We carry a full range of high quality over-the-counter (OTC) arch supports in a wide variety of sizes. At Arches we offer a free, personalized fitting and work with you to be sure you get what you need to improve your foot comfort. This general fitting is done by one of our trained staff and is complimentary, no appointment is necessary. If you have tried OTC arch supports already, or you have more serious foot problems, an appointment with our specialist is the best way to begin. Give us a call for more information. Our number is 254-773-2693.
OTC arch supports are non-custom items and can be purchased at Arches Footcare without a prescription. The cost of an OTC Arch Support ranges between $49 and $125, and can be customized or modified. A small fee may be charged for modifications. There are many scams out there...read our BUYER BEWARE section below for more information on purchasing these items.
HERE'S WHAT WE DO FOR YOU AT ARCHES FOOTCARE:
*We listen to your issue and help you decide which arch support would work for you.
*We fit the arch support based on your arch length and the width of your foot. (Purchasing supports based on your shoe size is inaccurate.)
*We then discuss how the arch support will work with the shoes you primarily wear, and whether we can remove the existing insert.
*When applicable, we may heat-mold (reshape) the arch support if we observe an immediate need. We heat mold after 7 – 15 days if required (about 5% of patients/customers) on applicable arch supports.
*Finally, we trim the new supports to fit your shoes.
*We do a COMPLIMENTARY follow up to heat mold the support (when applicable).
*No RX is required, however if you have an RX from your doctor we can save you the tax. If you find a retailer charging several hundred dollars for an over the counter arch support then buyer beware (see below).
If you have many issues with your feet, you may want to make an appointment our specialist, Heinz. Give us a call or come by and we can help you decide which is best. Generally if your pain/problem is enough that sought the help of a doctor, then an appointment with our Pedorthist is best.
Our Certified Pedorthist also further modify the supports for an additional fee per side (appointment required)
*Dancer Pad offload
*Neutral and up to 4 degree posting (valgus and varus)
*Offloading areas
*Met pads
BUYER BEWARE! - "I know it's true because I saw it on TV"**
**Unfortunately it is not always true what you see on TV. While some clever made TV commercials may show you happy and smiling, or in some cases happy crying customers, remember, those are all paid actors!
*The biggest scam is misleading patients and customers into thinking an OTC (over-the-counter) arch support is a "custom-made" product, and then charging hundreds of dollars for something worth $30. If a sales person goes to the back and comes out with a product and says it is "custom," they are being dishonest. Any arch support available for purchase off of a store shelf is NOT custom and if the price is more than $100 there is good chance you are about to pay way too much. We've had customers tell us they spent over $1500 for items that are not custom-made. Some retail stores and online stores will use a foam-box to take an impression of your foot leading the buyer to believe they are getting a custom item, but only use that to match a pre-fabricated OTC arch support to the size of your foot. Again, NOT custom-made.
* Check the internet for customer reviews of the business you are thinking of using. You can search "google reviews" or "Yelp reviews" and the business name to see what others have experienced at a specific business. The Better Business Bureau can also provide online reviews and information.
* Any business making custom orthotics is required by the state of Texas to obtain a prescription from a doctor. Custom orthotics take time to make. If a store says they are providing you with a "custom" orthotic, and brings you the item a few minutes later, that is not a custom product. Custom orthotics take time and are made by medical professionals, not sales people.
*Exercise caution when considering the purchase of orthotics from exhibits at trade shows, sportsman shows or on cruise ships. If there’s a problem with the orthotic, returning it could be a problem. Many times they are extremely over-priced. One of our customers was duped into buying an $800 arch support at a stock show. It was not custom-made, but the customer believed it was. It wasn't helping the customer and they had no other options. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
*Exercise caution when considering a purchase from kiosks or booths in malls, departments stores or over the internet for the same reasons. It's a good idea to search the business's Google reviews, and the Yelp reviews to gain perspective on other customer's experiences.
*Be wary of people who come to your home, or conduct group screenings of employees or family members without a proper evaluation.
*Two for the price of one” deal or “free giveaways” with your purchase are not allowed under the code of ethics that regulate providers and dispensers are bound by. Some providers will use these “freebies” to inflate the price of an arch support. Often these supports are also not custom-made, but mass produced.
*Be suspicious of any providers that can’t answer your questions clearly or gives vague and ambiguous answers. Watch out for commission-based employees.
*Question a provider who recommends your whole family could benefit from orthotics without having seen or assessed them individually.
*Many places have employees on commission and they won't get paid if you don't pay. Just say no and leave if you are in a situation where you feel pressed to make a purchase.
If you need custom orthotics or any other custom foot product we can make them for you as well. See our "Custom Orthotics" tab.