Foot pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can interfere with movement, posture, and everyday activities. While some find temporary relief with store-bought insoles, those options often fall short when structural issues or chronic symptoms are involved. That’s when custom orthotics may be necessary.
Reasons You May Need Custom Orthotics
You may benefit from custom orthotics, shoe inserts designed to support your feet and improve alignment based on your unique foot structure.
They are prescribed to relieve pain associated with various conditions and prevent or delay the need for a more advanced option like surgery. Some of the most common conditions include, but are not limited to:
- bunions
- corns and calluses,
- flat feet,
- high arches,
- hammertoes,
- Morton’s neuroma, and
- plantar fasciitis.
Do Custom Orthotics Really Work?
Custom orthotics improve how feet handle the demands of daily activities. They offer cushioning, distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, and support the foot’s natural movement.
Walking becomes less painful, standing for longer periods is more bearable, and an overall sense of stability is experienced throughout the day. When worn consistently, custom orthotics offer a reliable and noninvasive solution for managing long-term foot issues.
How Custom Orthotics Are Made
The process starts with digital orthotic scanning, an advanced alternative to traditional plaster casting. This advanced imaging captures the foot in a non-weight-bearing position and produces a highly detailed image, accurate within 0.4mm. Even the smallest structural differences are recorded.
Once the scan is complete, the digital file is sent directly to the orthotic lab. There, podiatrists craft orthotics to match the exact contours of each foot, resulting in a more comfortable and effective solution.
When to See a Podiatrist for Custom Orthotics
Not every ache requires custom orthotics, but if foot pain interferes with your daily life or affects how you move, it’s worth talking to a podiatrist. Consider scheduling a visit if you have:
- balance issues or falls due to collapsed arches.
- flat feet or high arches that cause foot pain or overpronation, inward rolling of the foot.
- foot complications from diabetes.
- foot pain and swelling during and after usual activities.
- sharp heel pain, especially first thing in the morning, as this could be plantar fasciitis.
- uneven wear and tear patterns on your shoes, which suggests an uneven gait.
A podiatrist will assess your condition and determine whether custom orthotics are an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Request an Appointment With The Foot & Ankle Center
Relief starts with the right support. The Foot & Ankle Center combines advanced 3D foot scanning technology with expert care to create custom orthotics that meet your needs. “Call (314) 487-9300 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with a team committed to helping you move comfortably and live confidently.