Can Custom Orthotics Get Rid of Your Heel Pain?

Sometimes, heel pain can be just that – a pain.

You might have felt this annoying discomfort in the morning as you take your first steps (what a nice way to wake up, huh?), or you might be experiencing a stabbing pain in the back of your foot every time you finally get in the “running groove.” The bottom line is that it hurts, and you are tired of this inconvenience getting in the way of you living your best life.

Sound familiar? Then, welcome to the club!

More than 2 million Americans also deal with the same problem. And that is why the team of foot and ankle experts at Wilks Advanced Foot Care is here to help you kick heel pain to the curb.

Heel Pain is More Common than You Might Think

Home to 28 of the 206 bones which make up the human body, our feet and ankles are more intricate than you might think. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves must all work together to not only sustain our body weight and give us balance, but also propel our bodies forward as we walk, run, and jump.

And which part of your foot bears most of these stressors? Yes: the heels.

Whenever we move, our heels are the first part of our feet to come into contact with ground surfaces, and as they continuously absorb this force impact, painful heel conditions can easily begin to develop. Next thing you know, walking the dog or standing in line at the grocery store becomes unbearable.

Though mild discomfort doesn’t necessarily indicate serious health issues, this doesn’t mean that you should dismiss it as normal or “not a big deal.” If left untreated, what was once a minor issue can develop into a full-blown problem. And, you know what they say: “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

Who knows? Maybe all you need is a good pair of custom orthotics to put that pep back in your step! So if your heels keep complaining, don’t hesitate to come visit our Roseburg office right away.

But first, let’s get to the root cause of the problem.

Where is this Pain Coming From?

We’ve already mentioned that constant impact is a huge contributing factor when it comes to heel pain. However, there are also other things to take into consideration. Here are some more common causes:

• Our feet can take up to 4 times our body weight, especially during high impact activities like running or jumping. This means that if your body weight is higher than average, then your feet and ankles are also under higher pressure. This can lead to pain.
• Bearing weight for long periods. Standing for long periods of time can cause heel pain. This is especially true with hard flooring or surfaces.
• High impact activities. Although already mentioned, repetitive high impact activities like jogging and dancing exert high amounts of shock impact to the heels, which can cause discomfort and pain.
• Ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes that provide poor shock absorption and support – especially during high impact activities – is one of the main causes for heel pain. Instead, opt for supportive shoes.

Wearing appropriate footwear can minimize – if not altogether eliminate – heel pain. And this starts by choosing a good pair of custom-made orthotics to go with it.

But What Are Custom Orthotics?

We are glad you asked.

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed to balance the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs. They are made to fit every curve of your feet and provide the support and comfort you need. It is truly a customized experienced made to address your very specific goals. After all, no one person is the same, and the same can be said about our feet.

This is the difference between custom orthotics and the insoles we commonly see at our local pharmacies and shoe stores. Unlike custom-made orthotics, pre-fabricated insoles are made following general guidelines and often provide minimum support and cushioning. (Pre-fabricated insoles are not what you are looking for.)

In fact, The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends the use of custom orthotics coupled with a simple stretch regimen to significantly reduce heel discomfort. That’s it? That’s it – for as common as heel pain is, it is just as simple to get rid of this pain (if you seek appropriate treatment right away).

But before you go on the hunt for the perfect orthotics, here are some things you should keep in mind:

• All orthotics are different. It is important to understand that not all orthotics are the same – they vary in material, design and quality.
• Orthotics that are well-manufactured will usually be firm enough to provide arch support and “cushiony” enough to absorb the shock of impact during activities.
• On the other hand, orthotics that are too “cushiony” – though super comfortable at first – do not provide long-term support and stability for your feet and ankles. The best option regarding orthotics rigidness/cushion is to find a good balance between the two – not too rigid, not too “cushiony” will be your best bet.
• Finding the right size for you is also vital. In order for orthotics to actually be effective, they must closely match your shoe size and arch.

Of course, choosing the best orthotics for your specific condition is something we can help you with. When you come visit our office, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition, determine the root cause of your heel pain and point you in the right direction regarding which type of custom orthotics is best for you.

Get the Perfect Custom Orthotics at Wilks Advanced Foot Care

So are you ready to kick heel pain to the curb and get back to enjoying your favorite activities? Then come visit us at Wilks Advanced Foot Care today!

To schedule an appointment, simply give us a call at (541) 673-0742 or take advantage of our handy request form online to have one of our staff members reach out to you.