Key Takeaways

Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are shaped specifically to each foot — including differences between the left and right — in a way that over-the-counter insoles simply cannot replicate. Most patients find that the right orthotic reduces pain, improves how their whole body moves, and holds up well for several years with normal use. If you have questions about whether custom orthotics are right for your situation, the physicians at Sunshein Podiatry Associates in Centerville are happy to walk you through the evaluation process.

A custom orthotic is a prescription medical device shaped to the specific structure of your individual foot. Unlike mass-produced insoles sold at pharmacies or sporting goods stores, which are manufactured to fit a generic shoe size, a custom orthotic begins with a thorough evaluation of your arch height, foot alignment, and movement patterns. The result is a device that supports your foot the way your foot needs to be supported, not the way an average foot might.

That distinction matters most for patients with structural differences between their left and right foot, significant arch irregularities, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or pronation that require precise mechanical correction.

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What Conditions Do Custom Orthotics Help Treat?

Orthotics are not a one-condition solution. At Sunshein Podiatry Associates, they are used as part of a broader treatment plan for a range of foot and ankle issues, including:

Orthotics can also benefit patients managing chronic knee, hip, or lower back discomfort that stems from how their feet bear weight. Because the foot is the foundation the rest of the body stands on, improving alignment at the base often reduces stress further up the kinetic chain.

How Are Custom Orthotics Made?

The process starts with an evaluation — not just a glance at how you stand, but a structured assessment of your foot structure, gait, arch height, and the differences between your two feet. At Sunshein Podiatry Associates, this evaluation guides a prescription that specifies the exact shape and material of each orthotic.

We use a higher-grade plastic than the typical orthotic. This high-grade plastic holds the prescribed arch shape under real-world pressure. Unlike softer materials, this construction maintains its form over years of daily use, and it can be reheated and reshaped if the arch settles over time — rather than being replaced outright.

How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?

Most well-constructed custom orthotics last 3 to 5 years under normal daily use, and many patients get considerably longer life from them. Durability depends on the materials used, the patient's activity level, and how evenly weight is distributed across the device.

Because the goal of a custom orthotic is structural correction, not just cushioning, the materials need to be strong enough to hold the prescribed arch position consistently. Devices that flatten over time stop doing the job they were built for. The higher-grade plastic Dr. Sunshein uses is selected specifically because it resists that kind of wear — and because it can be adjusted rather than discarded if the fit needs to be updated.

Will Custom Orthotics Work With My Regular Shoes?

In most cases, yes. Custom orthotics are designed to fit inside a wide variety of shoes — athletic shoes, walking shoes, dress shoes with a removable insole, and most work footwear. Patients typically move their orthotics from shoe to shoe rather than needing a dedicated pair for each.

There are some exceptions. Very flat, minimal footwear — sandals without structure, ballet flats, certain cleats — may not accommodate a full-contact orthotic. If shoe compatibility is a concern for your lifestyle, that is worth raising during your evaluation so the prescription can account for it.

Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your plan and the diagnosis supporting the prescription. Many insurance plans do provide partial or full coverage for custom orthotics when they are prescribed to treat a documented medical condition. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) may also be applicable.

The team at Sunshein Podiatry Associates can help you understand your coverage before moving forward. If you have questions about the financial side of treatment, that is a good topic to bring up when you call to schedule.

How Are Custom Orthotics Different From What I Can Buy at a Specialty Running Store?

Specialty running stores and some online retailers offer semi-custom or premium insoles that are better than basic drugstore products. For patients with mild, temporary discomfort, these may be enough to offer some relief. But they are still mass-manufactured products sized to a broad range of foot sizes, not custom-made for your feet.

If both feet hurt the same amount and feel the same, a premium off-the-shelf product may offer relief. However, if your feet are asymmetrical, such as one arch lower, one heel angling differently, a product built to fit the average foot cannot address what is happening on each side. Only custom orthotics can address structural differences in your feet.

Can Children Be Fitted for Custom Orthotics?

Yes. Children's foot care is part of the practice at Sunshein Podiatry Associates, and Dr. Sunshein evaluates children older than six who may benefit from orthotic support. Because bones are still developing during childhood and early adolescence, addressing poor foot alignment earlier may help prevent problems that become more difficult to correct in adulthood.

If your child complains of foot pain, walks with an unusual gait, or trips and falls more than you would expect, it may be worth having their foot structure evaluated.

What Should I Expect at My First Appointment?

The first appointment focuses on understanding your foot structure and what is causing your symptoms. Dr. Kevin Sunshein will evaluate how your foot functions, not just how it looks at rest. He will discuss your activity level, footwear choices, and goals. If orthotics are appropriate, the first appointment establishes the prescription. You won’t leave with a new pair of orthotics, but the information Dr. Sunshein obtains informs the construction of your custom orthotics.

The custom orthotics we prescribe are premium, full-contact orthotics designed to support the foot in its most natural, efficient position. Dr. Sunshein considers multiple dimensions of the foot, not just the typical ones commonly used to create custom orthotics. The resulting orthotics provide the proper support and natural position to help you move better and stay active longer. 

If you are unsure whether custom orthotics are the right next step for your foot pain, the conditions we treat page is a good starting point for understanding what might be causing your symptoms.

Get Custom Orthotics That Address Your Unique Foot and Ankle Care Concerns

Sunshein Podiatry is ready to help you with any foot or ankle condition that causes you pain or difficulty. But why settle for generic off-the-shelf inserts? Custom orthotics, designed specifically to address your biomechanics and condition, may be the nonsurgical treatment option that works best for you. 

Schedule an appointment or call our Centerville office at (937) 435-7477 to discuss your symptoms, ask questions, and explore a personalized treatment plan for bunions. Sunshein Podiatry proudly welcomes patients from throughout the greater Dayton area, including Kettering, Beavercreek, Miamisburg, and surrounding Miami Valley communities.