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Custom Orthotics Designed Around Your Diagnosis
At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, every patient is evaluated by a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause of the problem. We recommend physician-prescribed custom orthotics only when they are likely to provide meaningful benefit for your specific diagnosis.
The basics
What makes a custom orthotic truly custom?
Many people assume that if an insert is made from a digital scan or impression of their foot, it’s a custom orthotic. In reality, the scan is only one part of the process. A physician-prescribed custom orthotic is designed around your diagnosis, foot structure, biomechanics, activity level, body weight, footwear, and treatment goals—not simply the shape of your foot.
Two people can have feet that look nearly identical yet require very different orthotics. For example, two patients may both have plantar fasciitis, but one may have a high-arched foot while the other has a flat foot. Although they share the same diagnosis, their orthotics may be designed differently because their foot structure and biomechanics are different.
The scan captures the shape of your foot. Your diagnosis, foot structure, and biomechanics determine how your orthotic is designed.
Two people can have feet that look nearly identical yet require very different orthotics. For example, two patients may both have plantar fasciitis, but one may have a high-arched foot while the other has a flat foot. Although they share the same diagnosis, their orthotics may be designed differently because their foot structure and biomechanics are different.
The scan captures the shape of your foot. Your diagnosis, foot structure, and biomechanics determine how your orthotic is designed.
The honest comparison
Physician-Prescribed Custom Orthotics vs. Retail and Online Insoles
Why they left the store and came in
Real patient stories
These are Dr. Stewart’s own patients, in their own words. Each patient shares their experience and results with their custom foot orthotics. If you already bought from inserts from a store and it didn’t help — you’re in good company, and it’s not too late. If you are unsure what is causing your pain, our doctors are trained to help you.
Listen to Maria's experience after going to the Good Feet Store and then seeing Dr. Stewart to treat her condition and mainting her care with custom foot orthotics
Seeing a podiatrist vs. the Good Feet Store. A podiatrist will diagnosis and treat your condition, a retail store will not.
Medical Disclaimer and Viewer Advisory
These videos are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some videos may contain graphic medical images, blood, needles, or surgical procedures. Viewer discretion is advised.
Common Orthotic Modifications
Goal
Common Orthotic Modifications
Reduce pressure beneath the ball of the foot and improve first-ray function
Metatarsal pad, first-ray accommodation or cutout, Reverse Morton's extension
Improve alignment for flat feet or high arches
Valgus posting, varus posting
Improve stability and control abnormal foot motion
Shell modifications, wedges
Accommodate for a limb length discrepancy
Heel lift
Improve comfort over painful areas
Additional cushioning, shell modifications
Redistribute pressure for high-risk patients, including those with
diabetes or vascular disease
diabetes or vascular disease
Pressure-relieving accommodations, protective materials, shell modifications
These are examples only. The specific modifications incorporated into your orthotics depend on your diagnosis, physical examination, imaging when appropriate, and biomechanics. Many patients benefit from a combination of modifications designed to improve foot function, redistribute pressure, and support long-term foot and ankle health. Every modification is selected for a reason. The goal is not simply to make your orthotics more comfortable—it is to improve how your feet function based on your specific diagnosis.
Why we treat the problem first
Where do custom orthotics fit into your treatment plan?
Custom orthotics are rarely the first step in treatment. Every recommendation begins with identifying the cause of your foot or ankle problem and determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, stretching, strengthening exercises, shoe modifications, physical therapy, bracing, night splints, walking boots, medications, lasers, injections, or other treatments.
When physician-prescribed custom orthotics are appropriate, they are often incorporated to improve foot mechanics, reduce abnormal stress, and help lower the risk of symptoms returning. They are a big part of the long term treatment plan.
01
Comprehensive Exam and diagnosis
02
Treat the condition 1st
03
Physician prescribed custom orthotics
04
Custom foot orthotics as the long term treatment
The process
How does getting custom orthotics actually work?
It starts with a comprehensive examination—not a scan. If physician-prescribed custom orthotics are appropriate, we capture your feet using advanced digital imaging technology, create a detailed prescription, and have your orthotics custom fabricated by a specialized laboratory.
Custom orthotics typically arrive within about three weeks. If needed, expedited laboratory fabrication may be available, with turnaround times as fast as one week. When your orthotics arrive, we ensure they fit properly, review break-in instructions, and provide follow-up care, including adjustments when clinically appropriate.
When clinically appropriate, custom orthotics may also be adjusted, modified, or remade during the first six months at no additional charge. Ongoing physician follow-up helps ensure your orthotics continue to fit comfortably and function as intended.
When clinically appropriate, custom orthotics may also be adjusted, modified, or remade during the first six months at no additional charge. Ongoing physician follow-up helps ensure your orthotics continue to fit comfortably and function as intended.
- 01. Comprehensive examination and biomechanical evaluation
- 02. Digital Cast captures your feet for your custom prescription.
- 03. Custom Fabrication in a specialized orthotic laboratory.
- 04. Ready in about three weeks, with follow-up care and adjustments.
- 05. Receiving your orthotics is not the end of treatment. Continue follow-up care with our doctors to ensure proper fit, comfort, and resolution of your condition.
Real patient stories
Real patient stories
These are Dr. Stewart’s own patients, in their own words. Each patient shares their experience and results with their custom foot orthotics. If you already bought from inserts from a store and it didn’t help — you’re in good company, and it’s not too late. If you are unsure what is causing your pain, our doctors are trained to help you.
Tracey is back to running pain free after seeing following Dr. Stewart' treatment plan and getting into custom orthotics to treat her arthritic joint pain.
