Shoe Inserts vs. Orthotics

Wondering whether simple shoe inserts are enough for your feet? 

Custom orthotics are a special device that our Westbury, NY, podiatrist Dr. Dennis Fassman prescribes and makes to cushion and support your feet when standing or in motion. These devices are custom made to fit your feet and are also designed with your specific foot problems in mind. This means that we create custom orthotics to address common foot ailments including:

• Bunions and hammertoes
• Diabetic feet
• Flat feet
• High arches
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis

Of course, you may be wondering: what’s the difference between these shoe inserts made by my Westbury, NY, podiatrist, and those simple shoe inserts you can get at your local drugstore? While it’s true that regular commercial shoe inserts are more inexpensive than custom ones, there is a reason why you may not find the relief you’re looking for with these devices. Here’s why:

They aren’t tailored to your feet

Custom orthotics are designed, molded, and fabricated by our podiatrists who know the exact shape that will not just perfectly fit your feet but also fix the issues you’re dealing with. Commercial shoe inserts cannot do that. That’s because they provide a one-size-fits-most approach, which may or may not fit you properly. If these inserts are too small or too large, they may do more harm than good.

They don’t last as long 

Another reason you should turn to a qualified podiatrist for custom orthotics is that they use quality, durable materials that a simple over-the-counter shoe insert just won’t offer. We want your new device to last as long as possible, which means using the highest quality materials. This means that you’ll have your custom orthotics for many years. Those over the counter alternatives just won’t last.

They could cause further issues

If you have a specific condition such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetes, you must have a podiatrist that you can turn to for regular care and design orthotics that will address these potentially serious issues. Chronic foot problems in particular will require specialized care that commercial shoe inserts just can’t offer.

Dealing with heel pain or other foot discomforts that you think could be alleviated by simply getting custom orthotics? If so, talk with our Westbury, NY, podiatrist, Dr. Dennis Fassman, to find out if you could benefit from these custom inserts. Call us today at (516) 333-5566 to learn more.