Orthotics

Orthotics & Bracing

At OrthoRehab Specialists, we believe in addressing the root cause of foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain by optimizing biomechanics with custom or prefabricated orthotics and bracing. Orthotics are medical devices inserted into your shoes to correct alignment, redistribute pressure, and support natural foot motion. Bracing adds stability to joints prone to sprains and strains. By combining precise fitting with expert guidance, our Edina and Twin Cities teams help you move with confidence and reduce pain from the ground up.

Why Orthotics & Bracing Matter

Proper foot and ankle alignment is essential for balance, posture, and efficient movement. When feet pronate excessively or supinate too strongly, a chain reaction can occur up the kinetic chain affecting ankles, knees, hips, and the lower back. Orthotics and bracing restore neutral alignment, reduce compensatory stresses, and promote optimal muscle activation. Whether you are a runner seeking to eliminate overuse injuries or someone with arthritis looking to improve daily comfort, a tailored orthotic or brace can make a dramatic difference in pain relief and functional ability.

Types of Orthotics We Offer

Our clinics provide three main orthotic options to fit your needs and budget. Each orthotic type is paired with a thorough gait or biomechanical assessment to ensure proper correction.

• Custom Plaster-Molded Orthotics
  The gold standard for foot support. We create a plaster cast of both feet in a neutral position to capture precise contours. The cast is sent to our lab where a technician fabricates a rigid or semi-rigid orthotic shell based on your prescription. This method delivers the highest level of customization and correction for complex biomechanical issues. Learn more about custom orthotics.
• Heat-Molded Prefabricated Orthotics
  A more affordable, yet personalized solution. We heat a semi-rigid orthotic blank using a heat gun and shape it directly to your foot while you stand in a neutral alignment. Once cooled, the orthotic retains its final shape, providing improved support compared to off-the-shelf inserts. Discover heat-molded orthotics.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Orthotic Inserts
  Ready-to-wear insoles that offer basic cushioning and arch support. These can serve as an initial step toward improved foot mechanics or as a temporary solution while awaiting a custom device. OTC orthotics are available immediately and are often covered by health savings accounts. View OTC orthotics.

The Fitting & Assessment Process

Each orthotic fitting begins with a comprehensive assessment of your foot and lower limb mechanics. Our process includes:

• Patient Interview: We review your foot pain history, activity level, footwear habits, and any previous orthotic use to understand your goals and lifestyle demands.
• Postural & Gait Analysis: Using video capture and pressure sensors, we analyze your walking and running patterns to detect pronation, supination, and other biomechanical deviations.
• Structural Examination: We measure arch height, ankle range of motion, and joint alignment from the foot to the pelvis to determine the correct orthotic type and prescription.
• Trial & Adjustment: Initial orthotics are placed in your shoes and tested over a series of walk trials. We make real-time adjustments and fine tune the fit to ensure comfort and efficacy.
• Follow-Up Evaluation: After you wear the orthotics for one to two weeks, we assess your adaptation, comfort, and symptom relief. If needed, further modifications are made to achieve optimal support.

Benefits Beyond the Foot

Orthotics and braces not only relieve local foot discomfort but also help prevent and manage conditions in the kinetic chain:

• Knee Pain & Patellofemoral Syndrome: Correcting foot alignment reduces excessive stress on the knee joint and improves tracking of the kneecap.
• Hip & Pelvic Alignment: Balanced foot mechanics promote symmetric hip rotation and reduce strain on pelvic stabilizers.
• Lower Back Relief: Enhancing foot support helps normalize gait and posture, reducing compensatory lumbar curvature and muscle tension.
• Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes benefit from improved force transfer, reduced injury risk, and greater endurance when foot mechanics are optimized.

Conditions Treated with Orthotics & Bracing

Our specialists address a wide range of foot and lower limb disorders using orthotic interventions:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
• Fallen Arches & Flat Feet
• High Arches & Supination
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers (offloading)
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Arthritis & Joint Pain
• Shin Splints & Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Overuse Injuries in Runners
• Balance & Fall Prevention in Seniors

Insurance Coverage & Payment Options

Most insurance plans cover custom orthotics when prescribed by a physical therapist or physician. Before your fitting, our administrative team will verify benefits, copays, deductibles, and coverage limits. We accept major carriers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medica, UCare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, and PreferredOne. If you are uninsured or prefer to self-pay, we offer transparent cash rates and flexible payment plans.

Getting Started with Orthotics & Bracing

Scheduling an orthotic consultation is simple. You have three options:

1. Call Our Clinics: Reach our Edina team at 952.922.0330 or Minneapolis team at 612.339.2041. Our staff will collect basic information and set up your gait analysis appointment.
2. Book Online: Visit our Contact page and select “Orthotics Consultation” to view real-time availability.
3. Email Us: Send your request to info@orthorehabpt.com with your preferred location and availability. We will reply promptly to confirm your appointment.

Why Choose OrthoRehab Specialists?

• Therapist-Owned & Operated: Clinical decisions focus on your outcomes, not quotas.
• Specialized Expertise: Our therapists hold advanced certifications in orthotics fitting, biomechanics, and injury prevention.
• One-on-One Care: You work with the same clinician for consistent follow up and progress tracking.
• State-of-the-Art Analysis: We use digital gait analysis, pressure mapping, and video capture to guide precise interventions.
• Comprehensive Approach: Orthotics are combined with manual therapy, exercise, and patient education for best results.
• Convenient Twin Cities Locations: Two clinics in Edina and downtown Minneapolis with flexible scheduling.

Hear from Our Patients

“I struggled with plantar fasciitis for months before OrthoRehab fitted me with custom orthotics. Within weeks, my heel pain was gone and I was back to running pain free.” – Sarah L., Edina

“After heat-molded orthotics and targeted exercises, my knee pain vanished and my stability improved. I recommend OrthoRehab to all my friends.” – Michael R., Minneapolis

Ready to Walk Pain Free?

Don’t let foot, ankle, or lower limb pain limit your life. OrthoRehab Specialists is here to help you find the right orthotic or brace solution and get you back on your feet. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive gait analysis and orthotic fitting.