5 Signs you Could Benefit from Custom Orthotics (Foot Levelers)

Custom orthotics, also known as foot levelers, are medical devices inserted into your shoes’ soles. They are designed to correct abnormal or irregular walking patterns to stop symptoms such as pain and swelling. This is because they work in the same way as shock absorbers, removing pressure and stress from the foot so that you can move around comfortably.


Here are five signs that you could benefit from custom orthotics in your shoes.


 

1.    You have swelling or pain in your feet

Our feet are responsible for supporting our body weight when we stand and move around. Even if you sit in an upright position and your feet touch the floor, you’ll be putting a little weight on them. If you experience foot pain during or after simple, everyday activities, or you notice that your feet are starting to swell and look larger and puffier than usual, you could benefit from orthotics and should speak to a chiropractor to see if this is the case. Your chiropractor may also be able to offer advice on the best footwear to prevent this pain, and any exercises which could be beneficial.


 

2.    You have sharp heel pain

Some people experience a sharp pain that penetrates through their heel, even when they aren’t using their foot at all. This can cause severe discomfort and make it hard to move around. If you experience a sharp pain in your heel first thing in the morning, you could have a condition called plantar fasciitis. This very common condition is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue running from your heel bone to your toe, called the plantar fascia. The role of the plantar fascia is to support the arch of your foot and act as a shock absorber to protect it from impact when you are walking, running, or jumping. Some people are more likely to get plantar fasciitis than others including those who:

 

• Are overweight
   

• Spend a lot of time standing
   

• Wear high heels
   

• Have high arches or flat feet
   

• Have a tight Achilles

Custom-made orthotics are usually recommended for anyone who has plantar fasciitis, as they can significantly reduce your symptoms.


 

3.    You’ve got a high foot arch or flat feet

Flat feet are described as having little to no arch when you look at them sideways on. People who have flat feet often experience foot pain, as well as inward rolling of their feet. Alternatively, some people have a visibly high arch, and this too can lead to problems such as ankle instability, pain, and even corns or calluses. Custom orthotics can help to address issues with either a low or high foot arch, reducing your discomfort and creating greater stability which could help to prevent injuries such as a sprained ankle.


 

4.    You’ve been struggling with your balance

Many things can affect our balance, from our posture to the pressure inside our ears. People who have flat feet, either naturally or due to a collapsed arch (which can happen as you get older) are more likely to experience issues with their balance, sometimes even resulting in falls. Custom orthotics for flat feet/dropped arches can readdress your balance and prevent you from suffering an unnecessary injury.


 

5.    Your shoes are wearing unevenly

Many people find that their shoes wear at a fairly even pace. However, if you have one shoe that looks a lot more worn out than the other, it could be a sign that you would benefit from custom orthotics. If the sole of your shoe appears more worn on the inside, it is a sign that your feet are rolling inward. Meanwhile, excessive wear to the outside is a sign that your foot is rolling outwards. If the wear is uneven but consistent across the whole sole, you could have one foot longer than the other. In any of these situations, custom orthotics could provide the correction you need.



If you would like to find out more about custom orthotics, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable, and friendly chiropractic team. Visit Smith Chiropractic in El Paso, Texas, or call (915) 233-3100 today.