Answers to common questions.

A custom orthotic is a shoe insert that is made to exactly fit the shape of your foot. Orthotics are used to alleviate a variety of foot conditions including heel pain, flat feet, pain in the ball of the foot, high arched feet, various ligament and tendon injuries, diabetes, arthritis and more. They are made by taking a cast mold of the foot, which is sent to our lab for precise fitting of the shape of the foot with specialized modifications that help the foot to function in its most ideal position. They can also be made through a direct scan of the foot, which uses pressure mapping technology to map out the pain points and imbalances.

Almost anyone can benefit from a custom pair of orthotics. If you are wanting to correct your foot stance, relieve any pain in the foot, or you're an active athlete looking for balance support, we create solutions for all of those areas of your life. Orthotic insoles especially benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to walking imbalance (biomechanical complaint). Imbalances such as flat feet, heel pain, knee pain and shin pain are known to cause pain and discomfort.

For the most part any shoe that has a removable insole will work with your custom orthotic. Just remove the insole that came with the shoe and replace it with the custom orthotic. Sunnywell also offers a carefully-selected line of footwear that can accommodate custom orthotics.

It is common for your orthotics to feel stiff at first but with some wear this stiffness will allow your foot to be properly supported and will feel better than before. Although symptomatic relief will not occur overnight, consistently wearing orthotics for a period of time will help realign your feet and allow healing to occur as well as help prevent future pain or injury.

Most diabetic foot problems can be prevented and treated by wearing diabetic shoes that are specially designed to protect diabetic feet, along with diabetic socks, and by following a proper foot care routine. A good foot care regimen includes washing your feet daily, protecting your feet from temperature extremes, staying active, checking your feet regularly, and wearing protective diabetic shoes and specially designed diabetic socks such as bamboo diabetic socks that have a loose, non-constricting, seamless design and a moisture wicking system.

Diabetes is caused by insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin, or because the body has developed a resistance to insulin. Insulin helps the body turn the foods that we eat into energy. When blood glucose levels are not regulated properly, serious medical complications result. These complications can include nerve damage, poor blood circulation, problems with the vascular system, loss of appendages or limbs, and neuropathy. It is critical for diabetics to pay special attention to their feet to prevent foot ulcers and other sores from developing.

Yes — we accept most insurance plans and Medicare. Many of our diabetic shoes, custom orthotics, and bracing services are eligible for coverage. We handle all documentation and physician coordination on your behalf. Call us with your insurance details and we'll verify coverage before your appointment. See our insurance & Medicare page for full details.

Yes. Our orthotics for children are designed with lightweight, flexible materials to support natural movement and growth. We work with pediatric patients dealing with toe walking, flat feet, and gait imbalances, and adjust orthotics as children grow.

While the structure itself may not change, supportive care and orthotics can dramatically improve comfort and function. Many patients with flat feet find lasting relief through custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and bracing for posterior tibial tendon support.

Not always. Heel pain could be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, bursitis, or poor arch support. Our diagnostic tools — gait analysis and pressure mapping — help pinpoint the exact cause so we can recommend the right treatment.