Why More People Are Turning to Custom Orthotics

(And Do They Really Work?)

Ever come home at the end of the day and just want to kick off your shoes because your feet are aching? You’re not alone.

More and more people—teachers, nurses, runners, busy parents—are looking for real relief. And for many, custom orthotics are becoming the go-to solution. But the big question is: do they actually work?

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts made specifically for your feet. Not the kind you grab off the drugstore shelf. These are designed based on the exact shape of your foot and how you walk.

They help correct the way your feet move, support your arches, cushion the areas that hurt, and improve your alignment. Basically, they take pressure off the parts of your foot that are working too hard—and give support where you need it most.

Why So Many People Are Trying Them

It’s simple: when your feet are off, the rest of your body feels it too.

Custom orthotics can help with:

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Flat feet or high arches

• Ball-of-foot pain

• Pain in your knees, hips, or even your lower back

We’ve had patients come in thinking their pain was just “part of getting older” or from “bad shoes”—and walk out weeks later wondering why they waited so long to get help.

Do Over-the-Counter Inserts Work the Same Way?

Honestly? Not really.

Drugstore inserts might feel comfy for a little while, but they’re made to fit everyone—which means they’re not really made to fit you. They provide a general cushion, but they don’t correct the root of the problem.

Custom orthotics are different. They’re built just for your foot shape, the way you walk, and the kind of support your body actually needs. They also tend to last way longer—think years, not months.

What’s the Process Like?

At Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH, we make it easy.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. We listen to your concerns and examine your feet.

2. We look at how you walk and stand.

3. We take a mold or 3D scan of your feet.

4. That gets sent to a lab where your custom orthotics are made.

5. When they’re ready, we check the fit and show you how to use them.

That’s it. You slip them into your shoes and start walking with better support—often with less pain within weeks.

Do I Have to Wear Them Forever?

Not always.

Some people wear their orthotics daily for long-term support. Others just use them during certain activities—like walking, running, or standing for long shifts. It really depends on your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.

And don’t worry—we’ll help guide you so it fits into your life without being a hassle.

Do They Actually Work?

For the right person? Yes, absolutely.

Custom orthotics don’t fix everything, but they can make a huge difference—especially if you’ve been dealing with long-term pain or overuse issues. We’ve seen patients finally return to hiking, running, or simply getting through the day without limping by 4 p.m.

If your pain is caused by poor foot mechanics, custom orthotics can be a game changer.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dealing with foot, leg, or back pain that just won’t go away—or if you feel like your feet are always “off”—custom orthotics might be the missing piece.

You don’t have to guess or live with discomfort. Let us help figure out what’s going on and whether orthotics are the right fit for you.

Wondering if custom orthotics could help?
Come see us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH—we’ll check it out and get you on track to feeling better.