“I recently had bunion surgery with Dr. Malik and I m really glad I chose his office. He took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all my questions, which I really appreciated. The staff was friendly and helpful the whole time, and everything from scheduling to surgery day to follow up visits went smoothly. Overall it was a great experience and I d go back here again if I ever needed anything.”Zy Le4 months ago · GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
Custom Orthotics
in Knoxville, TN
Personalized foot support designed around your unique structure, movement, symptoms, and daily needs.
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS AT KNOX FOOT AND ANKLEPersonalized Foot Support
Personalized Foot Support
in Knoxville
Custom orthotics may provide targeted support for patients experiencing foot pain, heel pain, arch problems, pressure points, gait concerns, sports injuries, or diabetes-related foot risks. Each recommendation begins with an evaluation to determine whether custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition and goals.
GOOGLE REVIEWSTrusted Foot and Ankle Care
Trusted Foot and Ankle Care
in Knoxville
See what patients say about their experience at Knox Foot and Ankle.
“I've had an ingrown toenail for 3 years and have had it removed 4 times during the years, each time it grew back and never healed. I went and saw Dr. Malik and his awesome assistant, Summer and receptionist Kelly. Dr. Malik did the procedure and 2 weeks later I feel like this is the best decision I've made all year. I am now pain free and couldn't be happier. Thank you all so much.”Seth Kessler2 weeks ago · GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“I had a great experience with this foot doctor for my ankle problem. Dr Malik very professional, explained everything clearly, and helped my ankle heal quickly. The staff was friendly and the office was clean. Highly recommend!”mario sarama4 months ago · GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
Fellowship-Trained SurgeonAdvanced Foot and Ankle CareDiabetic Limb PreservationSame-Day Appointments May Be Available
SPECIALIST-LED ORTHOTIC CARECustom Orthotic Care Led
Custom Orthotic Care Led
by Dr. Abshan Malik
Abshan Malik, DPM, AACFAS
Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Abshan Malik evaluates the foot structure, pressure patterns, gait mechanics, symptoms, footwear, and activity demands that may contribute to foot or ankle discomfort. Rather than recommending an insert automatically, he determines whether custom orthotics are appropriate and how they may fit into the patient’s broader treatment plan.
Detailed foot and ankle evaluationGait and pressure assessment when appropriateRecommendations based on diagnosis and foot structureCare for athletic, chronic, diabetic, and high-risk concernsFollow-up support and adjustments when needed
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS VS. STORE-BOUGHT INSERTSCustom Orthotics vs.
Custom Orthotics vs.
Store-Bought Inserts
Store-bought inserts may provide general cushioning or basic arch support. Custom orthotics are personalized shoe inserts designed after an individual evaluation and may offer more targeted support for specific structural, pressure-related, or mechanical concerns.
Custom Orthotics
- Based on an individual evaluation
- Designed around foot structure and diagnosis
- May target pressure and mechanical concerns
- Adjusted to individual support needs
Store-Bought Inserts
- Designed for general use
- Primarily provides cushioning or basic support
- Not created for a specific diagnosis
- May be sufficient for some patients
Not every patient needs custom orthotics. A specialist evaluation helps determine which option is appropriate.
CONDITIONS CUSTOM ORTHOTICS MAY HELP SUPPORTConditions Orthotics
Conditions Orthotics
May Help Address
Plantar Fasciitis
may help reduce strain on the plantar fascia
Heel Pain
support for the heel and surrounding structures
Flat Feet
additional arch support and stability
High Arches
cushioning and pressure redistribution
Arch Pain
general arch support
Bunions
pressure relief around the big toe joint
Hammertoes
reduced pressure on affected toes
Forefoot Pain
support for the ball of the foot
Neuroma-Related Pressure
may help reduce nerve irritation
Metatarsalgia
cushioning for the metatarsal area
Achilles Tendon Pain
support for foot mechanics affecting the tendon
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
when appropriate
Ankle Instability
additional foot and ankle support
Knee, Hip, or Back Strain Related to Foot Mechanics
when appropriate
Sports-Related Foot Pain
support during activity
Diabetic Pressure Points
pressure redistribution for high-risk areas
Calluses from Abnormal Pressure
reduced friction and pressure
Orthotics may help support these concerns, but they are not a guaranteed cure; each patient’s response is different.
Learn About Plantar Fasciitis TreatmentHOW ORTHOTICS CAN HELP FOOT MECHANICSHow Custom Orthotics
How Custom Orthotics
Support Your Feet
Depending on the diagnosis and foot structure, custom orthotics may help improve support, redistribute pressure, reduce strain, and make daily activities more comfortable. For plantar fasciitis, supporting the arch may help reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Flat feet and high arches may need different support based on flexibility, pressure patterns, and activity.
