77% of respondents to a foot survey experienced foot pain at some point. What’s more, half of the adults surveyed had to restrict activities like walking or exercising because of foot pain.
Given how awful foot pain can be, that’s not surprising!
The question then becomes: How is foot pain treated? There are insoles and orthotics, and then there are custom orthotics. What are those, and do they help alleviate pain?
Our team emphatically believes that they do. In fact, custom-made orthotics are far superior to anything you can buy in a drugstore. And they just might be the answer to your foot pain problems.
Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about custom orthotics. Then you’ll know if they’re right for you. Read on for more information!
What’s The Difference Between Insoles, Orthotics, and Custom Orthotics?
Walk into any drugstore, and you are confronted with a wide array of choices for foot pain relief. Let’s go over two of the most common products, insoles, and orthotics, before turning in the next section to custom orthotics.
INSOLES
You buy insoles in drugstores or athletic stores. They are also called arch supports or inserts. All three terms mean the same thing.
These products add a little extra cushioning and support to your shoes. They are made of a soft material, meaning they bend easily. Because of these factors, they last for only three to six months.
Orthotics
You might also find orthotics sold in your local drugstore, although they are more often found in specialty stores or medical offices.
They provide a firmer support than an insole. That’s because they have a plastic material meant to rest under the arch of your foot. Because of this, they offer better arch support than insoles.
Orthotics might help with arch support, but, for many people, they are not going to solve their specific foot ailments and problems. That’s where custom orthotics come in.
Custom Made Orthotics
Unlike a store-bought insole or orthotic, a custom orthotic is made just for you and your feet. The doctor takes a cast or digital image of each foot, and they create the ideal set of orthotics from those images.
This level of detail means custom orthotics do far more than provide extra arch support. They support and align both your feet and lower extremities.
Certain motions are therefore redirected or reduced while you walk, helping to alleviate chronic foot pain. In this way, they also prevent long-term damage to your feet and legs.
A store-bought insole could never accomplish any of those things for you. In the next section, let’s look at the specific conditions treated with custom-made orthotics.
What Foot Pain Problems Are Custom Orthotics Used For?
Custom orthotics can be used to treat many foot-related conditions. Some of these include:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Metatarsalgia
- Patellofemoral Knee Pain
- Shin Splints
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Bunions
Ultimately, your doctor can provide a customizable treatment plan for your foot pain. In many cases, custom orthotics reduce or eliminate foot pain altogether.
Conclusion: Custom Orthotics
Do custom orthotics work? The answer is yes. Custom orthotics are designed only for your feet. Because of this, they provide the necessary alignment to correct your foot problem and reduce your foot pain.
If you are suffering from foot pain, why wait another painful moment to contact us today for an appointment. We offer over 30 different kinds of orthotics, and we’ll make sure you get the one that is right for you.