Your feet are your body's foundation. Besides carrying your weight every day and absorbing the impact of each step you take while walking or running, they provide stability and balance. Feet handle the impact of the force you place on them, and because they’re your primary mode of transportation, they’re essential in keeping you mobile.
The experienced podiatric team at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates knows the importance of feet and how foot pain can affect every aspect of your life. Because you rely on your feet to get you through your daily routine, your favorite activities, your exercise workouts, and just standing and walking, we know foot pain can be disabling and disruptive.
We also know that some painful foot conditions can be managed with custom orthotics—specially designed devices that are tailored to an individual's unique foot structure and needs. While over-the-counter shoe inserts might seem like an easy choice, they often provide only temporary relief because they aren't designed for your unique foot structure and gait pattern. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, we take a personalized approach to orthotic therapy, creating custom solutions that address the root cause of your discomfort and help prevent future problems. Here, we discuss the benefits of custom orthotics and heel lifts and why over-the-counter products may not be right for you.
Types of Orthotics Available at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates
There are different kinds of orthotics that can help support your foot, improve your balance and posture, and relieve pain. Our Central Kansas office offers several types of orthotic devices to meet your specific needs. Here are some products we provide:
- Custom prescription orthotics. We make your custom orthotics from the precise measurements and molds of your feet. These devices address your specific foot or ankle condition and can often help with flat feet, high arches, and plantar fasciitis.
- Pre-fabricated orthotics. These orthotics are not custom-made, but they provide more support than over-the-counter options, and they can be a good starting point for some patients. They're particularly useful for children who are still growing or patients who want to try orthotics before investing in custom devices.
- Heel lifts. These are specialized devices that help correct leg length discrepancy (LLD) and provide targeted support for heel pain. They can be used alone or in combination with other orthotic devices.
Why Use Custom Orthotics Rather Than Over-the-Counter Options
It’s easy to run into a drug store and purchase over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics—also known as insoles or inserts. It’s a convenient way to try and address your foot or ankle pain. However, while this product might provide you with relief for mild foot discomfort, most OTC orthotics don’t provide the customized fit you may need to properly address your specific foot problem. Without the right fit, inadequate support may worsen your condition and never really correct the issues with your foot structure.
When our experienced podiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, prescribes custom orthotics, you'll experience several advantages over store-bought inserts:
- Precise fit. We take detailed measurements and create molds of your feet to ensure your orthotics match your exact foot structure.
- Targeted support. Custom orthotics address your specific foot mechanics and conditions rather than providing generic support.
- Long-term value. Although custom orthotics are more expensive than OTC options, they typically last years longer and provide better results.
- Quality materials. We use medical-grade materials that maintain their supportive properties longer than retail products.
How We Create Your Custom Orthotics
At your appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and the types of shoes you typically wear. This helps us understand the exact support you need. We then use advanced scanning technology to capture the precise shape and structure of your feet. This digital scan, combined with our physical examination findings, allows us to create orthotics that provide optimal support and comfort.
Children's Orthotics
Because children’s feet are still growing, they require special attention when it comes to orthotic therapy. Dr. Weaver considers the following factors before recommending orthotics for young patients:
- Growth patterns. We may suggest your child try pre-fabricated orthotics that can be replaced as children grow.
- Activities. Dr. Weaver will discuss your child’s involvement in sports and physical activities to determine the type of support needed.
- Developmental stage. Different orthotic solutions may be appropriate at different stages of foot development.
How Heel Lifts Might Help Your Foot and Ankle Pain
Heel lifts serve a variety of therapeutic purposes that are not about making you taller. These specialized orthotic devices can help address the following:
- Leg length discrepancy (LLD). Even small differences in leg length can cause pain and alignment issues throughout your body. A properly fitted heel lift helps level your pelvis and spine.
- Achilles tendon problems. A heel lift can help reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. This can provide relief from tendonitis and help prevent future injury.
- Post-surgical recovery. After certain foot or ankle surgeries, heel lifts may be prescribed temporarily to promote proper healing.
Before You Try Custom Orthotics: We Provide OTC Products
If you’re not sure you want to try custom orthotics, we can offer some OTC products that might help with your foot or ankle condition. After talking with Dr. Weaver, you may decide to try:
- A heel lift. This shoe insert is designed to elevate the heel inside the shoe, providing additional height and cushioning. These lifts are made of lightweight material, so they provide a comfortable fit for most types of footwear. We offer a variety of heights to accommodate different needs.
- PowerStep insoles for children. These insoles are typically used to address common foot problems in kids, such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), flat feet, and heel pain often caused by improper foot mechanics. You may want to try PowerStep insoles for you child to promote healthy foot development and prevent future issues.
Let Central Kansas Podiatry Associates Get You Moving With Custom Orthotics
If you have ongoing foot pain or want to discuss how custom orthotics might be able to resolve your pain issues, contact Central Kansas Podiatry Associates. To learn more about how we’ve helped other clients take their first steps toward better foot health using orthotics, read our patient testimonials results.