Custom Orthotics in Chicago, IL
Prescription-grade custom orthotics engineered for your foot — not a generic size. Michigan Avenue Podiatry combines 3D digital foot scanning with comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis to fabricate orthotics that address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Over-the-counter insoles cushion. Custom orthotics correct.
Chicagoland Locations
Digital Foot Scanning
Insurance Plans Accepted
Typical Turnaround
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Insoles
Walk down any pharmacy aisle and you’ll find cushioned insoles — but cushioning is not correction. Over-the-counter insoles are mass-produced in standard sizes, provide generic cushioning only, and do not address structural alignment issues.
Prescription custom orthotics are fabricated from a 3D scan of your exact foot geometry, correcting biomechanical abnormalities such as supination, overpronation, and leg-length discrepancy. They are preceded by a full biomechanical and gait analysis by a licensed podiatrist and made from medical-grade materials (polypropylene, graphite, EVA foam) selected for your diagnosis, weight, and activity level.
Multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies confirm that custom orthotics produce superior outcomes for conditions like plantar fasciitis compared to prefabricated insoles — particularly for patients with moderate to severe symptoms or chronic, recurring pain.
Conditions Treated with Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are clinically indicated for a wide range of musculoskeletal and biomechanical conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of heel pain. Orthotics provide arch support and offload the plantar fascia during weight-bearing activity.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Custom orthotics restore proper arch height and reduce the overpronation that leads to ankle, knee, and back pain.
High Arches (Cavus Foot)
Accommodative orthotics distribute pressure evenly across a rigid, high-arched foot that concentrates load on the heel and ball.
Bunions
Functional orthotics reduce pressure on the first metatarsophalangeal joint and slow the progression of bunion deformity.
Metatarsalgia & Shin Splints
Forefoot pain and tibial stress syndrome respond well to orthotics with metatarsal pad support and pronation control.
Diabetic Foot & Knee/Hip Pain
Diabetic orthotics redistribute plantar pressure to prevent ulcers. Correcting foot mechanics often alleviates patellofemoral and hip pain up the kinetic chain.
Types of Custom Orthotics & Our Process
Your podiatrist will prescribe the orthotic category, materials, and design that best address your specific condition and lifestyle.
Functional Orthotics
Rigid or semi-rigid shells designed to control abnormal motion — overpronation, supination, and forefoot varus. The workhorse prescription orthotic for most biomechanical conditions including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, shin splints, and knee pain.
Accommodative Orthotics
Soft, cushioned devices that accommodate existing deformities and redistribute plantar pressure rather than correct alignment. Ideal for high arches, diabetic foot, elderly patients, and arthritis cases where rigid correction is contraindicated.
Sports Orthotics
Thin, lightweight, high-performance devices engineered to fit athletic footwear. Carbon-fiber or graphite shells withstand the repetitive high-load demands of running, cycling, and court sports.
Diabetic Orthotics
Specialty pressure-relief devices with total-contact design, extra-depth accommodations, and antimicrobial top covers. Designed to protect neuropathic feet and prevent ulcer formation.
Biomechanical Evaluation & 3D Scan
Your podiatrist examines foot structure, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and alignment. A high-resolution 3D scanner captures the contours of your foot in millimeter-level detail — no plaster mess.
Gait Analysis, Fabrication & Fitting
We analyze your walking and running mechanics to inform the orthotic prescription. Your devices are fabricated from medical-grade materials at a certified laboratory (2–3 week turnaround). You return for a fitting and 6-week follow-up to assess outcomes.
Insurance & Affordable Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are often a covered benefit when medically necessary. Our billing team verifies your insurance before your appointment so there are no surprises.
- Most major plans accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare
- Benefits verified before your visit — we call your insurer in advance
- With insurance coverage, typical out-of-pocket cost is $0–$150
- HSA/FSA payment and payment plan arrangements available for uninsured patients
- Medicare covers diabetic therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying patients
With Insurance
Digital Scanning
Orthotic Lifespan
Chicago Locations
Our Locations
Four convenient Chicagoland offices for custom orthotics evaluation and fitting.
Michigan Avenue — Chicago
30 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60602
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Elmhurst, IL
277 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Flossmoor, IL
19801 Governors Hwy #150, Flossmoor, IL 60422
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Tinley Park, IL
6703 W 159th St Suite 107, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Custom Orthotics Cost & Insurance Coverage
Custom orthotics are covered by many insurance plans — but coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. Most PPO plans include a durable medical equipment (DME) benefit that covers orthotics with a documented medical need. We verify your orthotic benefits before we take the mold.
What Insurance Typically Covers
- ✓Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO — orthotics typically covered as DME
- ✓Medicare — covers therapeutic orthotics for qualifying diabetic patients
- ✓Most PPO plans — covered with documented diagnosis (plantar fasciitis, flat feet, etc.)
- ✓Workers’ Compensation — orthotics frequently covered for work-related conditions
What Affects Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
- ·Whether your plan includes a DME (durable medical equipment) benefit
- ·Your remaining deductible for the plan year
- ·HMO plans may require referral and prior authorization
- ·Number of pairs covered per benefit year
We’ll verify your orthotic benefit before your appointment.
If your plan doesn’t cover orthotics, we offer self-pay pricing. Call to ask.
HMO plans typically require a referral and pre-authorization for custom orthotics. We handle the authorization process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about custom orthotics at Michigan Avenue Podiatry.
Step Into Pain-Free Living in Chicago
Our podiatrists are ready to evaluate your foot mechanics and determine whether custom orthotics are right for you. Most insurance plans accepted. Same-week appointments often available.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Usman, D.P.M. — Podiatric Physician & Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Featured in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Bustle, and Medscape.