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Phone: (512) 328-8900
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Have Questions ?

Does a store with computer scanners make a better orthotic?

In our opinion, No.  Despite the fact that scanner technology has come a long way over the past two decades, the application of this technology to the "casting" of a foot for foot orthotics is limited.  During the casting process, the position of the foot is critical for a properly functioning orthotic.  This is to ask, how is the foot positioned during the scanning process?  Is it placed in a corrected position or is the foot being scanned in an incorrect position that caused the problem to develop in the first place? 
Furthermore, if the "scanner" actually "casts" your foot, a custom made functional orthotic is not one that comes out of a box or that you receive a few minutes after being scanned.  The "scanners" placed in various shoe stores, drug stores and supermarkets simply measure your foot in the same way that your foot is measured with a typical measuring device found in any shoe store in America. 
Shoe store "scanners" simply measure the relative dimensions of your foot and steer the clerk to a pre made orthotic that they have on hand that most approximates your foot and shoe size.  That is the simple truth of it.


You can call Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists at (512) 328-8900, or come visit our office, conveniently located at:
5000 Bee Cave Road
Suite 202
Austin, TX 78746.