Ankle/foot Orthotics (AFOs) are custom-made devices, molded to fit inside a shoe, and designed to correct an abnormal or irregular walking gait. Orthotics come in both customized and over the counter models. Custom made Orthotics should be prescribed through a podiatrist, who specializes in foot pathology, as well as performing surgery if required, or a pedorthist, who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics management and design. AFOs are commonly used by athletes, such as professional track and field runners, cyclists, hockey players, professional dancers, ice skaters and golfers. Athletes benefit greatly from custom made AFOs, both when recovering from an injury and to help prevent future problems from occurring. These devices keep the foot aligned to allow the bones, ligaments and muscles to heal, restoring the patient to optimum performance. AFOs are designed for shock absorption to help release the pressure and stress from painful parts of the foot and ankle, and to allow for the correct positioning of the feet. Custom-made AFOs relieve pain in the hip and lower back, while restoring balance and improving an athlete’s performance. The AFO controls the motion of the ankle and foot, which helps in alleviating pain. The brace comes in various heights and profiles, for high and low top shoes and boots. Braces are fabric lined and are made of light weight material to easily embrace the ankle, for a better fit inside the footwear. With this type of orthotic, athletes can continue to play in comfort and stability. A custom made ankle/foot orthotic is designed by a podiatrist or an orthotic specialist, to help treat ailments, i.e., tendon maladies, flat foot problems, spurs, arthritis of the ankle and/or foot, ankle sprains, ankle weakness and drop foot (a patient cannot raise their foot at the ankle joint or at the least, has limited ability to raise their foot). An orthotics specialist will put a patient through a complete muscular workup, using digital or ultrasound equipment, followed by the ankle and foot being cast and fitted for the proper orthotics. Depending upon the final evaluation, a stretching treatment is designed, with specific shoe fitting discussions. In a couple of weeks, after the AFOs are fitted to the shoes that the patient was required to bring, any needed adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit. Following the fittings, evaluations are set up for the patient over the following weeks. AFOs are also available over the counter for improving basic comfort. If an athlete has general low aches or pains in the ankle/foot or lower back, an over-the-counter orthotic arch support, which slips inside the shoes, can be purchased without a prescription. The arch supports help to spread an athlete’s weight evenly throughout the bottom of the foot. But when a medical condition occurs, i.e., an injury, arthritis, problems with an illness, or poor circulation, then a specialist's prescription will be required. Over-the-counter arch supports can be purchased in local retail or sport stores, as well as in drug store pharmacies.  In all cases, a skilled podiatrist will offer the best recommendation on which medical device is suited to handle the patient’s particular needs.