Feet are kind of like snowflakes: no two are exactly alike—not even two feet on the same body! Because of this, no pair of shoes is sized to fit your feet and support your arches perfectly. You might not be aware of the differences between your two feet, but an examination of your feet and an analysis of your gait in our office can pinpoint the differences. If you are struggling with foot, ankle, or back pain—or you want to optimize your athletic performance—we can use this information to create custom shoe inserts and recommend shoes for a variety of purposes.

Custom Orthotics Can Solve a Range of Problems

We demand a lot from our feet. We expect them to support us all day long on the factory or warehouse floor, bear weight as we haul and harvest on the farm, and hold up to our athletic and recreational activities. When feet are functioning properly, they support the biomechanics of the legs and lower back, allowing us to work and play without pain or discomfort.

The best way to ensure optimal foot function is with custom orthotic shoe inserts. Orthotics that are created just for you based on a mold of your feet will correct any foot abnormalities and return you to your most natural gait and posture. Hermiston Family Foot Clinic offers Sole Support orthotics, and Dr. Carlson has been trained and certified in the high-tech process of measuring for these custom inserts. Advantages of this particular orthotic include:

  • Casting in a five-step process that fully captures the architecture of your foot
  • Calibration based on your weight and the specific activities you are involved in
  • Full contact between the foot and the orthotic whether you are standing or sitting, eliminating friction points
  • Optional Leaf support for patients who exert higher-than-average forces on their feet, such as those who lift heavy loads for work and runners or other athletes
  • Customization options to ensure that each patient’s unique needs are met

Once Dr. Carlson takes the mold of your feet, he will send it out to have the orthotics made. When they are ready for you, he will fit them into your shoes and provide follow-up care.

If you are struggling with any of the following conditions, custom orthotics can provide relief:

  • Heel and arch pain
  • Tired, achy feet at the end of the day
  • Ball of foot pain
  • Neuromas
  • Burning pain in toes and balls of feet
  • Ankle pain
  • Hip, knee, and back pain

Truly, everyone can benefit from custom orthotics. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, hoping to improve your athletic performance, or wanting to explore more recreational options, Dr. Carlson can help.

Shoe Choices Make a Big Difference

A custom orthotic goes hand-in-hand (or should we say foot-in-foot?) with a quality shoe. We’ve all seen pricey shoes that claim to be good for your feet. However, spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the right shoe for your foot. Whether you are investing in custom orthotics from us or not, our knowledgeable staff will provide recommendations for the kinds and brands of shoes we think will help you meet your needs and optimize your comfort.

For patients with diabetes, we sell shoes in the office specifically designed to address the problems you may be facing. Our diabetic shoes feature:

  • Comfort padding for sores and blisters
  • Wide toe boxes
  • Adjustable closures to accommodate swollen feet
  • Room for orthotics
  • Easy on and off design
  • Stretchy, breathable fabric
  • No-slip soles

We offer affordable options, fitting assistance, and Medicare billing for these products as well.

Experienced, Compassionate Care

Many painful foot and ankle conditions can be helped with the right shoe and a custom orthotic. After nearly 30 years of practice, Dr. Carlson has helped thousands of patients find pain relief and improve their work and athletic performance with orthotics. He and his whole team at Hermiston Family Foot Clinic are dedicated to providing the best possible care to relieve your discomfort and get you back to work and recreation. If you want to learn more about custom orthotics, contact us today to schedule an appointment and get ready to stand on your own two feet again!