What Issues Can Shoe Inserts Address?

Many people have lived with foot pain for years, thinking it’s just normal discomfort, but it’s not. The proper shoe inserts can solve many foot problems.

At Align Foot & Ankle Center in Camarillo, California, board-certified podiatrist Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS, provides custom orthotics that address your specific foot structure and concerns. 

Here’s a look at what proper foot support and cushion can fix:

1. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Ever feel a stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning? It’s likely plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes.

Shoe inserts with proper arch support and heel cushioning redistribute pressure across your foot, removing strain from the plantar fascia. This support helps the tissue heal while providing immediate pain relief. 

Custom orthotics can be especially effective for stubborn cases that don’t respond to over-the-counter options.

2. Flat feet and fallen arches

When your feet have low or no arches, your entire foot touches the ground when standing. This condition can cause pain and fatigue, especially after long periods on your feet.

Inserts designed for flat feet provide the arch support your feet naturally lack. They help distribute weight more evenly across your foot, reducing strain on your ankles, knees, and hips. 

3. High arches

While some people lack arches, others have excessively high ones. High arches don’t absorb shock well, putting extra pressure on the heel and ball of your foot.

Specialized inserts for high arches fill the gap between your arch and shoe, providing support and cushioning where needed. This helps prevent pain, calluses, and stability issues often accompanying high arches.

4. Bunions and hammertoes

These common foot abnormalities can make wearing standard shoes uncomfortable. Bunions create painful bumps at the base of your big toe, while hammertoes cause abnormal bends in your toe joints.

Inserts with metatarsal pads and proper toe spacing help redistribute pressure away from these sensitive areas. While inserts won’t reverse these conditions, they can reduce pain and prevent them from worsening.

5. Diabetic foot issues

Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in feet, making them vulnerable to injuries that heal slowly. For people with diabetes, foot protection is crucial.

Specialized diabetic inserts provide cushioning that reduces pressure points and friction that could lead to dangerous ulcers. These inserts are typically made from softer materials that protect sensitive feet while still providing necessary support.

6. Arthritic foot pain

Arthritis causes joint inflammation that can make every step painful. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of the condition, your feet often bear the brunt of it.

Shock-absorbing inserts reduce the impact on arthritic joints. They cushion each step and stabilize the foot, minimizing movement in painful joints. This support can make walking more manageable and less painful.

7. Sports injuries and prevention

From runner’s knee to shin splints, many sports injuries start with improper foot mechanics.

Sport-specific inserts can correct biomechanical issues that lead to injuries. They provide targeted support for your specific activity, whether you’re running marathons or playing tennis. The right insert simultaneously helps heal existing injuries and prevents future ones.

Over-the-counter vs. custom orthotics

While drugstore inserts offer affordable relief for mild issues, they’re one-size-fits-all solutions. For complex or severe foot problems, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist provide personalized support.

Dr. Peng creates custom orthotics using detailed measurements and impressions of your feet. These prescription inserts address your unique foot structure and specific condition, offering more effective and longer-lasting relief than off-the-shelf options.

If you've tried over-the-counter inserts without success, or if your foot pain is severe or persistent, it’s time to consult a professional. Chronic foot pain isn't normal and usually indicates an underlying issue that needs attention.

Find your perfect fit in Camarillo, California

At Align Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Peng can diagnose the root cause of your discomfort and recommend the proper insert or orthotic solution. 

Contact our Camarillo office today to schedule an appointment.