Are Custom Orthotics Really Better than Store Bought Insoles?

Heel pain can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to walk, stand, or even rest comfortably. Whether it’s caused by a condition like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or heel spurs, heel pain often stems from improper foot mechanics that place undue stress on your heels. Custom orthotics, specially designed to provide personalized support, can offer significant relief by correcting these imbalances. In this blog, we’ll explore how custom orthotics can help alleviate heel pain, why they’re more effective than over-the-counter options, and what you should know if you’re considering them as part of your treatment.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts tailored to the unique shape and needs of your feet. Unlike over-the-counter orthotic insoles, which are mass-produced for general use, custom orthotics are crafted specifically for your feet based on a thorough evaluation by one of our seasoned podiatrists. This evaluation often includes physical assessments, imaging, and even gait analysis to determine how your feet move and where they need the most support.

The end result is a pair of orthotics designed not only to fit the unique contours of your feet but also to address specific issues like misalignment, flat feet, or high arches—conditions that often contribute to heel pain. By distributing pressure more evenly across your feet, custom orthotics reduce the strain on your heels and promote better posture and foot mechanics.

How Can Custom Orthotics Treat Heel Pain?

Custom orthotics are an effective treatment for heel pain because they offer support precisely where it’s needed. Heel pain is often a symptom of underlying conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or heel spurs, all of which are related to biomechanical issues in the foot. These conditions cause excessive tension in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the heel, leading to inflammation and pain.

Custom orthotics work by:

1. Correcting Foot Alignment: Many cases of heel pain are caused by overpronation (when the foot rolls inward too much) or underpronation (when the foot rolls outward). Custom orthotics realign your feet, correcting these imbalances and reducing the strain on your heel.
2. Redistributing Pressure: When your feet aren’t properly aligned, more pressure is placed on certain areas of the foot, particularly the heel. Orthotics distribute this pressure evenly across the entire foot, reducing the burden on the heel and allowing the inflamed tissue to heal.
3. Providing Arch Support: One of the primary causes of heel pain, particularly plantar fasciitis, is a lack of proper arch support. Custom orthotics provide targeted support for your arches, reducing the tension on the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes. By supporting the arches, custom orthotics help reduce inflammation and pain in the heel.
4. Absorbing Shock: Custom orthotics are designed with materials that offer better cushioning and shock absorption compared to standard insoles. This is particularly beneficial if your heel pain is caused by heel spurs or Achilles tendinitis, as the extra cushioning helps protect the sensitive tissues around the heel.

Can I Just Use Over-the-Counter Custom Orthotics?

Yes, but they do not work as well or last as long as custom orthotics. While over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics can provide temporary relief, especially for mild foot discomfort, they are not specifically designed for your feet. OTC orthotics come in standard sizes and shapes, which may not fit your foot properly or address the specific cause of your heel pain. As a result, they are often less effective at providing long-term relief and may even exacerbate certain foot conditions over time.

In contrast, custom orthotics are made based on your foot’s exact dimensions, providing a more precise fit and targeted relief. They are also more durable, lasting longer than the average OTC orthotic, which tends to wear out more quickly due to lower-quality materials.

If I Start with Custom Orthotics, Will I Have to Keep Them Permanently?

Custom orthotics can provide long-term relief for chronic heel pain, but they are not necessarily a permanent solution. In many cases, wearing custom orthotics for several months can lead to a significant reduction in pain and a correction of the underlying biomechanical issues. However, foot conditions can evolve over time, and ongoing use of orthotics may be necessary to prevent the recurrence of pain.

How often should I replace them? 

Custom orthotics generally last between 2-3 years, depending on how often you wear them and the activities you engage in. High-impact activities, like running or walking on hard surfaces, can wear them down more quickly. Our knowledgeable podiatrists will evaluate the condition of your orthotics during follow-up visits and recommend replacements if necessary. In some cases, minor adjustments may be all that’s needed to maintain their effectiveness.

Types of Orthotics

When it comes to choosing orthotics, it’s important to understand that not all are created equal. Depending on your foot structure and the condition causing your heel pain, our expert podiatrists will recommend one of the following types of custom orthotics:

• Rigid Orthotics: These are made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber and are designed to control foot motion, offering strong support for conditions that require alignment correction. Rigid orthotics are often used for people who overpronate or have flat feet, which can contribute to heel pain.
• Semi-Rigid Orthotics: Combining support with flexibility, semi-rigid orthotics are typically used by athletes or active individuals who need extra foot support without sacrificing movement. These orthotics are helpful for managing heel pain caused by sports-related injuries or stress fractures.
• Soft Orthotics: Made from cushioning materials, soft orthotics are designed to absorb shock and reduce pressure on sensitive areas of the foot. These are often recommended for people with diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions that make their feet more susceptible to pain and injury.

Contact Us Today

If you’re struggling with heel pain, custom orthotics might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Our team of podiatrists is here to evaluate your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan that includes custom orthotics tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or call (972) 690-5374 and take the first step toward pain-free living!