Foot Orthotics

What Are Foot Orthotics?

Foot orthotics are custom-made inserts that fit inside your shoes to support, align, and improve the function of the foot. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts — which are pre-made in generic shapes and sizes — prescription custom orthotics are fabricated specifically for your individual foot structure, gait pattern, and clinical needs.

Dr. Ross has been designing and prescribing custom orthotics for over four decades. Physicians and podiatrists from across Los Angeles and around the country refer their most complex orthotic cases to him — a testament to the depth of his expertise in this highly specialized field.

Our Orthotic Laboratory

What sets Arnold Ross DPM & Associates apart is that we fabricate our orthotics in-house, in our own laboratory. This means:

• Precise control over every aspect of fabrication
• The ability to customize materials, thickness, and corrections to an extraordinary degree
• Faster turnaround than lab-outsourced orthotics
• Easy and rapid adjustments when fine-tuning is needed

Types of Orthotics We Fabricate

• Rigid (functional) orthotics — made from firm materials (carbon fiber, polypropylene) to control abnormal motion; ideal for biomechanical correction in walking and running
• Semi-rigid orthotics — combine a rigid shell with softer materials for shock absorption; commonly used for athletes and active patients
• Soft (accommodative) orthotics — made from cushioned materials to relieve pressure on painful areas; especially useful for diabetic patients, ulcers, and arthritic feet
• Sport-specific orthotics — designed for the demands of specific activities (running, cycling, ski boots, cleated athletic shoes)
• Children's orthotics — scaled and calibrated for growing feet; may be adjusted as the child develops
• Diabetic orthotics — pressure-relieving devices designed to reduce ulcer risk in patients with neuropathy

Conditions Orthotics Treat

Custom orthotics are a front-line treatment for a wide range of conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
• Flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus)
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Neuromas
• Diabetic foot and ulcer prevention
• Knee, hip, and lower back pain from foot mechanics
• Shin splints and stress fractures
• Achilles tendinitis
• Foot pain in pregnancy
• Pediatric gait abnormalities

The Casting and Fitting Process

To fabricate orthotics that truly work, an accurate impression of the foot in its neutral position is essential. Our process includes:

1. A biomechanical examination — assessing joint range of motion, muscle strength, and gait pattern
2. A cast or digital scan of each foot in neutral position
3. Prescription writing — Dr. Ross specifies the exact corrections, materials, and modifications required
4. In-house fabrication in our laboratory
5. Fitting and gait evaluation with the completed orthotics
6. Follow-up adjustment if needed