Custom Molded Orthotics, Braces
If you are experiencing pain in your feet, knees, legs, or back as a result of wearing shoes with little to no support, custom foot orthotics may be right for you. Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles but are biomechanical appliances custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance, and the plastic body of the orthotic helps re-align the foot while you walk. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, Dr. Cella creates custom orthotics and braces tailored to each patient in Fair Lawn, NJ , because everyone's feet are different.
How Custom Orthotics Support Your Whole Body
Custom orthotics are part of a comprehensive treatment plan used to relieve pain, misalignment, and discomfort in the feet, legs, and even the back. They help correct foot deformities, support the arches, and reduce inflammation, while relieving stress on the tendons of the feet and the muscles of the legs to lower the risk of future injury. Because poor foot positioning can affect the entire body, well-made orthotics can also reduce pain in the knees, hips, and back. They play an important role in treating conditions covered on our arch pain, bunion, and diabetic foot care pages, and are a key part of our broader products and additional services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are custom molded orthotics?
Custom molded orthotics are inserts made specifically for the person wearing them, unlike a regular insert you can buy online or at a sports store. To make them, the doctor evaluates your foot structure and symptoms, places your foot in proper alignment to reduce deformities, and has the device built so that when placed in your shoes, your deformities and symptoms are reduced or eliminated.
Do you need a prescription for custom orthotics?
Yes. After the doctor evaluates your needs, the information is sent to a laboratory as a prescription to create the orthotic. This cannot be done without a face-to-face visit, because the appropriate measurements require placing you in a neutral, non-weight-bearing position and using casting material or a 3D scanner to capture an image of the foot.
Do custom orthotics really work?
Yes. Orthotics are an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan for pain and misalignment of the feet, legs, and back. They help correct deformities, support the arches, reduce inflammation, relieve strain on tendons and muscles, and lower the risk of future injury.
Are orthotics necessary for my condition?
Orthotics are recommended for many conditions, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions and hammertoes, back pain, diabetes with neuropathy, flat feet, high arches, and certain injuries. Dr. Cella will determine whether orthotics are appropriate for your specific needs.
Do I need bigger shoes for orthotics?
No. In most cases you simply remove the factory insert that came with your shoe and replace it with your custom orthotic, so you do not need to size up.
Should orthotics hurt at first?
New orthotics can feel uncomfortable at first because they change the way the muscles and tendons work and the way you have walked all your life. This is why they are eased in gradually during a break-in period. After that period they should not hurt, and if any pain persists, you should tell your doctor so the orthotic can be adjusted or remade.
Does insurance cover custom orthotics?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurances cover orthotics fully, others partially, and some not at all. Our staff can check with your insurance company and review your options with you before you proceed.