7 Foot Conditions That Can Be Improved by Custom Orthotics

If you’re struggling with foot pain and are wondering if custom orthotics can help, you’re not alone. Millions of people wear orthotics. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, though, custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet. They provide support, alignment, and relief from a variety of conditions, but will they help your condition? 

Our team of providers at NYC Foot & Ankle Center encourages you to visit us in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side. We can determine the root cause of your foot pain and recommend the right treatment.

In the meantime, here are seven conditions that can be improved by custom orthotics.

1. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of standing. Custom orthotics provide arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on your plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that connects your toes to your heel.

Wearing orthotics can help relieve pain and prevent flare-ups.

2. Flat feet

Having flat feet means your arches collapse when you walk. This can cause foot pain, but the pain can radiate beyond your feet. It can contribute to misalignment in your feet, ankles, and knees. 

Orthotics can’t undo flat arches but can provide arch support and stabilize your foot’s natural structure.

3. High arches

A lack of arches isn’t the only arch problem you may encounter. High arches can be just as problematic.

People with high arches (officially called pes cavus) often experience foot fatigue and pain due to excess pressure on the ball and heel. If left untreated, high arches can increase your risk of ankle instability, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis, and peroneal tendonitis.

Orthotics distribute your weight more evenly, so there isn’t so much pressure on the ball of your foot. Orthotics can also provide shock absorption, reduce stress on pressure points, and decrease your risk of the complications of untreated high arches.

4. Bunions

Bunions develop when your big toe joint shifts out of alignment. You might suspect that you have a bunion if you have a bump at the base of your big toe. Bunions can also form on your pinky toe (called a bunionette), but this is less common.

While orthotics won’t reverse bunions (regular or bunionette), they can help by redistributing pressure away from your affected joint. Your orthotics can also improve your foot mechanics and prevent worsening symptoms.

In some cases, wearing orthotics can help you postpone (or even avoid) bunion surgery.

5. Hammertoe

Hammertoe occurs when your toe joint becomes bent and stiff. Not only is hammertoe painful, but if your affected toe rubs on your shoes, it can cause sores.

Custom orthotics can help by providing proper toe alignment and reducing pressure on the bent joint.

6. Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis — the painful inflammation of your Achilles tendon — can develop from overuse or improper foot mechanics. Regardless of what causes it, it can result in pain during activity, pain from the pressure of your shoes, and pain when pointing your toe.

Orthotics can correct your foot positioning, reduce strain on your tendon, and improve shock absorption to support recovery.

7. Diabetic foot issues

People with diabetes are at risk for foot ulcers, nerve damage, and poor circulation. For example, 34% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point, and, unfortunately, 80% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer.

Custom orthotics can help you avoid ulcers by providing extra cushioning and reducing pressure points. 

At NYC Foot & Ankle Center, our team uses orthotics as just one part of diabetic foot care. We also offer regular diabetic foot exams, wound care (including debridement, bandaging, and medication), and wheelchair prescriptions (if needed) to relieve pressure on a wound.

Getting started with orthotics

If you’re dealing with foot pain or discomfort, custom orthotics can provide the support and relief you need. 

The first step toward relief is to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll examine your feet and gait, confirm the source of your pain, and create a treatment plan. 

If our team determines orthotics are right for you, we take precise measurements or create a custom mold of your feet. Once your orthotics are ready, we’ll guide you through the break-in process so you can adjust comfortably and get the best support for your feet.

To learn more about orthotics or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.