Custom Orthotics

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription-grade shoe inserts designed from a precise scan of your individual foot anatomy. Unlike generic drug-store insoles that offer one-size-fits-all cushioning, custom orthotics are built to correct your specific biomechanical imbalances — addressing the unique arches, pressure points, and structural characteristics of your feet.

At SF Custom Chiropractic, we use Foot Levelers — the leading manufacturer of individually designed, custom-made functional orthotics. Foot Levelers orthotics are the only custom orthotics designed to support all three arches of the foot, creating a balanced foundation that influences alignment throughout your entire kinetic chain — from your ankles and knees to your hips and spine.

Complimentary Digital Foot Scan

We offer a complimentary digital foot scan at all three of our San Francisco locations. The scan takes just a few minutes and provides a detailed analysis of your foot structure, including:

• Arch height and type — identifying flat feet, high arches, and asymmetries between feet
• Pressure distribution — showing where you bear the most weight when standing and walking
• Pronation and supination patterns — revealing how your foot rolls during the gait cycle
• Bilateral comparisons — identifying differences between your left and right foot

The results are displayed on screen in real time, giving you and your provider a clear picture of your foot health and how it may be contributing to pain or dysfunction elsewhere in your body. There is no obligation to purchase orthotics — the scan is educational and helps inform your overall treatment plan.

How Your Feet Affect Your Whole Body

Your feet are the foundation of your entire musculoskeletal system. Every step you take generates forces that travel upward through your ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. When your feet are misaligned — whether from flat arches, excessive pronation, or structural asymmetry — those forces are distributed unevenly, creating compensatory stress patterns throughout your body.

Consider this: the average person takes 8,000-10,000 steps per day. If each step transmits abnormal forces due to poor foot mechanics, the cumulative effect over weeks, months, and years is significant. Many patients who present with chronic knee pain, hip pain, or low back pain discover that the root cause originates in their feet.

Custom orthotics correct these imbalances at the source, creating a stable, balanced foundation that reduces abnormal stress throughout the entire kinetic chain.

Conditions Treated with Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are effective for a wide range of conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of heel pain, often driven by poor arch support
• Flat feet (pes planus) — collapsed arches that cause overpronation and widespread compensation
• High arches (pes cavus) — rigid arches that reduce shock absorption
• Bunions — abnormal toe joint alignment exacerbated by poor foot mechanics
• Metatarsalgia — pain in the ball of the foot from uneven pressure distribution
• Morton’s neuroma — nerve irritation between the metatarsal heads
• Achilles tendinitis — excessive pronation increases strain on the Achilles tendon
• Shin splints — overpronation is a primary risk factor for medial tibial stress
• Knee pain — patellofemoral syndrome and IT band issues often have foot-related components
• Hip pain — leg length discrepancies and pelvic imbalances can originate from the feet
• Low back pain — sacroiliac dysfunction and lumbar strain from poor foundation support
• Diabetic foot care — custom orthotics help distribute pressure to prevent ulceration

The Foot Levelers Difference

Foot Levelers stands apart from other orthotic manufacturers in several important ways:

• Three-arch support — most orthotics only support the medial arch; Foot Levelers supports all three arches (medial, lateral, and transverse metatarsal)
• Individually designed — each orthotic is custom-made based on your specific foot scan, not selected from a limited set of prefabricated sizes
• Multiple styles — orthotics are available for athletic shoes, dress shoes, work boots, sandals, and specialty footwear
• Durable construction — made to last and backed by a manufacturer warranty
• Research-supported — Foot Levelers invests in clinical research demonstrating the effectiveness of their products

What to Expect

After your complimentary foot scan, your provider will review the results with you and discuss whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition. If orthotics are recommended, your scan data is sent directly to the Foot Levelers laboratory where your orthotics are custom-manufactured.

Your orthotics typically arrive within 2-3 weeks. We will schedule a fitting appointment to ensure proper fit and educate you on a break-in schedule. Most patients adapt to their new orthotics within 1-2 weeks of graduated use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do custom orthotics last? With normal use, Foot Levelers orthotics typically last 2-5 years depending on activity level and footwear. They may need to be re-scanned and replaced as your feet change over time.

Are custom orthotics covered by insurance? Many insurance plans cover custom orthotics with a prescription. Contact our office to verify your specific benefits.

Can I use orthotics in multiple pairs of shoes? Foot Levelers offers orthotics designed for different shoe types. Many patients order multiple pairs for their primary shoes. The orthotics can be moved between shoes of similar type.

Do I need to wear them all the time? We recommend wearing your orthotics as much as possible, especially during the first few months. Over time, your provider will advise on the optimal wearing schedule for your condition.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us at (415) 521-3073 or book your appointment online today.