Top 3 Myths About Custom Foot Orthotics

If you are considering whether you should get a pair of custom foot orthotics or not, you first need to be able to sort through the myths and the truths to determine whether these are the right options for you. Some of the top myths that we are going to take a closer look at for your feet include:

Myth #1:  Only The Elderly Can Wear Custom Orthotics

When we get an image in our head of who will wear orthotics, especially custom orthotics, we imagine our grandparents walking around in specialized shoes having a pair that will help keep them moving well and reduce some of the pain. While it is true that many of the elderly population have found the benefits of custom orthotics, you can be any age to wear them.

It is very common for foot problems to start showing up later in life for many patients. This is probably a big reason why so many people will associate orthotics, especially custom orthotics, with being later on in years. However, foot problems, no matter how big or small, can be found in patients no matter what their age is at the time.

There is no minimum age when it comes to conditions like painful arches, calluses, bunions, and heel pain. And a pair of custom orthotics will be able to provide you with some of the support and comfort that your feet need so that you are not in pain forever.

Studies have shown that more than 70% of the population is dealing with feet that are not aligned properly, which is enough to make the whole body feel out of alignment and uncomfortable. Custom orthotics are able to help prevent that by naturally forcing the foot back in place and not letting it move around too much.

No matter the age, whether a child, a teenager or an adult, you can benefit from the use of a custom foot orthotic to treat the condition. And since most custom orthotics not only fit in your feet well, but they do a good job of hiding in your shoes, no one but you has to know that you are wearing a pair.

Myth #2: Over the Counter Orthotics and Custom Orthotics are the Same Thing

As you take a look at some of the options that are available to you with orthotics, you will notice there are two types. There are custom orthotics that you can get with the help of your podiatrist that will match the exact shape of your foot, and there are over-the-counter ones that are available online or at a local store.

Many patients will assume that the over-the-counter orthotics are the exact same thing and work as effectively as a custom orthotic, for a much lower price. There are some really good over-the-counter orthotics out there that can provide perfect support for some patients. But these two devices are not the same thing.

Because you have a unique foot, you will find that you will respond better to a custom solution for your feet. Health professionals are the only ones that can prescribe a custom orthotic for your feet. They will have you go through a biomechanical assessment, 3D scan, and gait analysis before they send all that into a lab and create the custom orthotic for you.

Since these are unique and made for your foot, you will find that they provide the best in comfort and support for any condition of the foot. When you choose an over-the-counter orthotic, it may provide some comfort and support, but it is mass-produced so that it fits as many people as possible. This takes out some of the customizations, making it less effective for your feet.

Myth #3: Custom Orthotics are Too Expensive

Many patients will choose to not get a pair of custom orthotics because they think the device is going to be too expensive for them. They will go for a traditional over-the-counter insole because the price taken is under $100 for even the nicest ones, while custom orthotics could cost up to $800 for the patient based on the unique needs of their feet.

While the custom orthotic can look more expensive upfront, it is important to take a closer look at some of these to make sure we understand why they are priced a bit higher than some of the over-the-counter options that you can choose. Some of the reasons why a custom orthotic is going to cost more than an over-the-counter orthotic includes:

1. Higher-quality materials are used in the device.
2. The orthotic can last for 3 to 5 years, compared to 3 to 5 months with the over-the-counter orthotic.
3. The custom orthotic is designed to specifically work with the foot problems that you have, rather than being mass-produced
4. They can fit in with the activity that you want to do and even the type of shoe you choose.
5. The custom orthotic is designed by a medical professional to ensure it gives you the best results and can solve your foot pain and discomfort.

In many cases, you will be able to work with your insurance to get some, if not all, of the cost of the custom orthotic covered to bring some of the costs down. This can make it the perfect option if you are tired of having foot pain and need help improving your mobility. Even without insurance, the cost makes sense for all of the benefits you get from the custom orthotic.

Custom Orthotics Myths Discredited

It is normal to have some questions when you take a look at all of the treatment options available for your feet. You want to make sure that you go with a pair of orthotics that will actually help you, rather than choosing something that may make the pain and discomfort in your feet much worse than they were before.

When you have questions about custom orthotics or any other treatment that is meant to help your feet, then it is time to talk to some of our professionals to see how we can help. We have the right experience to discuss many foot care options to ensure you get something that will actually work for you. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.