Clinical Orthopedic Shoes - Médicus (2024)

FAQs

How to get prescription for orthopedic shoes? ›

If you require an orthopedic shoe, it must be prescribed by an authorized health care professional and fitted by an authorized provider. The authorized provider will have the necessary expertise to assess your needs, select the best shoe, and ensure that it fits correctly.

NON-MEDICAL NECESSITY COVERAGE AND PAYMENT RULES

Orthopedic footwear is covered under the leg, arm, back, and neck braces, and artificial legs, arms and eyes benefit (Social Security Act §1861(s)(9)).

While orthotics add support, the shoe you put them in can also play a role in future injuries. However, Orthopedic footwear is specifically designed to cushion, protect, and add stability to every single part of the foot.

HOKA designs world-class running and high-performance orthopedic shoes geared to be kind to the body.

Coverage typically varies by provider, although most will cover medically necessary orthotics, such as those needed to treat injuries or deformities. Depending on your insurance plan, coverage may also include the cost of fitting, labor, and device replacement.

A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and you must get the shoes or inserts from one of these: A podiatrist. An orthotist. A prosthetist.

The types of items that may be covered include wheelchairs, hospital beds, bathroom seats, oxygen tanks, orthopedic shoes, artificial arms and legs, diabetic testing strips, and diapers.

Medicare will only cover your orthopedic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers aren't enrolled, Medicare won't pay the claims they submit.

Our diabetic shoes are approved by Medicare, but we do not accept insurance.

Wearing orthopedic shoes can feel cumbersome and restrict your foot's natural range of motion, which can make it difficult to perform certain activities and cause fatigue. People who don't need orthopedic shoes may be tempted to buy them based on the belief that they will improve their foot health.

Why are orthopedic shoes so expensive? ›

One of the main reasons why orthotics are expensive is because they are custom-made to fit the unique shape and structure of an individual's feet. Generic shoe inserts may provide some level of support, but they cannot address specific foot problems or provide the same level of comfort as custom-made orthotics.

Key takeaways: Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts that can help with foot pain and other problems. They give your feet extra support tailored to your unique needs. There are many types of custom orthotics, and they can cost anywhere from $300 to $800.

When it comes to the best cushioned shoes for walkers, we always recommend Hoka's Bondi Sneaker. The thick, full-length midsole offers a plush yet supportive feel and protective shock absorption. And despite its ample cushioning, we found that the mesh upper still offers great breathability and blister prevention.

Beloved by style-seekers and podiatrists alike, the brand has a wide range of models to choose from, all of which fit expert recommendations for supportive footwear: They won't fold in half if you try to bend them, they have removable insoles, and they have firm heel counters.

Over-the-counter orthotics are generic — meaning they fit any type of shoe or foot bed. You can get them in stores, and they can provide some comfort and cushioning for your feet. You don't need to get a prescription for these inserts, but they're not customized to your feet.

If orthotics are needed, your podiatrist will capture a three-dimensional image of each foot. Those images, as well as any measurements obtained by your podiatrist, are used to create a set of unique foot supports that will improve your foot movement and lead to more comfort and mobility.

Prescription orthotics are particularly beneficial for a variety of foot-related conditions. These include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, heel spurs, bunions, and diabetic foot complications. They are also highly effective in managing symptoms related to arthritis, tendonitis, and recurrent ankle sprains.