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Think of the last time you slipped on a pair of shoes that felt truly comfortable. Maybe it was a fresh pair of sneakers or a cushioned set of slippers. There’s something wonderful about putting your feet in a situation that feels supportive to them.
If most of your shoes don’t deliver that feeling, you might be thinking about adding something into your footwear. That’s doubly true if you have foot or ankle pain.
Before you spend money, there’s one thing you should know: Not all shoe inserts are created equal. Sometimes, a generic store-bought pair can provide the basic cushioning you need. But in a lot of cases — especially if you have pain in your foot or ankle — orthotics customized to your feet deliver what you truly need.
William T. DeCarbo, DPM, FACFAS, offers orthotics at Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center. Let’s explore when you might benefit from a visit to our office, and a personalized support system for your feet.
When store-bought orthotics might do the trick
There are some cases when you might be able to skip the trip to the podiatrist. A pair of store-bought inserts might be enough if you have a pair of shoes with hard soles. Simple inserts can add a layer of cushioning to the shoe to make your feet more comfortable.
Keep an eye on how your feet feel after you add the inserts, though. Specifically, make sure your toes still have enough room. Sometimes, the added volume from the insert takes up too much room in the toe box. You don’t want to find yourself with blisters.
When your feet need custom orthotics
Basic inserts can provide cushioning. If your feet need specific forms of support, though, you’re better off getting something custom-created for you.
Here at Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. DeCarbo starts the process of making your orthotics by evaluating your unique feet. Tell him about any discomfort you have in your feet or ankles.
If you feel a stabbing pain in your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, for example, let him know. That likely means you have plantar fasciitis. Dr. DeCarbo can create a custom orthotic to help support the fascia in the bottom of your foot.
You should also know that custom orthotics aren’t just cushions. In some cases, Dr. DeCarbo may use semi-rigid material to help improve alignment in your foot. These functional orthotics can help to improve toe alignment, addressing issues like bunions and hammertoes. By improving alignment, they can also help with ankle pain and shin splints.
To recap, store-bought inserts may be enough if you just want more cushioning in your shoes. If you want to address any foot or ankle pain, though, come see Dr. DeCarbo for orthotics tailored to your foot. Call us or book your appointment online today.