What is the Difference Between Standard and Custom Insoles ?

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Customs orthotics are sometimes recommended as part of a treatment plan. Not always because of foot, ankle, or knee pain, but also in some lumbar and sacroiliac pain patterns that are aggravated by ligament laxity of the ankle leading to pronation.

Some patients will do really well with standard appliances: patients with low normal stable arches in particular. There are several good over the counter brand that we can direct patients to buy on their own. But in some patients, the anatomy and shape of their particular foot is just not going to be met with a standard appliance and they will need a custom orthotic to get results. This is often the case with patients who have a normally high tented arch and a short foot.

Below is a picture of two orthotics for the same patient. The bronze colored orthotics is a standard over the counter insole, the black custom made.