Chris describes the results he has had with his physician-prescribed custom foot orthotics at Timonium Foot and Ankle Center.
Dr. Stewart explains how bunion pain can often be managed without surgery, using custom orthotics and the right footwear.
How custom foot orthotics reduce pain and restore motion in a stiff, arthritic big toe joint.
Patient stories
"I highly recommend Dr Jordan Stewart and his staff.Very personable and caring professionals.I had originally fallen for the Good Feet Store commercials. My feet were really bothering me.. I bought the Good Feet system which is terribly expensive and my feet only got worse. A friend then recommended Timonium Foot and Ankle. I got an appointment quickly. Dr Stewart took various photos of my feet and produced a custom high quality foot insert for my shoes. My feet have rapidly normalized in just a few weeks.Please visit Dr Jordan Stewart for AAA++results."
I"ve been going Dr. Stewart and his team for custom orthotics to support my high arches for years. I could not be happier with the service he continues to provide. I wear the orthotics everyday to prevent the discomfort I would feel without them. Because the products continue to work effectively, Dr. Stewart keeps my visits quick and enjoyable while making time to connect with me personally. Sometimes I wish my appointments were longer just so we could chat more 😂"
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics
Why do you diagnose the problem before prescribing orthotics?
Not every foot or ankle problem is caused by abnormal foot mechanics, and custom orthotics are rarely the first step in treatment. Our doctors begin with a comprehensive evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis, treat the condition using the least invasive approach that's appropriate, and determine whether custom orthotics are likely to provide meaningful long-term benefit as part of your overall treatment plan.
Why are custom orthotics prescribed instead of sold?
Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices, not retail products. At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, they are recommended only after a comprehensive evaluation determines that they are likely to provide meaningful long-term benefit. When orthotics are recommended, they are prescribed as part of a personalized treatment plan—not as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Do custom orthotics help foot and ankle pain?
Yes—for many conditions. Custom orthotics are commonly prescribed as part of the long-term treatment plan for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), metatarsalgia, certain types of arthritis, and other biomechanical conditions. The first step is determining the cause of your symptoms to decide whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition.
Who is a good candidate for custom orthotics?
Patients with conditions caused or worsened by abnormal foot mechanics often benefit the most from custom orthotics. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our doctors will determine whether prescription orthotics are likely to provide meaningful long-term benefit based on your diagnosis, foot structure, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
How are custom orthotics different from over-the-counter inserts or online insoles?
Over-the-counter inserts are designed to provide general cushioning or support for a wide variety of feet. Online insoles are typically based on scans or impressions without a comprehensive medical examination. Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed after a detailed evaluation of your foot structure by podiatrist, gait, biomechanics, and diagnosis to address your specific condition and treatment goals.
Are custom orthotics made from a foot scan or a cast?
At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, custom orthotics are created using advanced 3D scanning technology rather than traditional plaster casts. However, the scan is only one part of the process. Obtaining an accurate scan requires proper positioning of the foot, attention to technique, and an understanding of your foot mechanics and diagnosis. Unlike many online services that rely primarily on a scan or impression, your orthotics are prescribed only after a comprehensive medical evaluation. The scan, physical examination, gait analysis, and diagnosis are combined to create a prescription orthotic designed specifically for your condition and treatment goals.
Are custom orthotics worth the cost?
For the right patient, custom orthotics can provide meaningful long-term relief by improving foot mechanics and reducing abnormal stress on the feet and ankles. At Timonium Foot and Ankle Center, custom orthotics are recommended when our doctors believe they are likely to provide lasting benefit based on your diagnosis, foot structure, and treatment goals.
Are custom orthotics covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and medical diagnosis. Our office will verify your benefits and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins so you can make an informed decision.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for custom orthotics?
Yes. Because custom orthotics are prescription medical devices, they are eligible expenses under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We recommend confirming your specific coverage with your plan administrator. Our office can also provide any documentation needed for reimbursement.
Will custom orthotics fit in all of my shoes?
Custom orthotics are designed to fit athletic shoes, walking shoes, work shoes, and many casual shoes. Some dress shoes or fashion footwear may not accommodate full-length orthotics. During your evaluation, our doctors will discuss your typical footwear and prescribe the most appropriate orthotic for your lifestyle.
How long does it take to get custom orthotics?
After your evaluation and fitting, your custom orthotics are manufactured specifically for your feet. Most patients receive their orthotics within a few weeks, followed by a fitting appointment to ensure they fit properly and function as intended.
Will I have to wear custom orthotics forever?
It depends on your diagnosis and treatment goals. For many biomechanical conditions, custom orthotics are part of a long-term management plan that helps reduce abnormal stress on the feet and lower extremities. Our doctors will discuss how orthotics fit into your overall treatment plan and whether long-term use is recommended for your condition.
How long do custom orthotics last?
Custom orthotics are designed to provide long-term support and can last years. How long they last depends on your activity level, footwear, body weight, and how frequently they are worn. Over time, the materials may wear and your feet or biomechanics may change. During follow-up visits, our doctors will evaluate your orthotics and determine whether they continue to provide the support and correction needed or whether adjustments or replacement are appropriate.
Are custom orthotics better than over-the-counter inserts?
Over-the-counter inserts are mass-produced devices designed to fit a wide range of feet. While they may provide temporary cushioning or support for some people, they cannot address the unique structure and biomechanics of your feet. Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices individually designed to improve foot function, reduce abnormal forces, and support long-term treatment of many foot and ankle conditions. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our doctors will recommend custom orthotics when they believe they are likely to provide meaningful long-term benefit.
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