Podiatrist warns consumers about costly retail orthotics

By AI, Created 8:11 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – Dr. Arti Amin of Corona Foot & Ankle Group says shoppers are paying thousands for retail arch supports that are not prescription orthotics. She is urging consumers to understand the difference, since proper custom devices can be covered by insurance and may help patients avoid ineffective treatment and unnecessary surgery.

Why it matters: - Consumers with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, diabetic foot problems and chronic joint pain may be spending thousands on products that are not designed to treat their condition. - Dr. Arti Amin says the confusion can delay effective care, waste money and lead patients to believe orthotics do not work. - Properly evaluated prescription orthotics may help preserve mobility and reduce the need for surgery.

What happened: - Dr. Arti Amin, a board-certified podiatrist and founder of Corona Foot & Ankle Group in Riverside County, California, issued a consumer guide on custom orthotics and cost. - The guide says retail orthotic chains have drawn consumer complaints for charging $1,700 to $2,800 for arch supports marketed as “custom fit.” - The American Podiatric Medical Association classifies those products as over-the-counter shoe inserts, not prescription medical devices. - Dr. Amin said the phrase “custom fit” often refers to shelf-stock products matched to a shoe size, not a true custom device.

The details: - A genuine custom orthotic is a prescription medical device made from an individualized cast or 3D scan after a clinical biomechanical evaluation. - Mass-produced arch supports belong in the same category as inserts sold at grocery and sporting goods stores. - Prescription custom orthotics are frequently covered by PPO insurance plans. - Retail arch supports marketed as “medical-grade” are typically not covered, which leaves consumers paying out of pocket. - Some retail chains describe products as non-medical in published materials, then use “medical-grade” at the point of sale. - Published consumer complaint records show retail “personalized” orthotic packages billed between $1,000 and $2,800. - GoodRx health pricing data puts a doctor-prescribed custom orthotic at $300 to $800. - Corona Foot & Ankle Group says a prescription orthotic evaluation includes gait analysis, biomechanical examination, in-office X-rays, a lifestyle assessment and a 3D foot scan. - Dr. Amin says that process is different from the two-minute floor scanner experience common in retail settings. - Dr. Amin said a real evaluation is medical, not a sales process. - The practice uses prescription orthotics with targeted strength training and has reversed surgery recommendations in some patients who were not told conservative options were available. - Each device includes a six-month adjustment warranty. - For most PPO patients, insurance covers about 80% of the cost after the deductible.

Between the lines: - The core dispute is not just price. It is also about how products are classified, marketed and reimbursed. - Retail branding can make a non-prescription insert sound medically equivalent to a prescription device. - That gap can shape consumer expectations and lead to disappointment when products fail to help. - Dr. Amin frames the issue as a mobility problem, not just a billing problem.

What’s next: - Consumers with questions about orthotic coverage, eligibility or clinical evaluation can contact Corona Foot & Ankle Group at more information or call (951) 444-5327. - Corona Foot & Ankle Group continues to offer biomechanical evaluation, prescription custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, wound care and foot and ankle surgery. - Dr. Amin says the goal is to get patients back to the activities they enjoy without unnecessary procedures or costs.

The bottom line: - The guide argues that many shoppers are paying prescription-level prices for non-prescription products, and that understanding the difference could save money and improve care.