Orthotics Vs. Insoles: What's Right for Me?

If you are dealing with foot pain or discomfort, you might be able to benefit from orthotics or insoles. Both can provide relief from various foot-related concerns, such as insufficient arch support or cushioning in your regular footwear. The skilled podiatry team at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD, offer custom orthotics and can determine whether orthotics or insoles are the best option for you. 

Differences Between Orthotics & Insoles

Orthotics and insoles are both placed inside the shoes to help reduce pain and discomfort due to various foot conditions, such as heel pain or low arches. It is important to understand the differences between orthotics and insoles so you know which one is right for you. 

Insoles are sometimes also called shoe inserts and can be purchased over-the-counter. Some benefits of insoles is that they are affordable and provide additional cushioning, which can benefit individuals who are on their feet most of the day. A potential drawback of insoles is that they are made to fit a broad range of sizes so they might not provide the best fit for everyone. Additionally, insoles typically only last a few months before needing be replaced. 

Orthotics are custom made for your feet so they provide a better fit. A major benefit of custom orthotics is that they can correct foot alignment problems and irregular step patterns, such as overpronation or supination. Left untreated, these step patterns can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, legs and back. Orthotics help correctly position the feet and ankles to be in proper alignment. 

Other ways custom orthotics help is by providing arch support, cushioning and shock absorption, as well as reducing strain on the feet and ankles. Finally, another benefit is that they usually last for several years. Our experienced podiatrists can determine if you could benefit from custom orthotics. 

Types of Orthotics

We offer several types of custom orthotics at our Kensington, MD, podiatry practice, including rigid, semi-rigid and soft. Our expert podiatrists can determine which type is best for your specific foot condition or issue. Rigid orthotics are best for individuals who need to correct an irregular step pattern. Semi-rigid orthotics can benefit patients with flat feet by providing greater arch support. Soft orthotics provide additional cushioning and support and are helpful for patients with arthritis in the feet or ankles.

Orthotics and insoles both provide relief from foot pain and discomfort, but orthotics are custom made and also help correct certain foot conditions. For custom orthotics, schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists by calling Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland. Schedule an appointment for the Kensington, MD, office by calling (301) 942-8110, or call (301) 924-5044 to reach the Olney, MD, office, (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs office (also serving Clinton, MD), (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring, MD, office, or (301) 317-6800 for the Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD offices.

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Patient Care Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Olney

Monday:

12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-12:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Camp Springs

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

11:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Silver Spring

Monday:

7:30 am-11:00 am

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Wednesday:

11:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-1:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

7:30 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Kensington

Monday:

8:00 am-12:30 pm

Tuesday:

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Thursday:

1:50 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Laurel

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Maple Lawn

Monday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed