Custom Orthotics in Laguna Woods, CA
Support Your Feet With Orthotics Made for You
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts created from detailed 3D scans to support your foot structure, movement, comfort, and individual needs.
Are You Dealing With Any of These?
- Heel or arch pain while walking
- Tired or aching feet after standing
- Flat feet or arches that collapse inward
- Uneven shoe wear or changes in walking
- Recurring tendon pain during physical activity
- Store-bought inserts that do not provide enough support
What Conditions Can Custom Orthotics Help?
Custom orthotics may be included in a broader treatment plan for conditions affected by foot structure, pressure, or movement.
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Orthotics may redistribute pressure and support the foot when structural or movement patterns contribute to heel pain.
Flat Feet and Abnormal Motion
Prescription orthotics can support the arches and help manage excessive or inefficient foot movement.
Achilles and Other Tendon Pain
Improved foot support may reduce strain affecting the Achilles or other tendons during movement.
Calluses and Pressure Points
Accommodative orthotics may cushion sensitive areas and redistribute pressure contributing to recurring calluses.
Custom orthotics do not cure every foot condition. Dr. Petersen will determine whether they should be used alone or with another treatment.
More Than a Store-Bought Shoe Insert
Over-the-counter inserts are mass-produced in standard sizes. Prescription orthotics are created after a podiatric evaluation and designed around your foot shape, movement, diagnosis, footwear, and activities. The goal is to provide appropriate support where your feet need it rather than relying on a general cushion or arch shape.
Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Personalized Fit
Each pair is created using detailed three-dimensional images of your individual feet.
Targeted Support
The prescription can address specific structural, movement, pressure, or cushioning needs.
Improved Foot Function
Orthotics may help guide foot movement and reduce unnecessary stress during activity.
Multiple Footwear Options
Materials and designs can be selected for appropriate shoes, activities, and daily needs.
Custom orthotics provide personalized support designed around how your feet are built and how you move.
How Are Custom Orthotics Made?
Pacific Foot & Ankle Center uses 3D iPad scanning technology to capture detailed images of your feet. Dr. Petersen combines these scans with findings from your examination to develop an individualized prescription. The digital information is sent to a professional laboratory, where your orthotics are manufactured for your specific needs.
What Is the Custom Orthotics Process?
1. Evaluate
Dr. Petersen examines your feet, ankles, walking pattern, symptoms, footwear, and activity requirements.
2. Scan
A digital 3D scanner captures the shape and contours of each foot without traditional plaster molds.
3. Fit and Adjust
When your orthotics arrive, the fit is checked and you receive instructions for gradually wearing them.
Custom Orthotics From David Petersen, DPM
Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998. He evaluates the underlying condition before deciding whether prescription orthotics are appropriate.
Your orthotics will be selected according to your diagnosis, foot structure, movement, footwear, activities, and treatment goals.
Trusted by Local Patients
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 · 120+ reviews
What Patients Are Saying
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Manna SinghTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a really good experience with Dr. Peterson. He is patient, caring, and has a great sense of humor, which makes the whole interaction feel very easy and personable. I never felt rushed, and he took the time to listen to my concerns and explain things clearly. The staff was professional but also warm and welcoming, and there was hardly any wait. Overall, I was very happy with my visit and would definitely recommend Dr. Peterson.![]()
Dave HopkinsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Timely, professional, quality care and entire staff are very friendly.![]()
Ali DaneshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Peterson is a one of a kind physician. He listens, finds a solution and offers you options to get the relief you need without complicating your prognosis. He's compassionate, caring and has the best bedside manner of a great doctor. I highly recommend and trust him with my foot related issues![]()
David LevyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We've had a truly phenomenal experience with Dr Peterson. I brought my 9 year old to him for Severs disease. One of the nicest and most caring doctors I've ever met. Truly cares about his patients. Highly recommended. Staff is great too.![]()
Qiana TaborTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Peterson is very kind, explains everything well, gives good advice and takes his time. Everyone is kind and helpful.![]()
Alan TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Review of Dr. David Peterson, Podiatrist Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I receive no compensation, discount, or special treatment from Dr. Peterson or his office because of this review. He did not ask or suggest that I write it. I am sharing my experience because I genuinely believe it may be helpful to others. I have been a patient of Dr. David Peterson for more than four years. I wear orthotics, and he has also treated me for a painful nail spike on my big toe. As a podiatrist, I have always found him to be knowledgeable, professional, and outstanding. However, this review is primarily about my experience with EMTT (Extracorporeal Magneto Transduction Technology). I had been curious about EMTT and wondered whether it was simply another promising treatment that would eventually fade away after a short period of time. I had originally considered trying it for my knees. Then, in August 2026, I severely injured my lower back for no obvious reason. I began experiencing intense spasms in my lower back, around belt level and just to the right of my spine. I wasn't sure whether the problem was muscular or nerve-related. What I did know was that the pain was severe—about a 9 out of 10. I had difficulty walking and was experiencing four or five severe spasms every hour. The spasms would suddenly grab me and send sharp pain down the back of my right leg, making even simple activities extremely difficult, including getting in and out of bed, walking, or standing up from a chair. Dr. Peterson suggested that I try three EMTT treatments, one week apart. After my first treatment, I felt a significant improvement. I was able to walk without triggering spasms, and the frequency of the spasms dropped dramatically—from four or five an hour to only three during the following 24 hours. Wearing a back brace also helped improve my comfort level. Interestingly, during the EMTT treatment itself, I felt very little. I didn't feel an electrical sensation, vibration, heat, or much of anything else. In fact, I remember thinking that perhaps it wasn't going to help me at all. I completed all three treatments, one week apart. EMTT is not covered by my insurance, and I was very skeptical about whether it would be worth the expense. However, after completing the three treatments, I became convinced that EMTT had been extremely helpful and had provided me with significant and lasting relief. I was eventually able to see a spine specialist and have an MRI performed to further evaluate my back. I understand that EMTT is not necessarily the answer for every condition, and I can only speak from my own experience. But based on what I personally went through, I am convinced that Dr. Peterson did everything he could to help me, and that EMTT played an important role in getting me through an extremely painful period. I am very grateful for Dr. Peterson's care, professionalism, and willingness to try something that I initially viewed with a great deal of skepticism. For me, the results were very real, and I would strongly recommend Dr. Peterson to anyone considering his care.![]()
Melissa KassoufTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After my existing Dr. was in an accident, I had to find new care. I saw two other podiatrists before deciding to transfer my care to Dr. Petersen & his outstanding team at Pacific Foot & Ankle. I have not looked back since and know I found the right Dr. and office to manage my ongoing foot issues that have been plaguing me for years! I cannot say enough good things about every single interaction I have with this office. Dr. Petersen is exceptional; he is knowledgeable, patient, gentle, empathetic and kind. I truly believe he has the patients best interest at heart, as recently evidenced by encouraging me to hold off on a procedure I was questioning doing that would be invasive as he felt it was too soon to consider it. So many other Doctors would just want to complete something and send you on your way to move on to the next patient, but he did not. He took a "wait and see" approach and was patient and understanding; he discussed the issue which I really appreciated. Every single interaction I have had with every single member of his team is always so on point! The office is well ran and everyone is kind, professional and helpful. I am dealing with a chronic issue I have had for years and both Dr. Petersen and all of his team members go out of their way to always provide a superior experience each and every time I am seen. The office always has an upbeat and fun vibe to it which helps when you are dealing with not so fun foot issues. Kudos to both Dr. Petersen and all of his team- I appreciate you! I encourage anyone seeking excellence in podiatric care to try this office.![]()
Karen TallichetTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I met with Dr. Peterson on Friday for my very first time. He was more than Pleasant. He was actually very kind, funny and very welcoming and of course well educated on the structure of the feet, mine are an unusual pair? He was able to treat my foot immediately. I have a follow up in three months. I am very happy with how everything turned out. Glad to find a new podiatrist. With such a great bedside mannerVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Store-bought inserts are mass-produced and primarily provide general cushioning or support. Custom orthotics are prescribed after an examination and manufactured using detailed images and measurements of your feet.
They may help when foot structure, pressure, or movement contributes to heel pain. Dr. Petersen will first identify the cause and determine whether orthotics belong in your treatment plan.
No. Orthotics may be prescribed for several structural, pressure-related, or movement concerns. Patients with low, normal, or high arches may benefit when a specific need is identified.
Production time varies after the digital scan and prescription are sent to the laboratory. The office will provide an estimated timeline and contact you when they are ready.
Not every orthotic design fits every shoe. Bring the footwear you use most often so Dr. Petersen can recommend an appropriate style, size, and material.
Yes. Patients are generally instructed to increase wear time gradually while their feet and body adjust. Contact the office if you experience persistent pressure, rubbing, or discomfort.
Their lifespan depends on the materials, frequency of use, activity level, body weight, footwear, and changes in your feet. Periodic evaluation can determine when refurbishment or replacement is appropriate.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, diagnosis, and benefit requirements. Contact Pacific Foot & Ankle Center before ordering to verify current coverage and payment information.
Find Out if Custom Orthotics Are Right for You
If foot pain, pressure, or inefficient movement is affecting your comfort or activity, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Petersen. He can identify the cause and explain whether custom orthotics may help.