Are Custom Orthotics For Feet Worth It?

Experiencing foot or heel pain? Thinking of buying orthotics to help relieve the pain? The first thing you should know about orthotics is that they are insoles that support abnormal foot movements. Made from different materials and qualities, not all orthotics are the same. Understandably, people can spend a lot of time and money using the wrong orthotics.

When you experience foot pain, especially in the arch, you may think you need more cushioning. A softer sole or more cushioning feels great, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem that is causing the foot pain. This is where many people who want to buy orthotics make a mistake. Knowing which orthotic you need and using our bending test can save you from wasting money and enduring more pain.

Orthotic manufacturers make their products to do one of two things.

Provide cushioning and comfort. These orthotics are fragile and made of memory foam. They are more comfortable than the insoles that come with your shoes. What these orthotic manufacturers don't tell you is that memory foam orthotics are a short-term fix.

Support abnormal foot movements. Foot pain is not normal. When you feel pain in your foot, it is due to an abnormality in your foot. These orthotics promote correct foot alignment and movement. Flimsy memory foam cannot do this, so manufacturers use stronger materials to provide support and stability to hold your foot in place.

Are Custom Orthotics For Feet Worth It?

The actual manufacturing cost of custom orthotics (including materials) is normally $100 or less, so why are custom orthotics so expensive? It's because you're paying for the exam, casting of your feet and a hefty mark-up.

Here's what goes into the total cost of prescription foot orthotics:

Examination – Remember, the podiatrist is doing a thorough analysis of your lower extremities, gait, and lifestyle. This can include X-Rays, gait analysis on a treadmill and other tests.

Casting – A podiatrist takes a non-weight bearing cast of your feet.

Mark-up – Feet, after all, are still a business.

It is helpful to ask your podiatrist to break the cost down for you, so you can understand the exact cost of each element of the product. A reputable podiatrist will be able to provide this for you. If the price of your custom foot orthotic insoles is high but your podiatrist isn’t thoroughly examining your feet or even taking a cast, as a customer, you should be wary.

What's The Difference Between Custom Orthotic Insoles vs. Over-The-Counter Orthotics?

As the American Podiatric Medical Association explains, custom molded orthotics are insoles that have been prescribed by a doctor, often a podiatrist, sports medicine physician, or orthopedic surgeon after conducting a thorough evaluation of your feet, ankles, and legs. They are built for your specific foot and gait, and accommodate your individual foot structure.

Over-the-counter inserts encompass a variety of different foot products including arch supports, insoles, heel liners, and foot cushions. Not all prefabricated insoles are made alike, however, especially when it comes to the level of support they offer.

While scientific research has proven that that insoles help treat and prevent leg, foot and lower-extremity injuries, studies have not found a significant difference between prefabricated and custom orthotics. If you've decided that you don't need custom orthotics or want to try over-the-counter insoles before spending the money on custom, you'll find you have a lot of choices.