Orthotic Insoles: What’s the Right Choice for Your Feet

Now you know that shoe inserts can’t offer much support. But what about the insoles you get after a machine scans your foot? Can these insoles treat any causes of foot or heel pain? 

While it’s true that these scanners know the shape of your foot, so the insoles they deliver are a bit more customized, they don’t take into account your entire foot structure. Or your walking gait. The result? Scanned insoles offer more support than an over-the-counter insole. But they are still less supportive than a custom orthotic. 

In spite of this fact, they’re more costly than drugstore shoe inserts. So, before purchasing a scanned insole, it’s important to consult with Dr. Lisa Brandy, to see if this shoe insert can adequately address your foot pain. Otherwise, you’ll spend more money than you need to, without finding the relief that you seek.  

Custom Orthotic Insoles: Your Pathway to Injury Prevention

If you hope to address biomechanical concerns and prevent injuries, the only inserts that will work are custom orthotics. In fact, in a recent study from Australia, we learned that custom orthotics can prevent running and sporting injuries. At the same time, the study confirms that scanned or drugstore insoles aren’t up to this important task. In fact, they might increase your risk for injury. 

How could that be? It’s simple. Over the counter insoles do pad your feet. As a result, it might take you longer to feel foot pain than if you weren’t wearing inserts. And, because of that delay, your feet could be exposed to damaging external pressures for longer than they would if you didn’t wear insoles. 

If you just need a bit of padding in your thin-soled shoes, go ahead and add some insoles to your checkout cart—and your sneakers. But if you’re dealing with chronic heel or foot pain, or you’re an athlete or runner, custom orthotics are your best investment. Why is that the case? Remember: insoles can’t treat foot or ankle conditions. But custom orthotic devices can relieve or even prevent the conditions highlighted below. 

Shin Splints

This overuse injury is characterized by pain in the front lower section of your leg. It usually is worst when you run but improves with rest. If you already have shin splints, you’ll need to briefly halt training so your body can heal. Then, once you’re ready to resume runs, train with a custom orthotic in your shoe. Since these medical devices are constructed to compensate for your specific foot concerns, they can optimize your runs; put less strain on your muscles; and help prevent a return of those painful shin splints. 

Bone Spurs

These areas of abnormal bone growth develop because of external pressure on your feet or heels. If they form on your heel bone, they’re called heel spurs. Typically, pressure from your Achilles tendon or plantar fascia leads to heel spurs. So, if you take pressure off your tendons and ligaments with custom orthotics, you may be able to prevent heel spurs from developing. Or, if you already have a bone spur, your orthotics could keep them from growing larger.  

Plantar Fasciitis

Custom orthotics can relieve the heel pain of plantar fasciitis. (which is inflammation in your plantar fascia, the tendon that runs along the bottom of your foot, between the heel and toes.) Because inflammation usually sets in due to external pressure, custom orthotics can reduce pressure by supporting your arches and the rest of your feet.

Orthotic Insoles for Tendonitis 

As with plantar fasciitis, custom orthotics can relieve and even prevent Achilles tendinitis. Whether your tendinitis is the result of flat feet or a new, intense workout routine, getting fitted for custom orthotics can reduce stress on your Achilles tendon and prevent inflammation from setting in. 

Custom Orthotic Insoles