Why You Probably Don’t Need Custom Orthotics
Orthotics can be a godsend when dealing with foot pain, but the truth is that you often don’t need to fork out for a custom pair. That’s not to say that any old pair will do, but after ten years of podiatry practice, we think we’ve got the formula down pat!
First thing’s first: what exactly are orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are used to help support and cushion the feet, as well as reduce stress on bone and soft tissue due to the foot rolling in or out too far. They can be custom-made for your feet to treat specific conditions, or prefabricated as an over-the-counter solution for many foot and leg pain conditions.
When do you need orthotics?
Orthotics are a really handy tool, typically used for a number of foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, achilles tendonitis and more. They are often used in conjunction with a form of physical/exercise based therapy for longevity of results. Foot pain is not normal; it’s a sign that something needs to be treated, so you should listen to your body and seek out a solution.
Are custom or prefabricated orthotics better?
First, let’s look at the research. When people experience pain in their heel and arch relating to plantar fasciitis, studies consistently suggest that prefabricated orthotics, like the ones in your Heelr pack, have equivalent success when compared to custom orthotics. This means that people who use over-the-counter orthotics had similar speed of recovery, comfort and satisfaction, that those who used custom orthotics. That’s not to say that custom orthotics don’t have their place; in fact they play a great role in alleviating several leg and foot pain conditions.
What are the benefits of Heelr orthotics?
The Heelr Foot Pain Kit & Program is completely developed by podiatrists, which means our orthotics have been tried and tested on hundreds of Australian clients. Our orthotics have been used by our podiatry team to treat many issues relating to the feet and ankles - especially heel pain. They are low profile, so they fit into a range of shoes, and are typically very easy for the body to get used to. Most importantly, they are extremely comfortable so you can start improving your foot comfort right away.
Are there any downfalls to using custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics involve taking a mold of your foot to have a specific set of supports made, so the process can cost several hundreds of dollars. Given the research suggests that the same outcome is often achieved with prefabricated orthotics, you can probably put those pennies towards a nice pair of shoes or a holiday. That said, there are definitely instances where custom orthotics would provide the best outcome.
So when should custom orthotics be used?
Custom orthotics are those made specifically for your feet, based on consultation and prescription from your podiatrist. Again, this is why they can be a bit pricey. These conditions are best discussed with your podiatrist but are typically reserved for:
Asymmetrical foot type
People with higher BMI as the insoles are less likely to compress, thus maintaining their support for longer
Severely over-pronated (flat) feet or severely cavus (high arched) feet
When orthotics have worked well, and required for longer than 12 months - as custom orthotics are usually more durable
How long do orthotics last?
Heelr orthotics typically last around 12 months. This is the perfect amount of time to reap the benefits then phase them out after you have done your exercise program. This window of time allows you to build up strength and flexibility in the feet and legs. Custom orthotics tend to be more durable and longer lasting, making them a better option for chronic or ongoing foot pain conditions.
Now you should have a better idea of the type of orthotics that are best for you! If you’re ready to start your comprehensive journey to pain free feet, sign up to our foot pain solution today. If you need more advice to find out the best option for you, please get in touch with your trusted podiatrist.
