Finding The Right Orthotics

Learn more about custom orthotics and how they can improve foot health. 

Orthotics is a simple shoe insert that can make a world of difference for the functionality and health of your feet. Wondering if orthotics crafted by our Olney, MD, podiatrists Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Marc Goldberg, and Dr. Adam Lowy is exactly what you need to ease symptoms and improve how feet function as a whole? Let’s find out…

Types of Custom Orthotics 

When you start shopping for orthotics you’ll quickly find that there are a few different kinds and they all cater to different needs and symptoms. There are three main types:

Soft orthotics: This type of orthotic is usually made from foam or other soft material and its main purpose is to reduce foot pain and correct more minor problems. Soft orthotics are often recommended for children to help with gait issues and to improve walking.

Semi-rigid orthotics: These are a bit more versatile, as they offer all the cushioning and comfort of soft orthotics with the stability and structural support that rigid orthotics promise. This is a great option for athletes and those living more active lifestyles who want to prevent overuse injuries and to take some of the shocks off the foot when running or walking.

Rigid orthotics: Our podiatrists may also recommend rigid orthotics for runners, as this type of shoe insert can hold up to high-impact sports and offer the feet the support and stability they need to prevent injury; however, this doesn’t mean that rigid orthotics are right for all types of athletes. Those who play sports that require lateral movements like tennis or basketball will not tolerate rigid orthotics as well. In fact, it could even cause further irritation, which is why these types of athletes should opt for semi-rigid orthotics instead.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics 

If you’ve thought about just purchasing shoe inserts from your local drugstore, you might want to think again. Since these orthotics are a one-size-fits-most approach, it isn’t tailored to your specific needs, injuries, foot structure, or symptoms. Therefore, some of these commercial shoe inserts can actually hurt rather than help. That’s where custom-made orthotics come in.

You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of getting customized orthotics from our Olney, MD, practice. Those with flat feet, bunions, bone spurs, diabetic-related foot problems, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal problems of the feet can find relief just by wearing these prescription shoe inserts.

Who can benefit from orthotics? 

Since most of the world suffers from overpronation it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that most people can benefit from getting custom orthotics from our team of podiatrists. People dealing with back pain may suddenly experience relief once they finally start wearing custom orthotics.

You could benefit from orthotics if you are dealing with,

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Lower back pain
  • Hip or knee pain
  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Foot pain
  • Bursitis
  • Diabetes
  • Foot deformities

Even if you aren’t dealing with problems but want to prevent strain, pain and imbalances then orthotics might be right for you. Athletes can find orthotics to be particularly helpful when physically active.

Do you want to get orthotics from our Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, podiatrists? If so, all you have to do is call Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland at (301) 924-5044, (301) 868-7670, (301) 439-0300, or (301) 317-6800 to schedule an appointment with us.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have question about anything you experienced in the office
or have an interest about podiatry in general.

Click here to contact us.

Our Locations

Find us on the map

Patient Care Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Olney

Monday:

12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-12:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Camp Springs

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

11:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Silver Spring

Monday:

7:30 am-11:00 am

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday:

11:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-1:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

7:30 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Kensington

Monday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

Tuesday:

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Thursday:

1:50 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Laurel

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Maple Lawn

Monday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed