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Orthotics & Bracing

Step forward with confidence through custom corrective care

About

Conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and joint instability can cause persistent pain and limited mobility that affect everything from daily routines to overall quality of life. When left untreated, these issues often worsen, making it difficult to walk comfortably or stay active.

Orthotics and bracing can play a transformative role by providing targeted support, improving alignment, and relieving strain on affected areas. When these treatments work as intended, patients often experience reduced pain and a restored ability to move freely and confidently.

Most foot and ankle specialists offer a range of custom orthotic devices and braces tailored to each patient’s needs — and at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, these options are carefully designed to promote long-term correction and healing.

Because these approaches gradually realign and strengthen the foot and ankle over time, visiting a specialist now can help ensure your recovery journey begins as soon as possible.

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What It Is

Orthotics

Orthotics are supportive devices that are designed to correct foot alignment, improve movement, and relieve discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet or overpronation. They work by redistributing pressure and providing targeted support to key areas of the foot, helping to reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and joints.

For patients struggling with heel pain, shoes for plantar fasciitis can also be paired with orthotics to further cushion the foot and promote proper alignment during daily activities. Because every patient’s needs are unique, custom orthotics are tailor-made to match the individual’s foot structure and gait for the best possible outcome.

A foot and ankle specialist may recommend these devices to improve balance, alleviate pain, or prevent future injury, often in combination with treatments such as bracing or physical therapy to support long-term recovery and mobility.

Bracing

Bracing involves the use of specialized equipment — such as ankle braces or stabilizing wraps — designed to control motion, protect injured tissues, and encourage proper alignment during recovery. These braces work by providing targeted stability to weakened or unstable joints, helping to reduce pain and improve overall balance and confidence in movement.

This approach is often used for conditions like tendon injuries, ankle sprains, arthritis, or chronic instability — particularly when extra reinforcement is needed during daily activities or rehabilitation.

Bracing is frequently paired with custom orthotics, as the two complement each other—orthotics support and align the foot’s foundation, while bracing stabilizes the ankle and surrounding structures. Together, they promote healing and help patients move more comfortably and securely.

Treatment Options

Orthotics

Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend different types of orthotics depending on your specific needs, including:

Rigid Orthotics

Made from firm materials like plastic or carbon fiber, these orthotics are designed to control motion in the foot and ankle, improving alignment and relieving pain in the legs, knees, or lower back.

Soft (Accommodative) Orthotics

Constructed from cushioned materials, these provide maximum comfort and shock absorption, helping to reduce pressure on sensitive areas and protect against conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers or plantar fasciitis.

Semi-Rigid Orthotics

Combining layers of both soft and firm materials, these orthotics offer balanced support and flexibility, making them ideal for athletes or individuals who need both stability and comfort during movement.

Functional Orthotics

Designed to correct abnormal foot motion and improve biomechanics, these orthotics help enhance gait efficiency and reduce strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints throughout the lower body.

Bracing

Depending on your condition and treatment goals, different types of braces may also be used to support and stabilize your feet and ankles, including:

Soft Braces

Made from flexible, cushioned materials, soft braces provide gentle support and compression to reduce swelling and relieve mild pain.

Semi-Rigid Braces

Combining firmness with some flexibility, these braces stabilize the joint while allowing limited movement, making them ideal for moderate injuries or post-rehabilitation support.

Rigid Braces

Constructed from firm materials, rigid braces offer maximum stabilization to prevent harmful motion, protect severe injuries, and promote proper healing.

Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

Designed to support both the ankle and foot, AFOs improve alignment, assist with walking, and are often used for patients with significant weakness, deformity, or neurological conditions.

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