Signs You May Need Custom Orthotics

Many people think orthotics are just “shoe inserts.” But true custom orthotics are medical devices designed to correct biomechanical imbalances, reduce pain, and improve how your feet function with every step.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we often see patients who’ve been living with discomfort for years — not realizing their pain is connected to how their feet distribute pressure and absorb impact.

So how do you know if custom orthotics might help you?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices created specifically for your feet after a detailed biomechanical evaluation. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, they are designed to:

• Correct abnormal foot mechanics

• Improve alignment

• Reduce strain on tendons and ligaments

• Redistribute pressure more evenly

• Prevent worsening deformities

They’re not just cushioning — they’re corrective.

1. You Have Persistent Heel Pain

Chronic heel pain — especially from plantar fasciitis — is one of the most common reasons patients benefit from orthotics.

If you experience:

• Sharp pain with your first steps in the morning

• Heel pain after long periods of standing

• Recurring arch discomfort

…your foot mechanics may be placing excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Orthotics help support the arch and reduce repetitive stress.

2. Your Feet Ache After Standing All Day

If your job requires prolonged standing or walking, foot fatigue isn’t just “part of the job.”

Persistent aching may signal:

• Poor arch support

• Overpronation (foot rolling inward)

• Flat feet or collapsing arches

Custom orthotics can reduce fatigue by stabilizing your foot and improving weight distribution.

3. You’ve Had Multiple Ankle Sprains

Repeated ankle sprains often indicate instability or improper foot alignment.

When the foot collapses inward or doesn’t stabilize properly, it increases the risk of rolling the ankle. Orthotics can help improve balance and reduce instability.

4. You Have Knee, Hip, or Lower Back Pain

Foot mechanics affect your entire kinetic chain. If your feet are misaligned, it can lead to stress in your:

• Knees

• Hips

• Lower back

Many patients are surprised to learn that correcting foot alignment improves discomfort higher up the body.

5. You Have Flat Feet or High Arches

Both flat feet and high arches can create problems:

• Flat feet may lead to overpronation and arch collapse

• High arches often reduce shock absorption

Orthotics are designed differently depending on your foot type — providing structure for flat feet and shock absorption for high arches.

6. You’re an Athlete With Recurrent Injuries

Runners, walkers, and athletes place repetitive stress on their feet. If you struggle with:

• Shin splints

• Stress fractures

• Achilles tendon pain

• Chronic foot soreness

Biomechanical correction may reduce repetitive strain and improve performance.

7. You Notice Uneven Shoe Wear

Look at the bottom of your shoes.

Do you see:

• Excessive wear on one side?

• Heel breakdown on the inside edge?

Uneven wear often reflects abnormal gait mechanics — something custom orthotics are designed to correct.

8. Over-the-Counter Inserts Haven’t Helped

Store-bought inserts may provide cushioning, but they are not tailored to your foot structure.

If you’ve tried multiple inserts with little relief, the issue likely requires a personalized approach.

How We Determine If You Need Orthotics

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we perform:

• A detailed foot and ankle exam

• Gait analysis

• Biomechanical evaluation

• Pressure distribution assessment

Orthotics are prescribed only when they will truly improve your function and reduce pain.

Are Orthotics Just for Pain?

No. Orthotics are also used to:

• Prevent progression of deformities

• Improve athletic performance

• Reduce risk of future injury

• Protect diabetic patients from pressure-related wounds

They can be both corrective and preventive.

The Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing recurring foot pain, fatigue, instability, or discomfort that hasn’t improved with basic inserts, it may be time to consider custom orthotics.

Your feet are your foundation. When that foundation is unstable, everything above it feels the strain.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we focus on identifying the root cause of your pain — not just masking symptoms. Custom orthotics are one of the many tools we use to help patients move comfortably and confidently again. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.