Custom Molded Orthotics for Foot Conditions in Beverly Hills

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are insoles that are placed into shoes in order to achieve a certain goal. There are three basic types of orthotics:

Accommodative

The insole is used to hug and cushion the foot where there may be a bone prominence, or an area that needs to be off-loaded. The insole will not control what the foot is doing; merely take pressure off of certain areas.

Functional

The insole is used to control several aspects of the foot’s function and biomechanics during gait. There will be individualized aspects built into the insole to change the way the foot and ankle move and the way the joints act on one another while walking.

Corrective

The insole is used to attempt correction of a certain deformity. This is usually accomplished in children.

Who needs orthotics?

Both children and adults may benefit from orthotics. Yet, not every patient needs an orthotic. For example, just because a patient may have flat feet does not mean they must have orthotics. Orthotics should be used to achieve a specific goal. Each patient must be examined as an individual.

The need for a custom orthotic is based on:

• Clinical examination of the entire lower extremity

• Biomechanical examination and gait analysis

• The patient’s symptoms and complains

• Level of activity

• Shoe type

Conditions That Could Benefit from Orthotics:

• Pronation (flat foot type)

• Supination (high arched foot)

• Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

• Post-surgery support

• Bunion deformity

• Hammer Toe

• Neuroma

• Sesamoid Pain

• In-toeing or out-toeing gait

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

• Peroneal Tendonitis

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Diabetic Neuropathy

• Knee pain

• Shin Splints

• Back pain
  

How are custom orthotics different from off-the-shelf orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inherently better than store bought orthotics in that they are molded specifically to the patient's feet. A custom orthotic is made with specific materials and hand made following a specific individualized prescription by Dr. Soomekh. An over-the-counter orthotic will not have the specific parts that can control the specific needs of the patient. Orthotics are not meant to be “one size fits all.”

How are custom orthotics made?

A plaster mold is taken of the feet in their ideal position. This negative mold is then used to make a positive cast of the patient’s feet. The orthotics are then hand crafted over the casting using advanced materials based on the prescription by Dr. Soomekh.

What kind of shoes can orthotics fit into?

Custom molded orthotics can be made for many types of shoes.

• Athletic Shoes

• Dress Flats

• High Heels

• Ski Boots

• Snowboard Boots

• Soccer, Football, Baseball Cleats

• Volleyball Shoes

Why use Dr. Soomekh for orthotics?

In the new age of technology there are many medical advancements. When it comes to custom molded orthotics, it is all in the way the impression of the feet is obtained. In this case, the old techniques are the best way. This means taking a plaster mold impression of the patient’s feet. Standing in a foam box or on a computer platform cannot correctly gain the impression of the feet. If there is no manipulation of the foot into the ideal position, then there is no point to the molding. Standing on a platform or stepping into a foam box does not give the opportunity to the physician to manipulate the joints into their ideal position. Only a plaster mold can do this. Dr. Soomekh uses the tried and true method of plaster mold impressions. In this way he can place the joints of the leg, ankle, and foot into the most ideal position; creating a mold that will deliver an orthotic that fits precisely and accommodates and controls the foot’s function.