Supporting the ArchRedistributing PressureImproving Foot AlignmentCushioning High-Pressure AreasSupporting Painful or Injured AreasImproving Comfort During Activity
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A PODIATRIST FOR ORTHOTICS?Signs Orthotics May Be
Signs Orthotics May Be
Worth Discussing
These signs may be worth discussing with a podiatrist; they do not necessarily mean you need orthotics:
Persistent heel or arch painFoot fatigue during standing or walkingRecurring pressure points or callusesPain from bunions or forefoot pressureUneven shoe wearRepeated ankle instabilitySports-related foot discomfortDiabetic pressure concernsSymptoms that affect daily activities
CUSTOM ORTHOTIC EVALUATION AT KNOX FOOT AND ANKLEA Thorough Evaluation
A Thorough Evaluation
Before Any Recommendation
Our goal is to understand the source of your symptoms—not simply provide an insert.
- 01Review of symptoms and activity demands
- 02Foot and ankle examination
- 03Evaluation of arch type and foot structure
- 04Gait or walking-pattern review when appropriate
- 05Pressure-point assessment
- 06Shoe-wear evaluation
- 07Imaging only when clinically needed
- 08Discussion of diagnosis and treatment goals
- 09Orthotic recommendation only when appropriate
ORTHOTIC SUPPORT FOR DIFFERENT NEEDSOrthotic Support
Orthotic Support
for Different Needs
Active Adults and Athletes
Orthotics may help support repetitive activity, demanding footwear, return-to-activity planning, and mechanical concerns related to sports or physically demanding work.
Learn About Sports Injury TreatmentHigh-Risk and Diabetic Feet
Careful pressure redistribution, footwear evaluation, skin monitoring, and follow-up may support patients with reduced sensation, previous wounds, pressure points, or other diabetes-related risks.
Learn More About Diabetic Foot CareChildren and Growing Feet
Some children and teenagers may benefit from orthotic support, but treatment should follow a proper evaluation of symptoms, development, gait, and foot structure.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER GETTING CUSTOM ORTHOTICSWhat to Expect With
What to Expect With
Custom Orthotics
Getting Used to Your Orthotics
- A gradual break-in period may be needed
- Shoes need sufficient depth and room
- Initial adjustments may be required
- Follow-up may be recommended
- Orthotics should be used as directed
- Results and adjustment periods vary
Part of a Broader Treatment Plan
Orthotics may be used alongside stretching, footwear changes, bracing, physical therapy, activity modification, wound care, diabetic foot care, or other treatment based on the diagnosis.
Custom orthotics cannot guarantee instant pain relief or a specific outcome.
WHY CHOOSE USWhy Choose Knox
Why Choose Knox
Foot and Ankle
Specialist-led foot and ankle evaluationRecommendations based on foot structure and symptomsConservative treatment approachCustom support for daily and activity-related needsExperience with diabetic and high-risk foot concernsFollow-up care and adjustment supportOrthotics integrated into a broader treatment planClear, patient-focused communication
Ready to Find the Right Support
for Your Feet?
If foot pain, pressure, fatigue, or recurring symptoms are affecting your daily activities, schedule an evaluation to learn whether custom orthotics may be appropriate for you.
Knox Foot and Ankle · 2725 Asbury Rd, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37914 · (865) 329-3338 · Get DirectionsFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics in Knoxville, TN
A little more about custom orthotics at Knox Foot and Ankle.
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed specifically for your foot structure, movement pattern, and medical needs, based on a podiatric evaluation.
Are custom orthotics different from store-bought inserts?
Yes. Store-bought inserts offer general cushioning or support, while custom orthotics are personalized to your specific foot structure and diagnosis.
What conditions can custom orthotics help support?
Orthotics may help support conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, forefoot pain, and diabetic pressure points, among others.
Do custom orthotics help plantar fasciitis?
Custom orthotics may help support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, often as part of a broader treatment plan.
Can custom orthotics help flat feet?
Yes. Custom orthotics can be designed to provide additional arch support and stability for flat feet, depending on your specific structure and symptoms.
Are custom orthotics helpful for athletes?
Custom orthotics may help support repetitive activity and address alignment or pressure issues, though results depend on your specific activity and condition.
Do diabetic patients need special orthotics?
Diabetic patients often benefit from orthotics designed to reduce pressure in high-risk areas, along with careful monitoring for skin changes.
How long does it take to adjust to custom orthotics?
Adjustment time varies by patient. Some people adapt quickly, while others need a break-in period or follow-up adjustments for comfort and fit.
How do I schedule a custom orthotics appointment in Knoxville?
You can call us at (865) 329-3338 or request an appointment online through our website.