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 & Custom Orthotic Benefit Verification
Coverage for custom orthotics varies by insurance plan, diagnosis, medical necessity, and whether orthotics are a covered benefit under your policy. Our team verifies benefits before fabrication.
- Most major plans accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare
- Benefits verified before fabrication whenever possible
- Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, deductible, and DME benefits
- HSA/FSA payment may be available for eligible patients
- Medicare coverage rules are diagnosis-specific and should be confirmed before treatment
Before Fabrication
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 North York Street, 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 Street, #107, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Custom Orthotics Insurance Coverage
Custom orthotics coverage varies by plan, diagnosis, medical necessity, and whether orthotics are included as a covered benefit. Our team can check your benefits and explain your expected responsibility before fabrication.
What Insurance May Review
- ✓Your diagnosis and medical necessity
- ✓Whether your plan includes orthotics or DME benefits
- ✓Referral or authorization requirements for your plan
- ✓How often a new pair may be covered
What We Explain Before Fabrication
- ·Your verified benefits when available
- ·Whether prior authorization or referral is needed
- ·Your expected responsibility before the orthotics are made
- ·Self-pay options if your plan does not cover orthotics
We’ll verify your orthotic benefit before fabrication.
If your plan does not cover orthotics, we review your options before you move forward.
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.