Custom Orthotics

Not off-the-shelf. Not generic. Precision-cast from an exact mold of your foot — designed to correct the underlying biomechanical issue, not just cushion over it.

Schedule a Fitting

Custom orthotics clinical assessment and fitting

Why Custom Matters

Your Foot Is Unique. Your Orthotic Should Be Too.

Off-the-shelf insoles are built around the statistical average foot. If your foot is average — and few feet are — they may provide some relief. But for most people dealing with a genuine biomechanical problem, generic inserts approximate a solution rather than delivering one.

At The Body Shop, Dr. Nelson uses clinical plaster casting to capture the precise three-dimensional geometry of your foot — every arch height, every degree of pronation or supination, every pressure point. The resulting orthotic is built specifically for your anatomy, correcting the mechanics that are driving your pain from the ground up.

The difference in outcomes between a precision-cast custom orthotic and a pharmacy insert is not subtle. Patients who have struggled with foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain for years frequently report dramatic improvement within weeks of receiving their custom devices.

The Difference

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter

Feature	Custom Orthotics	OTC Inserts
Fit	Cast from your exact foot	Generic sizing (S/M/L)
Biomechanical Correction	Precision-targeted to your pathology	Generalized arch support only
Clinical Assessment	Full gait analysis & examination	Self-selected
Materials	Medical-grade, activity-specific	Foam / generic EVA
Durability	3–5+ years with proper care	3–6 months
Outcomes for Chronic Conditions	Clinically superior	Variable / limited

What We Treat

Conditions Addressed with Custom Orthotics

Biomechanical dysfunction at the foot affects the entire kinetic chain — from the ankle to the knee, hip, and lumbar spine.

Plantar Fasciitis

Redistributing pressure away from the inflamed fascia and correcting the pronation patterns that typically drive it.

Flat Feet & Overpronation

Medial arch support built to your specific collapse pattern — correcting downstream effects on the knee, hip, and back.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Heel lift and rearfoot posting to reduce tensile load on the Achilles — used alongside shockwave and manual therapy.

Patellofemoral Pain

Overpronation increases lateral patellar tracking stress. Correcting foot mechanics often resolves runner's knee without further intervention.

Shin Splints

Medial tibial stress syndrome is frequently driven by foot mechanics. Custom orthotics reduce the repetitive stress causing periosteal irritation.

IT Band Syndrome

Lateral knee pain from iliotibial band friction is often rooted in hip and foot mechanics — orthotics are a key part of comprehensive management.

The Casting Process

From Evaluation to Orthotic

Biomechanical Evaluation

Dr. Nelson assesses your gait, foot structure, leg alignment, and the full kinetic chain — identifying the exact mechanics driving your condition.

Plaster Casting

A plaster cast is taken of each foot in neutral subtalar position — capturing the precise three-dimensional geometry that defines your orthotic. This is the step that separates clinical orthotics from retail inserts.

Fabrication & Fitting

Your orthotics are fabricated from medical-grade materials selected for your activity level and footwear. A follow-up fitting ensures optimal comfort and function.

Common Questions

Custom Orthotics FAQ

How long does it take to receive my orthotics after casting?

Fabrication typically takes 2–3 weeks from the date of casting. Dr. Nelson will schedule a fitting appointment once your orthotics arrive to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments.

How long will my custom orthotics last?

With proper care, quality custom orthotics typically last 3–5 years. High-mileage athletes may need replacement sooner. The top covers may need replacing every 1–2 years while the shell remains functional.

Will they fit in all my shoes?

Orthotics are designed for specific footwear categories — athletic, dress, casual, or a combination. During your evaluation, Dr. Nelson will discuss your lifestyle and primary footwear needs to ensure the orthotics are designed to fit the shoes you actually wear.

I've tried orthotics before and they didn't help. Will these be different?

The most common reasons orthotics fail are imprecise casting, incorrect prescription, or the absence of a concurrent rehabilitation program. At The Body Shop, orthotics are prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The plaster casting process and Dr. Nelson's biomechanical expertise produce devices that are genuinely different from what most patients have experienced at a podiatrist's office or shoe store.

Fix the Foundation

Ready for Orthotics That Actually Fit?

Schedule a biomechanical evaluation with Dr. Nelson. He will assess whether custom orthotics are the right solution and take you through the casting process in a single visit.

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