Your feet have 26 bones and more than 100 muscles that must all work together to get you from point A to point B. If even a slight imbalance or injury occurs in your foot, the effects can ripple up through your body to cause pain and other problems.

They're Custom-Made for Your Feet

Every person has a unique foot structure. While over-the-counter shoe inserts may provide some support, they are typically designed to fit a generic foot. Custom orthotics are specifically crafted for your feet, providing the precise amount of arch support each foot needs. They're also a more cost-effective treatment than invasive procedures like steroid injections or surgery. For instance, custom orthotics Ottawa can prevent a kink in the kinetic chain by improving the balance and alignment of your feet. In other words, they can keep your knees, hips, and back healthy.

They're Effective in Treating Specific Problems

Unlike over-the-counter orthotics that can be purchased at stores and kiosks, custom-made orthotics are specifically designed for you to help eliminate specific foot issues such as pronation. Over time, overpronation can cause structural imbalances in the knee, hip, shoulder, and spine, affecting overall well-being. Custom orthotics are designed to redistribute excess pressure away from trouble spots in your feet, such as high arches, hammertoes, or bunions, and improve how your body absorbs impact forces when you walk. This reduces pain and discomfort. If you've tried conservative at-home treatments such as soaking your feet, applying ice, using pain relievers, and still experiencing foot pain, consider making an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the benefits of custom orthotics for your shoes.

They're Comfortable

Custom orthotics help to correct any abnormalities in the structure of your feet and ankles. They reposition your feet and ankles into alignment, which helps relieve foot pain and reduce pressure on other body parts.

Most of the time, when you first begin wearing your orthotics, they might feel a little uncomfortable. But after a while, they'll start to feel normal. Suppose they need to consult your doctor for help finding a better fit. Avoid getting your orthotics wet, as this may cause them to warp.

They're Effective in Preventing a Kink in the Kinetic Chain

The bones, tendons, muscles, and joints that make up your feet have to work together in the right way to walk comfortably. If your foot has a problem, like a flat foot or arthritis, the misalignment in the way your foot moves can cause problems in other parts of the body, such as your knees and hips.

Orthotics correct abnormal walking patterns by repositioning the feet and redirecting their motions. They help alleviate pain in the feet and ankles and can reduce pressure on other body joints.

Unlike over-the-counter or kiosk shoe inserts, custom orthotics aren't a quick fix, and you must continue to wear them to get the benefits. You will also need to maintain them properly. Wipe them down periodically with a damp cloth and keep them away from extreme heat and cold to extend their life.

They're Affordable

When you suffer from foot or ankle pain, it can take a toll on the rest of your body. For instance, you can develop knee, hip, or back pain if your gait is off. Custom shoe inserts can help improve your feet' movement pattern and ease the stride from heel to toe, decreasing pressure or stress on other joints. A podiatrist will scan and analyze your feet to learn more about their size, shape, and arch characteristics. This information helps create orthotics that will fit your feet well, unlike the generic insoles you can buy at the store. Even though they are pricier than over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are worth the investment because they are more effective at treating your foot problems and keeping them from reoccurring.