If you have been suffering from heel pain or sore arches, most likely someone has told you to use arch supports or orthotics. But you may wonder, can a pair of custom orthotics actually fix your foot problem? The short answer is yes; orthotics can be an important part of your treatment plan. So let’s dive into what they are and why they work.
What are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are medical devices that are designed specifically for your feet. They are made using detailed measurements of your feet, with an impression of your foot taken, either with a plaster cast, foam box, wax cast, or 3D scanner. Unlike over-the-counter insoles that are generic and usually only provide cushioning, they will have features specific to your needs and foot type. They help to redistribute the weight and pressure evenly across your feet, helping to align your feet and lower extremities. Custom orthotics are a medical tool that helps improve the way forces move through your body rather than just add extra cushioning in your shoes.
Do They Actually Work?
This is one of the most asked questions, and yes, there is research that suggests that custom orthotics are highly effective at lowering foot pain and disability. Custom orthotics are not only helpful for reducing heel pain, but can be used for a variety of different foot conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- High arches
- Flat feet
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Arthritic feet
- Metatarsalgia or pain in the balls of the feet
- Achilles tendon pain
- Certain knee conditions
- Leg length differences
Published articles have shown people with heel pain or plantar fasciitis often experience a meaningful improvement in daily function and pain level when using custom orthotics. Other studies have shown improvement in a person’s activity level due to custom orthotics improving their biomechanics of the foot.
Custom Orthotics are designed to manage abnormal forces and improve comfort and movement. They may
- Improve foot alignment
- Increase stability
- Help distribute pressure more evenly
- Reduce stress on injured tissues
- Help prevent symptoms from returning
- Prevent wound development in diabetes
However, they do not permanently change the shape of your foot or cure your condition. Just like glasses improve your vision while wearing them but do not change your eyesight, orthotics help improve your foot function during weight-bearing activities, but do not change your foot type.
More to the Puzzle
One of the biggest misconceptions about custom orthotics is that they will instantly “cure” your foot pain and that they are the only solution you should use. The truth is that the best outcomes come from a combination of treatment options such as:
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Properly fitted, supportive footwear
- Bracing for additional support
- Foot skin/nail care, such as filing corns or callous
Addressing all of these factors will lead to better long-term outcomes rather than relying on one treatment alone.
Is It Time to Consider Custom Orthotics?
If you have been suffering from foot pain for longer than a few weeks, or if it keeps returning, or is limiting your ability to do activities you love, it is time to seek help. A BioPed clinician will evaluate your feet, your gait and the biomechanics of your lower limbs to determine the best treatment options for you. The evidence is there: custom orthotics work, and a BioPed clinician can help you move more comfortably, so you can get back to doing the things you love the most.
