Can custom orthotics help foot pain?

Custom orthotics are arch supports that you can place in a shoe that essentially can make shoes fit more comfortably and give you better support for your feet.  The term custom orthotics can be confusing, because there are stores that try to sell arch supports advertised as custom orthotics, but they are really an over-the-counter arch support that is slightly matched to your foot type.

The reality is that with 28 bones in each foot, no over the counter orthotic will match everyone's foot the same.  Much like glasses or contacts to help us see better, we really need a mold or scan of our foot taken, so that an arch support can be made that matches our foot exactly.

Some common foot problems that custom orthotics are helpful for are:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel spur syndrome)
• Flatfeet (pes planus)
• High arches (pes cavus)
• Metatarsalgia
• Capsulitis (pre-dislocation syndrome)
• Morton's neuroma
• Osteoarthritis
• Rhematoid Arthritis
• Hallux valgus (bunion)
• Hallux rigidus
• Tailor's bunions
• Posterior tibial tendinitis
• Peroneal tendinitis
• Achilles tendinitis

One common misconception is that if you have foot pain, you must need more cushion for your feet.  Generally speaking, cushion is really only helpful for a diabetic foot orthotic where we are trying to keep blisters and wounds from developing.  For most other musculoskeletal issues, you really need a more solid custom orthotic to support the foot and ankle correctly so the pain can be alleviated.

Some insurances do cover orthotics, but many do not.  If your insurance won't cover a custom orthotic our cash pay price for these is $450 (and that does cover the pair of orthotics).  We typically collect half of that ($225) when we mold your feet, and then you pay the other half when you pick up the orthotics.

If you are having any foot and ankle pain or any type of fracture or sprain, we are here to help.  Dr. Hinderland and Dr. Cameron and the whole team at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado are your expert Colorado Springs podiatrists, and we work to keep you pain free and active on your feet.  Call our office at 719-488-4664, so we can help you today!

Author

Dr. Matthew Hinderland Board Certified Podiatrist and Foot and Ankle Surgeon