custom orthotics

You Might Need Orthotics If…

ByDr. Anant Joshi

(5 Signs It’s Not Just ‘Bad Shoes’)

Many people assume foot pain is just a fact of life or a sign they need softer shoes. In reality, it’s often a sign of a mechanical flaw in the way you walk. And the solution isn’t a softer insole; it’s a corrective device. In this blog, Advanced Foot Care of NJ explains 5 clear signs your feet need the medical support of custom orthotics. Read on so you know what to watch for.

1.) You Have the “Morning Hobble”

Do you dread the first few steps out of bed? If you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel that eases up after you walk around for a bit, you likely have Plantar Fasciitis.

  • While stretching helps, the root cause is often your arch collapsing while you sleep or walk, pulling on the plantar fascia ligament.
  • An orthotic supports the arch, stopping that constant pulling and allowing the inflammation to finally heal.

2.) Your Shoes Wear Out Unevenly

Go to your closet and flip over your most-worn pair of shoes. Look at the soles.

  • Worn on the inside edge? You are likely overpronating (rolling in).
  • Worn on the outside edge? You may be supinating (rolling out).

Your shoes don’t lie. Uneven wear is concrete proof that your body is out of alignment. If you don’t correct it, that imbalance travels up your legs to your knees and hips.

3.) You Have “Mystery” Knee or Back Pain

“My feet feel fine, but my knees are killing me.”

We hear this constantly! Remember:

  • Your feet are the foundation of your entire skeleton. If your arch collapses (flat feet), your lower leg twists inward.
  • This forces your knee to twist, which torques your hip, which strains your lower back.
  • If you are treating back pain but ignoring your feet, you might be fixing the roof while the foundation is crumbling.
  • Orthotics realign the feet to stop this chain reaction.

4.) You Have Flat Feet OR High Arches

Both extremes cause problems.

  • Flat Feet: Your muscles fatigue quickly because they are working overtime to lift your foot off the ground.
  • High Arches: Your foot is rigid and doesn’t absorb shock well, leading to stress fractures and ball-of-foot pain.

Orthotics aren’t just for flat feet; they are designed to accommodate your specific structure, distributing pressure evenly, whether your arch is too low or too high.

5.) You Just Can’t Stand for Long Periods

Do you have to sit down after 30 minutes of grocery shopping? Do you avoid museums, concerts, or long walks because you know you’ll pay for it later?

  • That isn’t just “getting older.” It’s foot fatigue.
  • When your foot mechanics are inefficient, your muscles have to work twice as hard just to keep you upright.
  • A custom orthotic holds your foot in the optimal position, so your muscles can relax and your stamina returns.

Stop Guessing with Drugstore Insoles

If you recognize yourself in this list, a generic gel insert won’t fix the problem. We use advanced 3D scanning technology to map your foot’s unique contours and create a device that corrects your specific mechanics. And that makes all the difference.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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