How Much do Custom Foot Orthotics Cost?

By Rehan Iqbal

If you've ever purchased any medical-related footwear, you understand the high cost of some of this equipment. Whole pairs of shoes or boots, in addition to things like braces, are obviously, some of the most expensive orthopedic items on the market.

However, why are orthotics so expensive? Albeit made specifically for your feet, especially, in the end, they are insoles and not a full set of custom shoes or boots.

Custom foot orthotics can cost you around $500 - $1500
Non prescription foot orthotics can cost around $100 - $200
Over the counter foot orthotics can cost around $20 - $80

So why such a high price tag on these podiatry custom components?

Why Are Custom Foot Orthotics SO Expensive?

A set of custom shoe inserts are usually dispatched to relieve high levels of pain and correct arch problems. Because of their complex number of uses, custom foot orthotics are fashioned using only the best-quality base materials proven to deliver results.

Depending on you insurance plan, your insurer could cover upto 50% of the cost of the custom orthotics. But keep in mind NOT all insurers provide cover for custom orthotics.

However, this isn't the sole factor involved with the inflated cost of a quality pair of custom orthotics. Consider the following reasons for digging deep when paying for your foot orthotics:

The Person Creating the Order: Don't forget, you're meeting with a medical specialist to craft your orthotics. Whenever medical professionals time is involved, you should prepare for quite a substantial bill.
The Appointment Itself: Aside from paying for the expertise of a podiatrist, including the upkeep of their practice, you're also paying for the appointment itself. Each appointment has a designated price, and his consultation is often worked into the price of the shoe.
The Mold/Form: When you receive custom orthotics, they're ALWAYS crafted using a cast or some type of mold. This is what gives you that perform form when you finally receive your order. They're literally made for your foot only - and anytime customization is in play, the cost rises exponentially.

How Much Does Does It Cost to Talk to a Podiatrist?

When you speak with a podiatrist, you can expect to come out of pocket in some way. This happens whether you have insurance or not.

If you're well-prepared with a quality insurance policy, you're looking at a cost somewhere along the lines of $30. This is for your copay. However, if you're not insured, it's important you speak with your physician before attending the appointment. This way, you know what to bring, and receive an exact breakdown of the cost of services.

Are Custom Foot Orthotics Worth It?

Can you put a price on pain relief? If you can, then maybe orthotics aren't worth it. However, for many patients, these footwear components are invaluable, as it means finding a remedy for a lifetime of pain. Consider the following advantages of orthotics.

Benefits of Foot Orthotics

The right pair of foot orthotics are crafted to support the bones in your feet and ankles - even providing support for the knees. This happens through the specific items used during construction and the angle of the arch. Benefits include:

A reduction in the wearing down of muscles by bringing support to tendons and ligaments. Constant stretching of these areas of the body lead to flat feet and pronating.
If you have issues with your weight or are constantly active in sports, orthotics can be a game-changer. These custom inserts help elevate your level of strength, endurance, and overall durability.
Pain reduction is one of the primary advantages of owning the right orthotics. Noticing a marked decrease in soreness is a telltale sign you're receiving the right treatment and appropriate orthotics.

Despite the significant advantages, this doesn't mean foot orthotics don't come without pitfalls. Consider the following disadvantages before making any final decision.

Disadvantages of Orthotics

Some physicians believe that extended use can complicate the situation more than it helps. These doctors believe increased stress is at the center of this further complication, which weakens the foot over time.
Continued use of orthotics also means continuous investment. One pair doesn't last forever, and anyone who desires extended relief must remain on a perpetual quest for new pairs.
One pair takes about two weeks to mold, order, and deliver. This can feel like a lifetime to someone who has become dependent on using orthotics.

Why Should You Consider Foot Orthotics?

Are there specific reasons why you might try wearing custom-fit orthotics? Any decision centered around podiatry challenges or products must always be made with the right amount of information in mind. It's vital that you never make a purchase of this magnitude without the right amount of background information and supporting evidence.

It's possible that you're not in a severe enough condition to experience the benefits of orthotics, making it a useless investment and waste of money. How can you tell if a pair will even provide the relief you're looking for?

if you've tried other solutions to your foot pain problems, orthotics could be a great way to find relief you've yet to experience. The following elements are excellent reasons for trying orthotics. If you fall under any of these categories, you should consider ordering a custom pair of orthotics.

Have you tried expensive options to find relief from foot pain? If you've already opted for specialty shoes, boots, braces, or other items, but haven't tried foot orthotics - it could be time to pull the trigger. In contrast, a good pair of foot orthotics will run you down by about $500 - $1500. If they deliver results, it's a small price to pay to relieve pain and or correct your gait.
You'll have a much larger variety of items to choose from. Different levels of hardness, a varying selection of materials, and endless size options give you a higher amount of customizaiton than most other medical footwear options.
They're much easier to customize to your foot specifically. Taking the mold and casting it for the final product is an effective and accurate process - giving you a final product that does an excellent job at forming to your foot. Your chances of relief are pretty high.

The Bottom Line On Orthotics Prices

In most industries - especially the medical sector, typically, you get what you pay for. However, in the case of custom orthotics, it seems like you're actually underspending for a product that over-delivers.

Many patients would agree that orthotics foot bring a higher degree of comfort than many shoes. This is a direct result of the way their form and their high level of customization. The bottom line is, if you've tried other products that ended in disappointment, and want a real shot at experiencing foot comfort, give custom foot orthotics a shot.

Author

Rehan Iqbal

After undergoing quite a few sports injuries while playing football and rugby, Rehan has a good understanding on foot and leg issues. He writes with his own experiences in overcoming the pain. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like running and hiking.

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