Orthotic inserts can play a wonderful role in helping you manage or prevent certain foot issues, but you want to put a little foresight into the product you choose so that you’re not actually doing more harm than good to your feet. In many instances, adding an orthotic inserts designed to provide a little extra cushion and aid in stress distribution won’t harm your feet, but if you go with a specialized insert that isn’t actually right for your foot shape, it’s certainly possible that the insert could end up causing problems for your feet. With that in mind, we’re going to use today’s blog to explain why it’s oftentimes so helpful to connect with a specialist if you are considering purchasing orthotic inserts.
Let A Doctor Help With Your Shoe Inserts
We don’t think that you’re going to do major harm to your feet if you go to Walgreens and grab a generic orthotic insert because you spend a lot of time on your feet. Most generic inserts aren’t going to do a whole lot for your feet, but on the flip side, they probably aren’t going to end up causing major problems. It’s a pretty harmless move that can help to provide some extra cushion for your feet, which can be nice if you’ll be standing for extended periods.
However, if you have an actual foot or ankle problem that requires proactive management, it’s probably not in your best interest to simply grab a generic insert off the pharmacy rack. Every person’s foot shape is slightly different, so those one-size-fits-all inserts aren’t great for unique challenges, like bunions, high arches or flat feet. In these instances, your best move is to connect with a foot and ankle specialist that can find your perfect fit.
Your doctor will take a closer look at your feet and how they handles stress when you’re standing or moving. From there, they’ll likely recommend shoe inserts alongside some other helpful treatment options, like rest, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, anti-inflammatories, shoe changes, exercise and more. It’s important to remember that at their core, orthotic inserts are a passive treatment technique, so it’s not the only treatment you want to pursue if you really want to get your foot issue under control.
After your consultation, it’s possible that your doctor will recommend a specific type of one-size-fits-most inserts, especially if they have had success in the past treating patients with similar concerns. That said, don’t be surprised if they recommend a custom insert. Although these devices are a little more expensive than a prefabricated insert, they are designed specifically for your foot shape. Nobody has the same foot shape as you, and nobody will have the exact same insert as you if you decide to go with a custom orthotic. Your doctor or a fitting specialist will use different tech devices to capture a bunch of different images and measurements of your feet, and they’ll use these inputs to build an insert tailored to your specific needs. Not only will this ensure that your exact issue is being treated, but you’ll also know that you’re not subjecting yourself to potential issues from an ill-fitting insert (like muscle weakening or failure to target the underlying problem).
In many instances, custom orthotic inserts will pay for themselves by helping you overcome your issue more quickly or without additional provider visits or care requirements, so don’t just assume that the more expensive orthotic isn’t worth the investment. We pride ourselves on helping patients find the right treatment for their unique needs, and if that involves a custom orthotic, we’ll ensure you find the right fit.
For more information about prefabricated or custom orthotic inserts, reach out to Dr. Silverman and his team today by clicking here.