Quick question: what’s the difference between custom and one-size-fits-all orthotics? Both are soft, flexible and slip into a shoe, boot or other enclosed footwear. They must offer the same benefits, right? Here’s the deal: off-the-shelf inserts offer limited pain relief, while orthotics are a corrective device – just like eyeglasses or dental braces – and can nurture healthy movement, which leads to a variety of other benefits.
Of course, these advantages come at a price. And some custom orthotics cost upwards of $475, while other inserts are tens of dollars. How are we to know which to choose? Here are some factors to consider when weighing one-size-fits-all versus custom orthotics.
Get to Know Your Feet
Generally, there are two sources of foot pain: injury and mechanical issues. Short-term, minor soreness from an accident – a stubbed toe, for example – usually resolves itself. But when a patient reports foot discomfort without a recent injury, the cause tends to be mechanical, such as flatfoot. That’s where orthotics comes in. Replacing a shoe’s insert with an after-market orthotic can provide enhanced support and offer a variety of benefits.
A Standard Solution
Off-the-shelf orthotics are like Hondas: accessible, affordable and capable. Chances are that most American drug stores, pharmacies and – certainly – athletic depots have a display dedicated to them. They are one-size-fits-all devices for relief from minor arch and heel discomfort. And they are satisfactory for some people. Say a young soccer player complains their cleats hurt their feet. Shoe inserts offer a cost-effective solution to short-term, minor discomfort.
But, here’s the thing: inserts are limited. They’re designed only to provide arch support and relief from minor, short-term soreness. So when a patient reports significant, long-term discomfort, they may need to upgrade to the next tier.
A Luxury Ride
Custom orthotics are like BMWs: a ride so comfortable, rough, bumpy roads seem to disappear beneath you. These inserts are corrective devices made for you. They realign your feet, ankles, knees and lower back to an anatomically correct position, which can relieve a variety of aches and pains. And they can reduce fatigue.
Often, hikers, runners and other athletes come to my office for custom inserts, not just for comfort, but to improve their stamina. (Some of my hiker-patients would not go out without a fresh pair.) Our bodies are most energy efficient when they are properly aligned. When they are not, there’s a risk of early fatigue and muscle strain. Orthotics correct this by stabilizing feet.
Outside of athletes, other groups who can also benefit from custom inserts include:
- Patients with a foot deformity, such as tendon dysfunction or achilles tendonitis
- Post-surgery patients who need extra support during recovery
Depending on use, orthotics tend to last three or four years.
Get Sized Up
So, which solution is right for you? Consider factors such as pain level and any recent foot-related injuries, both of which are reliable indicators. On top of that, ask yourself: is my foot pain out of the ordinary? When that is the case, consider visiting a foot and ankle specialist, who can provide a professional diagnosis.
Everybody is different, and feet are no exception. Orthotics are most effective when feet are flexible and malleable. A podiatrist can determine if inserts are a good fit for you. At my office, staff use an iPad fitted with a three-dimensional imaging camera that creates a digital scan, which is used to design the orthotics. Make an appointment with us today, and let’s chart a path to relieve you of foot-related discomfort.
