Everyday orthotics for plantar fasciitis provide support for your feet during regular activities, like walking, standing, and housework. They’re not made for sports. They’re made for regular life and for people with foot problems.
This type of orthotics help with the overal balance and stability of your body by aligning your feet and ankles so they’re stronger, working with your body. These orthotics can also correct various foot conditions, such as flat feet, high arches, heel pain, metatarsalgia, and plantar fasciitis.
But do you really need custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis, especially to wear for just everyday activities?
As with all things, it depends.
To understand what you need, realize that there are two main types of everyday orthotics:
- Over-the-Counter — Cheaper but generic for every foot and available at most drugstores and shoe stores. They are typically made from foam, silicone, and plastic.
- Custom-Made — The professional orthotics lab makes custom orthotics. They are typically ordered from medical professionals such as podiatrists, physical therapists, or pedothists and made from a harder material, such as carbon fiber or plastic. They are molded to fit your individual feet and correct your specific foot problems.
Is Plantar Fasciitis Really the Cause of Your Pain?
Which type of orthotic is right for you depends on your individual needs. If you have a mild foot condition, you may be able to find relief with over-the-counter orthotics. However, if you have a more severe foot condition or are on your feet all day, custom-made orthotics make more sense since they target your specific health issues.
For plantar fasciitis, custom orthotics provide the best support because they specifically support the arch of the foot. Custom orthotics are specifically designed to match the contours of your feet. Arch support is crucial for individuals with plantar fasciitis. This support helps distribute weight more evenly across the foot and reduces excessive strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and is often inflamed in plantar fasciitis.
The Top of the Pain Iceberg
However, plantar fasciitis is often the result of a bigger foot problem. People with plantar fasciitis often have other foot problems, like foot alignment and stability. Custom orthotics can correct these abnormal foot mechanics or gait abnormalities that may contribute to real foot pain by training the foot to be in correct alignment. They help guide your feet, ankles, and lower legs in a way that minimizes stress on the plantar fascia and other supportive structures.
Over time, custom orthotics will reduce pain and just be more comfortable. Since custom orthotics are designed to fit your feet comfortably, which can significantly reduce pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. They can also help with general foot fatigue and provide relief during daily activities.
But Aren’t Custom Orthotics Expensive?
So, do you really need to spend the money on custom orthotics?
If you’re even asking the question about whether your foot pain is serious, it probably is. Go see a physical therapist or a podiatrist (foot doctor) and get support. Living with constant foot pain will nudge other parts of your body out of alignment, causing potentially bigger, more expensive issues down the road.
Custom orthotics are a valid medical device that’s made specifically for your body. And they really do work. Solid medical research shows that custom orthotics are a great way to reduce whole-body pain caused by foot-gate issues.
Ask Foot Dynamics About Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis
Still unsure? Foot Dynamics have certified podiatrists right in our store who are ready to help. They will perform a thorough evaluation of your feet, gait, and any other contributing factors to determine if custom orthotics are suitable for your specific condition. If prescribed, custom orthotics are made based on the measurements and requirements of your feet to ensure the best possible support and comfort.
Contact Foot Dynamics for a free foot evaluation or to setup an appointment with our foot specialists.
