Custom Orthotics in Farmington, NM

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices that are placed inside your shoes to correct abnormal foot mechanics, redistribute pressure, and provide targeted support for a wide range of foot and lower-limb conditions. Unlike over-the-counter insoles — which offer generic cushioning — custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet based on precise molds, scans, or impressions taken during a clinical evaluation. They are crafted from durable materials selected to match your needs, body weight, activity level, and footwear.

Orthotics work by controlling the way your foot moves during the gait cycle — the complex sequence of motions that occurs with every step you take. By supporting the arches, stabilizing the heel, and guiding the foot into proper alignment, custom orthotics can alleviate pain, prevent injury progression, and improve overall function. They are a cornerstone of conservative podiatric care and are frequently prescribed for conditions ranging from plantar fasciitis and flat feet to diabetic neuropathy and post-surgical recovery.

Conditions Treated With Custom Orthotics

Dr. Dorner prescribes custom orthotics for a wide variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis and heel pain, flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus), bunions and hammertoes, metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), shin splints and knee pain related to foot mechanics, Achilles tendinitis, diabetic neuropathy and ulcer prevention, arthritis-related foot pain, and post-injury or post-surgical rehabilitation. The right orthotic can dramatically reduce pain, improve stability, and help patients return to their normal activities.

The Orthotic Fitting Process

At Family Foot Health Specialists, the custom orthotic process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Dorner examines your feet, ankles, and lower legs; assesses your gait pattern to identify abnormalities; and discusses your symptoms, activity level, and goals. She then takes precise measurements and impressions of your feet, which are used to fabricate orthotics tailored to your unique anatomy and biomechanics.

Once your orthotics are ready, Dr. Dorner fits them to your shoes and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and function. She provides guidance on a break-in schedule — most patients adapt within one to two weeks of gradually increasing wear time — and schedules follow-up visits to evaluate how the orthotics are performing and make refinements as needed.

With proper care, custom orthotics typically last two to five years, depending on materials, activity level, and body weight. Dr. Dorner monitors their condition at regular visits and recommends replacement or refurbishment when signs of wear appear. For patients with evolving conditions like diabetes, periodic reassessment ensures that the orthotics continue to provide adequate protection and support.