Original Publish Date: Feb. 2, 2023 | Updated on April 3, 2025
When you hear the term “shoe insert,” it’s not hard to guess what it does. You insert it into your shoe to make walking and standing more comfortable! But what about when you hear the term “orthotics?”
While shoe inserts and orthotics serve similar functions, they’re not the same. There are also five significant differences between prescription orthotics and the high-end retail kind:
- Functionality and Purpose
- Appearance
- Comfortability + Precision and Accuracy of Custom Fit
- Price (fun fact: the less expensive option just so happens to be the better option!)
- Value
Keep reading for more information on prescription foot orthotics and how they work!
Could You Benefit From Prescription Orthotics?
Prescription orthotics from a podiatrist can treat a wide range of foot-related ailments. They can even alleviate pain or discomfort in other parts of your body, like your legs, hips, and back, which is often caused by a discrepancy between a patient’s leg lengths or their two shoe sizes.
Some of the most common foot pain issues that prescription orthotics can treat include plantar fasciitis, heel pain, recurrent ankle sprains, tendonitis, and more. Even ingrown toenails can benefit from orthotics designed to keep them from being squeezed or irritated; this is not a standard treatment approach, though. Our practice can prescribe orthotics for any conditions listed above, but plantar fasciitis and ingrown toenails are our specialties.
How Custom Foot Orthotics Work
While orthotics and shoe inserts function similarly—that is, slightly improving arch support and cushioning—orthotics do a lot more. And as we mentioned in the introduction, the type of orthotics you get really matters!
In general, custom orthotics look kind of like insoles; you add them to the inside of your shoes just the same. Orthotics are supposed to offer an accurate and precise fit for controlling joint motion and applying targeted pressure to the foot.
Whether you’re experiencing lower back pain, frequently experience calluses, or stand or walk a lot for work, custom foot orthotics will provide support exactly where you need it to solve the root problem.
Prescription vs. Retail
Prescription orthotics are the most effective, best quality, and LEAST expensive option. At our office, they’re rarely above $30. On the other hand, we’ve noticed that many (not all) of these “custom” orthotic retail stores seemingly have a pattern of inconsistent results, wavering quality, dissatisfied customers, and unfair prices.
Retail orthotics businesses often mislead new customers into believing they are patients in a clinical setting, similar to being a new patient at a walk-in podiatrist’s office. In actuality, they are not doctors or even medical assistants. The people consulting with customers in these shops
lack essential podiatry knowledge—such as the complex physiology and anatomy of the feet—and any medically sanctioned, accredited training certifications to establish their trustworthiness or expertise.
They also tend to charge patients a premium price, sometimes more than a thousand dollars for just the initial “consultation.” We believe that’s a rip-off for any orthotics, much less for non-prescription ones that may still fail to yield the desired improvements
Clearly, prescription orthotics are superior.
How Can I Get Prescription Orthotics?
To figure out precisely what you need from custom orthotics and get them prescribed, you’ll need to see a foot specialist (AKA a podiatrist)! Podiatrists can expertly measure and assess you to determine how your unique feet work, as well as where pain or discomfort might stem from. They’ll assess your range of motion, the position of your foot bones, and your walking pattern.
Even if two people have similar issues, the same orthotics might not solve their problems because of differences in weight, range of motion, walking patterns, etc. Every person and every foot is exceptionally unique!
Ready to Try Custom Prescription Orthotics?
Now that you know a little more about how foot orthotics work, you might be wondering if you could benefit from them. While orthotics aren’t the answer to every foot-related ailment, they can help relieve pain and discomfort in regard to a wide variety of issues! Oftentimes, prescription orthotics coupled with physical therapy are enough to get you back on track and feeling great.
At Foot Specialists of Birmingham, you can get professional, compassionate care for all kinds of issues, including ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, plantar warts, and more. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment and get back to doing what you love pain-free!
