Orthotics, Arch Supports, and Braces

Experience compassionate, comprehensive podiatric treatment from our
board-certified physicians

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(724) 482-4192

30+ Years of Excellence

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Expert Physicians

Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

Emergency Care

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Orthotics, arch supports, and braces are powerful tools in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. By controlling the way the foot moves, redistributing pressure, supporting weakened structures, and stabilizing painful joints, these devices can dramatically improve comfort, function, and quality of life. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, we offer a complete range of options, including both custom-fabricated and over-the-counter solutions, allowing us to match each patient with the device best suited to their needs and budget.

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Custom orthotics are precision medical devices made specifically for an individual patient's feet. They begin with a thorough biomechanical examination, gait analysis, and a precise impression of the foot, often captured through three-dimensional scanning. The orthotic is then fabricated to address the specific abnormalities identified, which may include excessive pronation, high arches, leg length differences, areas of high pressure, or instability. Custom orthotics are commonly prescribed for plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, flat feet, high arches, neuromas, metatarsalgia, certain forms of arthritis, diabetic foot protection, and many other conditions. They typically last five years or longer with proper care, and they can be modified or refurbished as needs change.

Over-the-counter arch supports can be appropriate for milder problems, for patients trying conservative measures before committing to custom devices, and for those whose insurance does not cover orthotics. We help patients select quality products and properly fit them to their shoes. While they cannot match the precision of a custom device, well-chosen arch supports can provide meaningful relief for many common conditions.

Braces serve a different but complementary role. Ankle braces help patients with chronic instability, recovery from sprains, and certain types of tendon dysfunction. Custom ankle-foot orthoses, sometimes called AFOs, are used for more severe instability, drop foot, or significant deformity. We fit and dispense a variety of brace styles, ranging from soft compression sleeves and lace-up braces to rigid custom devices. For patients with arthritis of the ankle or specific tendon problems, the right brace can postpone or eliminate the need for surgery.

Selecting the right device requires expertise, and a poorly chosen orthotic or brace can be ineffective or even worsen symptoms. Our podiatrists take a thorough approach, starting with a careful diagnosis of the underlying problem, then evaluating gait, foot structure, footwear, and lifestyle. We discuss expectations, the break-in process, and how to incorporate the device into the patient's daily life. Many insurance plans cover custom orthotics and bracing for qualifying conditions, and our staff handles the verification and paperwork to make the process as straightforward as possible.