Orthotics & DME

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts built around the specific shape and mechanics of your foot, designed to redistribute pressure, support the arch, and correct the way your foot moves as you walk. They differ from inserts sold off a shelf — a custom orthotic starts with an evaluation of your particular foot, not a generic template. Durable medical equipment, or DME, covers the braces, boots, and supports used to protect an injury while it heals or to manage an ongoing condition. Both are meant to work alongside the rest of your treatment, not replace it — they support a foot that needs help, whether or not surgery is also part of the plan.

Orthotics are commonly recommended for conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or general foot pain tied to how weight moves across your foot. DME — a walking boot after a fracture, a brace for ankle instability — supports recovery after an injury or surgery, or helps manage a condition day to day without surgery being necessary.

Dr. Feldman evaluates your foot and gait before recommending orthotics or equipment, so what you’re prescribed matches what your foot actually needs, rather than a one-size guess. Coverage and options vary by insurance plan and by condition — the office in Bethesda or Germantown can walk you through what applies in your case and what the next step looks like.