Whether working your shift at the Ford Rouge Factory, with your kids at the Arab American National Museum, or trying to enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Henry Ford Estate gardens, foot and ankle pain can turn every step into an agonizing challenge. Here in Dearborn, where our vibrant community keeps us on the move, podiatric problems don’t just affect your feet—they can prevent you from fully participating in work, family life, and the cultural experiences that make our city special.
When persistent foot or ankle pain threatens to slow you down, Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists provide comprehensive care, including orthotics, to help keep you on your feet. Our trusted Dearborn podiatrist, Dr. Alexander Thomas, offers prefabricated and custom orthotics for children and adults in the Detroit Metro area. Here’s what you should know about these medical devices and the conditions our expert uses them to treat.
Orthotics for Podiatric Pain Relief
Orthotics are often an effective solution for patients who experience regular foot or ankle pain. These medical inserts or insoles slip inside your shoes to provide cushioning and corrective support. They can also reduce the severity of your discomfort or even eliminate it, in addition to helping prevent future injuries. At our Dearborn podiatry practice, Dr. Thomas uses orthotics to treat wide-ranging conditions, from sports injuries to structural abnormalities. Our welcoming, multi-lingual team may recommend orthotics as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for:
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Preventing or managing diabetic foot wounds
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
- Morton’s neuroma
- Foot or ankle arthritis
- Flat feet
- High arches
Choosing the Right Orthotics for Your Feet
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, our podiatry professionals offer both prefabricated and custom orthotics. Here’s how they differ and how we can help you choose the appropriate orthotics for your feet.
Prefabricated Orthotics
Prefabricated orthotic inserts come in various shapes and sizes to address common foot and ankle concerns. We carry trusted, high-quality brands, such as Pure Stride and Redi-thotics, and can customize them to improve fit and effectiveness. Our prefabricated inserts offer convenience, along with customization that retailers don’t provide. These devices are often sufficient for relatively minor issues.
Think of it this way: Prefabricated inserts are like the reading glasses you can buy at any retailer, while custom orthotics are like prescription eyeglasses. Reading glasses can be helpful in some instances, but prescription glasses provide more precise results.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices specifically made for your feet and your feet alone, allowing them to accommodate your unique foot shape and provide cushioning and corrective support precisely where needed. These orthotics are made of more durable materials than their prefabricated counterparts. With proper care, custom orthotics last an average of three years, whereas prefabricated inserts typically last about a year.
To make your custom inserts, we create a cast or image of each foot. After evaluating your needs, we prescribe the precise parameters for your orthotics and send the information to a lab for production.
Orthotics for Growing Feet
Many parents ask us if children can benefit from orthotics—and the answer is yes! However, children’s feet grow so quickly that they often wonder if they’re worth the investment. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand your concerns. Our children’s orthotics protection program can adjust, refurbish, or replace your child’s orthotics if they outgrow them within a year. We also offer prefabricated children’s foot orthotics, which you can replace whenever your child outgrows their shoes—typically every four to six months.
Dr. Thomas recommends orthotics to address pediatric foot and ankle conditions, such as:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Sever’s disease
- Leg length discrepancies
- In-toeing or out-toeing
Investing in Your Podiatric Health
Orthotics can represent a substantial investment, with custom insoles costing significantly more than prefabricated models due to their customized design and increased durability. Fortunately, many insurance plans cover custom orthotics—and some will even cover a new pair each year. When that’s the case, we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to get a second pair, even if your last pair of custom orthotics is still in good condition. With two sets of orthotics, you can designate one for work and the other for recreation, extending the life of both pairs.