Foot pain, tired legs, knee discomfort, and lower back pain can sometimes have something in common: the way your feet support your body. If your feet aren’t providing proper support when you stand, walk, or exercise, it can affect how your ankles, knees, hips, and spine move.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center in Shelby Township, MI, Dr. Robert W. Diegel offers custom orthotics through our partnership with Foot Levelers, a leading manufacturer of individually designed foot orthotics. Using the Foot Levelers Posture Check 3D scanner, we capture detailed information about your feet to help determine which custom orthotics are right for you. The scanning process takes approximately five minutes!
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts made to match the structure and support needs of your individual feet. Unlike standard drugstore insoles, which are made in general sizes and shapes, custom orthotics are created using measurements of your feet.
Diegel Chiropractic Center partners with Foot Levelers to provide custom orthotics designed to support all three arches of the foot. These three arches form what is known as the plantar vault, the foundation that helps your feet distribute weight, absorb shock, and maintain balance.
Your feet influence how the rest of your body moves. When foot mechanics are not working properly, additional stress may be placed on your ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, and lower back. Custom orthotics are designed to provide a more balanced foundation and support more natural movement.
How can custom orthotics help my feet, knees, and back?
Your feet are the foundation of your body’s support system. Every time you take a step, they absorb impact and help distribute your body weight. When that support is uneven, other parts of your body may have to compensate.
Custom Foot Levelers orthotics are designed to help:
- Support all three arches of your feet.
- Distribute pressure more evenly when standing and walking.
- Improve foot stability and support.
- Absorb shock during everyday activities.
- Support better alignment through the ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis.
- Reduce unnecessary stress associated with poor foot mechanics.
Patients experiencing foot discomfort, arch problems, knee discomfort, or lower back strain may benefit from an evaluation to determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate.
Orthotics are not a replacement for appropriate medical care, but they can be a useful part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan when foot mechanics contribute to your symptoms.
What makes Foot Levelers custom orthotics different from store-bought insoles?
Not all shoe inserts provide the same type of support.
Most over-the-counter insoles are manufactured in standard sizes and typically focus on cushioning or supporting one arch. Foot Levelers takes a more individualized approach.
Their custom orthotics are designed using advanced 3D foot scanning technology and are made to support all three arches of your feet.
Foot Levelers highlights several features of its custom orthotics:
- Individualized design: Your orthotics are made using measurements specific to your feet.
- Three-arch support: Designed to support the complete structure of your foot rather than just one arch.
- Pressure distribution: Helps distribute weight and impact across the foot.
- Customized options: Different orthotic styles and materials are available to accommodate individual support and activity needs.
- Whole-body support: Designed with the relationship between foot mechanics and the rest of your body’s alignment in mind.
Dr. Diegel can help determine which type of orthotic is appropriate for your foot structure, daily activities, and individual needs.
Learn more about the manufacturer at Foot Levelers.
What happens when I get custom orthotics at Diegel Chiropractic Center?
Getting started is simple. We use the Foot Levelers Posture Check 3D scanner to capture detailed information about your feet and help determine which orthotic option may be appropriate.
The process involves several steps:
1. Discuss your needs. Dr. Diegel discusses your symptoms, daily activities, footwear, and any concerns involving your feet, knees, hips, or back.
2. Complete your 3D foot scan. You will use our Foot Levelers Posture Check 3D scanner to capture detailed measurements of your feet. The scanning process takes approximately five minutes!
3. Review your results. The scanning technology helps identify differences in foot structure, arch function, and foot mechanics. Dr. Diegel considers this information along with your individual needs.
4. Select your orthotics. There are different Foot Levelers orthotic options available. Dr. Diegel can help you choose the style that best fits your needs, footwear, and activities.
5. Order and receive your custom orthotics. Your measurements are submitted to Foot Levelers for custom manufacturing. Orders typically arrive at our office in approximately one week.
6. Begin wearing your orthotics. Once your orthotics arrive, we can discuss proper use, fit, and how to introduce them into your daily routine.
Interested in finding out whether custom orthotics are right for you? Call (586) 254-2060 to schedule a consultation at our Shelby Township office.
Do custom orthotics hurt?
Custom orthotics should provide supportive comfort, not create ongoing pain. However, because they are designed to provide support in specific areas of your feet, you may notice a difference when you first begin wearing them.
Your feet may need time to adjust to the new support. Following the recommended break-in instructions is important.
If you experience significant discomfort, pressure, or pain that does not improve, contact our office so we can discuss the fit and your concerns.
How long does it take to get custom orthotics?
One of the convenient parts of our Foot Levelers process is the relatively quick turnaround.
Your initial 3D foot scan takes approximately five minutes. Once your scan is completed and your orthotics are ordered, delivery to our office typically takes about one week.
We will contact you when your custom orthotics arrive so you can arrange to pick them up and discuss getting started.
How much do custom orthotics cost?
The price of custom orthotics depends on the type of orthotic selected. Foot Levelers offers different styles and options designed for different support needs, footwear, and activity levels.
During your consultation, we can discuss the available options and their respective pricing so you can make an informed decision.
Does insurance cover custom orthotics at Diegel Chiropractic Center?
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover custom orthotics when billed through our office. Patients are responsible for the cost of their selected orthotics.
We believe in being upfront about pricing so you know what to expect before placing an order.
Who should consider custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics may be worth considering if you:
- Spend long hours standing or walking.
- Experience recurring foot or arch discomfort.
- Notice uneven pressure when walking.
- Participate in sports or other physical activities.
- Experience knee, hip, or lower back discomfort that may be related to foot mechanics.
- Want more individualized support than standard shoe inserts provide.
Not everyone needs custom orthotics. A proper evaluation is the best way to determine whether they are a good fit for your needs.
When should I see a chiropractor about foot support?
You don’t have to wait until foot discomfort begins interfering with your daily activities. If you regularly experience foot fatigue, discomfort when standing, or changes in the way you walk, an evaluation may help identify whether additional foot support is appropriate.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center, Dr. Robert W. Diegel brings more than 30 years of chiropractic experience to evaluating how your body’s structure and movement work together.
Our Shelby Township office welcomes patients from Utica, Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, Rochester Hills, Washington Township, and throughout Macomb County.
If you are also interested in how chiropractic care can complement your orthotics, explore our chiropractic services.
Schedule a custom orthotics consultation in Shelby Township
Your feet support you through every step of your day. Giving them the right support may make a difference in how comfortably you stand, walk, work, and stay active.
Getting started is easy. Your Foot Levelers 3D foot scan takes approximately five minutes, and custom orthotics typically arrive at our office in about one week.
Call Diegel Chiropractic Center at (586) 254-2060 to discuss custom Foot Levelers orthotics with Dr. Robert W. Diegel.
We are conveniently located at 49780 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317.
Written by Dr. Robert W. Diegel, D.C.