Beware Orthotic Advertising

Orthotic Advertising on Radio, TV and Web
You may have heard radio or television commercials promoting “custom fit” orthotics at shoe and orthotic retail stores.  While these devices are not “bad” per se, they are substantially over-priced.  Our advice is “let the buyer beware” – you should never pay more than $50.00 for an “orthotic” unless it is made from a cast of your foot by an experienced and skilled medical professional.

You may have also seen web sites selling “custom” orthotics based on a foam box of your feet.  While a foam box can be used to take a cast of the foot for custom orthotics (although it is not a particularly effective method), an extensive exam by an experienced and skilled medical practitioner is necessary to write the proper prescription for orthotics—and thus for optimum clinical outcomes.  This isn’t to say you won’t improve with these devices, but the odds of maximum improvement are poor.  Again, just don’t spend more than $50.00 unless a thorough examination and casting by an experienced medical professional is taking place.  

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All pages on this website © 2008
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.