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How Effective are Custom Foot Orthotics?

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Foot Pain

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Do you suffer from pain in your feet, legs, hips, or back? You’re not alone. Millions of people experience discomfort in these areas, often caused by issues with their feet. That’s where custom foot orthotics come in. These specially designed inserts can alleviate pain and improve your overall comfort, but how effective are they really? 

Let’s take a closer look.

The Basics of Custom Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are medical shoe inserts designed to correct foot issues and/or foot pain. They can be custom-made or bought over the counter.

The science behind custom foot orthotics works like this: they provide your feet with contoured surfaces so that a wider area of contact is made with the sole of your foot. Without orthotics, your entire body weight can be put on one small area of your sole, which is often what causes foot pain.

In most cases, foot orthotics are very effective at reducing pain both in the short term and in the long term.

Conditions That Can Benefit From Custom Foot Orthotics

There are a number of conditions that can benefit from custom orthotics – beyond just your feet. They can relieve foot pain, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain, and back pain. In fact, it’s not uncommon for our patients to learn that the source of their hip and back pain is neither their hips nor their back at all – but instead, their feet!

➡ Related Content: Does Physical Therapy Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Custom Foot Orthotics Vs. Over-the-Counter Inserts

There are two primary types of orthotics: custom and over-the-counter. Custom orthotics are designed for your specific feet. Over-the-counter are pre-made and designed around an “average” foot.

At PRO Therapy we prefer to provide the option and benefits of custom foot orthotics. We go beyond just customization – you also get an overview of your body and detailed recommended plan from a Doctor of Physical Therapy inclusive of our physical therapy suggestions. Getting custom foot orthotics begins with quick a scan of your foot and a brief consultation. This consultation can be done stand alone or part of any visit you’re already in the clinic for. This helps pinpoint further areas for improvement, as well as supplementary exercises and stretches you can do. When you purchase over the counter, the insert is not customized for you, you grab your product and go without any regard to your specific issues. Ultimately, not getting to the root of your issue.

➡ Related Content: When are Foot Orthotics Necessary?

Customized Orthotics PRO Therapy Uses

PRO Therapy partners with Foot Levelers to provide you your customized inserts. Foot Levelers custom orthotics are a research-proven solution for plantar fasciitis, low back pain, ankle sprains/ankle instability, knee pain, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. These orthotics are custom-built to balance and support your unique feet and body, and to suit the demands of your individual lifestyle and activities.

Download Now: 10 Fast, Easy Solutions to Stop Ankle/Foot Pain and Stiffness

Our FREE guide on foot pain covers some of the main causes, as well as what you can do at home to help alleviate it.  

Download the Free Guide
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ashley M.
I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis for years and I thought there was no going back from the pain I felt all day everyday. Pro therapy has truly been a game-changer. From the very first visit, with Brooke she made me feel heard, supported, and hopeful. She took the time to explain my condition, tailored a treatment plan specifically for me and listen to the feed back from each visit to see what the next best thing was. Pro therapy staff been incredibly encouraging every step of the way.

The care I’ve received has been top-notch — professional, compassionate, and effective. I can already feel a huge difference in my pain levels and mobility. I genuinely look forward to my appointments because of how much relief I’ve gotten in just a handful of visits.

I Highly recommend pro therapy to anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis. They truly care about your recovery and go above and beyond to help you heal.
All in all, I am beyond satisfied with the care I’ve received with pro therapy
Misty L.
Kevin at ProTherapy is excellent! He is able to listen to feedback and discern next steps for meeting clients where they are at on their healing journey. He really cares about his client's wellness. His guidance as been spot on and appreciated! I will recommend ProTherapy to family and friends.
angela martinez D.
I was referred to PRO Therapy by my chiropractor. I was in desperate need of a good PT after very minimal mediocre treatment at another well known clinic. My first visit I knew my experience would be different with PRO Therapy. There was adequate time to share the history following my knee injury and I felt like I was taken seriously. Dr. Spahr formulated a plan that I was comfortable with and we were off. He made it clear that he wanted to see if we could truly heal the knee without another cortisone injection. I love that I felt included in my treatment plan and am always asked if I have questions about what we’re doing. Dr. Spahr is very good at what he does, he’s super knowledgeable for sure! He has a very good and natural ability to meet you where you’re at and moving at a pace that works for your body. My knee issues are resolving at a remarkable pace without another cortisone injection! When I started with PRO Therapy, I thought at the end of it all I would likely need another injection but that’s not the case at all. I would absolutely recommend you give PRO Therapy a try if you’re considering. I’ve referred my husband and can’t wait to see what kind of results he will have. Thanks Dr. Spahr!
Linda S.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Kalvin,I had tendinitis in my knee and hamstring, after 6wks of P.T my pain level went from a 10 down to a 1. He was absolutely amazing, very informative and patient with me. Thank you so much for taking care of me 💖
Knel L.
Went in for help with my knee as it usually gets tight when I run. We went through a few sessions and honed in on what the problem potentially is. Dr. Kelvyn pointed a few things out that I wouldn't have figured out myself. Since the problem is probably form and/or muscle related it won't be an overnight fix. I get a set of exercises to do each visit that address my areas of weakness. It was good working with Dr. Kelvyn and definitely recommend checking out PRO Therapy
Debbie E.
I had 5 sessions of physical ther6with Dr Kelvin. This was my first experience. I felt listened to & he made every effort helpful my symptoms. I enjoyed the dry needeling experience. I have had some pain rein these 5 sessions and look forward to more progress with the exercises he gave me to do this winter while snowbirds. Clean clinic and friendly staff. Much appreciated. Thank you,
Debra Erickson
Naser A.
Susan I.
I strongly recommend Pro Therapy for anyone seeking physical therapy treatment. I have worked with several of the therapists at Pro Therapy and have been very pleased with all of them and the treatments they prescribed. I had PT for my shoulder, pre and post hip replacement surgery, and most recently I have been working with Dr. Spahr for back pain. He has combined exercise with other treatments such as dry needling and types of massage. My pain lessened and became manageable very quickly. With continued treatments almost all my back pain was gone and I was able to return to physical chores such as gardening.
My goal after hip surgery was to be able to walk 8 miles on uneven surfaces. Pro therapy helped me to achieve that. Besides being very successful therapists, they are very friendly, good listeners, and are easy to work with. I am very happy with all the treatments I have received there, will definitely go back to them if need be, and without a doubt recommend them to anyone in need of physical therapy.
Dylan P.
Kevin helped me alleviate muscular compensation patterns I had developed from an old injury. For years I had endured pain as a byproduct from those compensations and had visited numerous physical therapists/chiropractors to no avail. Kevin was the first PT that I felt was actually listening to what I thought was going on with my body and together we built a working theory on identifying the issues and fixing them. He suggested I pair my physical therapy with chiropractic through north suburban healthcare (same building) and two months later I feel like I can see the light again. My physical therapy exercises are not exacerbating my symptoms like they used to from other PTs, and I finally feel like I am rebuilding a solid foundation to eventually enjoy the active lifestyle I have been missing out on for years. In short, if you feel like you are at the end of your rope, give Pro therapy a shot. I’m glad I did.
Barbara J.
It’s been a step-by-step positive experience. Therapy has helped me learn how to take care of my shoulder surgery. And I have regained strength and range of motion. I didn’t have before surgery.
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