.

How long does it take to grow accustomed to wearing custom orthotics?

Because custom orthotics force the feet to realign into an improved position, it’s common for there to be some pressure in the beginning. Dr. Maiorino may recommend that patients begin by wearing the orthotics for just a couple of hours at a time, and then slowly increase wear time until they can be worn at all times other than overnight.