About 8 in 10 Americans experience foot problems. If foot or heel pain keeps you from work, exercise, or other activities you love, custom orthotics can provide relief. At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, board-certified podiatrist Bryon Butts, DPM, uses high-quality custom orthotics to help people of all ages remain mobile. To make an appointment at the practice in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, or Lake Success, New York, call the nearest office today or schedule online.

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What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes. They look similar to store-bought heel pads or inserts but are much more effective because they support the unique structure of your feet.

At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, Dr. Butts teams with one of the best orthotics companies in the country. Before selecting a partner, he tried 10 of America’s top orthotics brands on his own feet. The results speak for themselves. Many runners and athletes return to Dr. Butts whenever their orthotics wear out and they need a new pair.

What types of foot problems can benefit from custom orthotics?

At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, Dr. Butts uses custom orthotics to treat a variety of common foot problems, including:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bunions
  • Hammer toes
  • Heel pain
  • Warts

You might also benefit from custom orthotics if you experience a sports injury like a sprained ankle or a torn tendon.

What are the types of custom orthotics?

At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, Dr. Butts offers several types of custom orthotics, including:

  • Functional orthotics
  • Functional or rigid orthotics are made of materials like plastic and carbon fiber. They’re stiff and best for walking in shoes with closed toes and low heels. Dr. Butts might recommend functional orthotics if you experience foot pain as well as pain in your thighs or lower back.

  • Accommodative orthotics
  • Accommodative or soft orthotics are made from padded cushion-like materials. These orthotics take pressure off specific areas of your feet. They’re bulkier than functional orthotics and are often worn outside of your shoes.

What does getting custom orthotics involve?

At Performance Footcare of New York, PC, getting custom orthotics takes two appointments about a week apart.

First appointment: At your initial consultation, Dr. Butts physically examines your feet and ankles and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like work or exercise make them worse. If Dr. Butts determines you have a foot-related condition like plantar fasciitis or a hammer toe, he takes digital scans of your feet. He sends your scans to a medical laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a set of custom orthotics.

Second appointment: When the lab completes your custom orthotics, you return to Performance Footcare of New York, PC. Dr. Butts has you try the orthotics on and makes adjustments as necessary. Then, he provides instructions for wearing them.

To see if you can benefit from custom orthotics, make an appointment at Performance Footcare of New York, PC, by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.