There are many reasons and medical conditions that can cause your feet to hurt, from flat feet to plantar fasciitis to hammertoes. Debilitating foot pain can negatively impact every aspect of your life and interfere with your job and your ability to perform daily tasks. It’s possible that when you see a podiatrist for foot pain, they’ll recommend that you wear custom orthotics. However, you may be tempted to try over-the-counter brands you can buy at any drug store.
Our experienced podiatrist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, understands that his patients want the best solution for their foot pain. He also knows that each patient’s situation is different and requires an individualized treatment plan. Here, Dr. Weaver discusses the differences between custom orthotics and over-the-counter inserts to help you make an informed decision about your foot care and find the lasting relief you deserve.
Over-the-Counter Insoles and Inserts
Patients who have foot pain and need some type of orthotic are often tempted to purchase an over-the-counter product for a number of reasons, including the following:
- The price seems reasonable and affordable
- The marketing claims sound convincing
- The OTC brands provide general cushioning and basic support
However, store-bought insoles use a one-size-fits-all approach to foot support. OTC products are mass-produced for the “average foot,” but your feet aren’t “average.” They’re unique with specific arch heights and pressure points that a generic insert can’t possibly address. Drugstore inserts generally add cushion for your feet rather than help correct the true medical condition causing your pain. Additionally, over-the-counter insoles only provide temporary pain relief because:
- Over time, the materials used to make generic insoles degrade under your body’s weight and the daily stress of regular use.
- Medical conditions that require targeted support, such as diabetic foot complications or plantar fasciitis, can’t be addressed by a generic insert.
- Most OTC orthotics have generic sizing. Your foot may not match standard shoe sizes.
Why You May Want to Choose Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are often a better choice for patients with foot pain and medical conditions that affect the feet. These orthotics offer many advantages that OTC alternatives can’t provide, including the following:
- Custom orthotics are made from high-quality materials that generally last many years if cared for properly. This makes them a cost-effective investment.
- Custom orthotics can be modified and adjusted as your foot condition changes. If you develop new symptoms or your condition improves, your podiatrist can update your orthotic accordingly.
- Custom orthotics are made precisely to meet the needs of your foot condition. This precision often leads to other health improvements. For example, when your feet are properly aligned, you may experience less back, knee, and hip pain because your gait and posture are improved.
Custom orthotics start with a detailed assessment of your foot structure and gait pattern. Dr. Weaver will assess how your feet function during walking and standing, and he will determine if there are areas of excessive pressure or improper alignment. This analysis will often reveal the root cause of your foot pain.
Because the manufacturing process of your custom orthotics involves creating an exact mold or digital scan of your feet, every facet of your foot is detailed accurately. The resulting orthotic device is then crafted from materials specifically chosen for your condition and activity level.
Custom Orthotics Can Help Many Foot Conditions
Your feet are the foundation of your body and support your entire weight whenever you walk, run, or stand. Feet are made of bones, connective tissues, nerves, and muscles, and repetitive stress can cause damage to any of those parts, causing you pain. There are many foot conditions that can cause you pain, including the following:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bunions
- Heel spurs
- Arthritis
- High arches
- Ankle sprains and foot injuries
Our experienced podiatrist can work with you to determine the cause of your foot pain, diagnose your specific condition, and come up with a treatment plan for your pain and get you back to your active lifestyle. Part of that plan could include pain-relieving custom orthotics.
Let Us Help Relieve Your Foot Pain
When foot pain interferes with your daily activities, you need a skilled podiatrist to help determine if your symptoms would benefit from custom orthotics. This assessment helps ensure you receive the most effective solution for your specific condition.
Custom orthotics represent an investment in your long-term foot health and overall well-being. While the initial cost of custom orthotics is more than the alternatives you can purchase at a drug store, the superior effectiveness, durability, and professional support make custom orthotics the preferred choice for many patients. Read our testimonials to see how we’ve helped other patients get relief for their foot pain using custom orthotics.