Orthotics can help with foot pain caused by issues such as flat feet. They can also help relieve foot pain from other conditions such as arthritis or sprained ankles.
It can take time for your feet to adjust to using orthotics. You should gradually increase the amount of time you wear them.
Store-bought shoe inserts
If your feet hurt and you want a quick fix, you can buy over-the-counter shoe inserts at a drugstore or online. These pre-made, mass-produced insoles offer general cushioning and mild arch support. But they don’t address your specific biomechanical issues and will probably deteriorate quickly.
Foot and ankle specialists can design custom orthotics to fit your specific shoes. They are typically made of medical-grade materials such as graphite and can last three to five years. They are also designed to align and support your foot, which can relieve pain, prevent injuries and improve overall foot health. They are often used to treat conditions such as heel spurs, flat feet, shin splints and Achilles tendonitis.
The types of shoe inserts that can be purchased over-the-counter include heel liners, which are placed inside the shoe to support your heels and reduce foot pain from impact or from age-related thinning of the natural fat pads in your heels. Arch supports, which have a “bumped-up” look to them, can help with the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet. Foot and ankle specialists also recommend accomodative orthotics, which are made of flexible, soft material and conform to the shape of your feet, offering comfort and stability.
If store-bought insoles don’t improve your painful symptoms, it’s time to see a podiatrist for an exam and a prescription for customized shoe inserts. With the right orthotics, you can move comfortably through your day — and your life.
Custom orthotics
Orthotics are custom-made devices that help relieve pain in the feet and ankles. They are designed to correct abnormalities in the bones, joints and tendons of your feet and ankles to take pressure off areas where you experience pain. They can also be helpful in reducing back pain caused by excess pressure on the foot and ankles. Orthotics can also be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and diabetic neuropathy, which leads to loss of sensation in the feet and ankles.
Over-the-counter orthotics are available in shoe stores, pharmacies and sporting goods shops and can be purchased without a prescription. They are typically made from materials such as foam or gel and fit into your shoes to provide extra cushioning and support. These inserts are not molded to your feet, and they may cause pain and discomfort after wearing them for a long period of time.
Custom-made orthotics are more expensive than over-the-counter shoe inserts, but they come with a medical evaluation and a customized fit. They are also made from high-quality materials that are designed to last longer than OTC products. Our NYC podiatrists can recommend the right orthotic for you based on your foot structure and condition, activity level and lifestyle. We can even customize your orthotics to fit into shoes like dress shoes, running shoes, boots, clip-in biking shoes and ski-boots.
Over-the-counter cushioned inserts
Over-the-counter insoles are a great way to relieve foot discomfort without the cost of a podiatrist. Whether you’re looking for an insole that provides a little extra cushioning or one that helps with specific foot issues, it’s important to choose a pair that meets your needs and fits well in your shoes. Typically, you’ll find a variety of sizes available to ensure the best fit. Look for features like adjustable arch support and a soft fabric top layer to ensure comfort.
Consider an arch-support insole if you have flat feet or high arches, as this type of insole distributes your weight evenly across the entire shoe and reduces stress on the arch. These types of insoles are also ideal for those who suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
A heel liners are similar to arch-support insoles, but they’re designed to provide additional cushioning in the back of your shoe. These are ideal for individuals who suffer from bunions or simply want to reduce the pressure placed on their feet throughout the day.
If you’re shopping for a pair of over-the-counter insoles that are designed to be used with your custom orthotics, the Spenco RX Comfort is an excellent option. This insole provides extra cushioning to reduce foot fatigue and offers a thin, flexible base that pads each step without taking up too much space in your shoes. The insoles are odor-resistant and come in several sizes to accommodate men and women of all ages and foot shapes.
See a podiatrist
If over-the-counter shoe inserts aren’t helping you find relief from foot pain, visit a podiatrist. They can recommend custom orthotics that are specifically designed for you, alleviating your discomfort and improving your overall foot health. These customized shoe inserts can redistribute the pressure of your body weight across your feet, reducing the chances of developing conditions such as shin splints or plantar fasciitis.
A podiatrist will perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles and may recommend prescription orthotics for you. The customized orthotics they provide are based on a plaster cast or digital images of your foot. This information is used to create shoe inserts that will support your feet, relieve pain and improve your foot movement.
The podiatrist will design shoe inserts that align and support your foot, minimizing the strain on the arch and heel area. They can also help you correct an abnormal walking pattern called pronation. This condition causes the ankle to roll inward and puts extra stress on the knees, hips and lower back. It can also lead to a flat foot or fallen arches, which can cause pain and instability.
The best way to get the most out of your shoe inserts is to maintain a line of communication with your podiatrist and visit on their requested schedule. This will help you keep track of the progress and changes that your orthotics are making in the way they feel.