15 Foot Conditions That Can Improve With Custom Orthotics

Foot pain affects up to one-third of the population, and poor alignment plays a big role. That’s where orthotics come in. Think of them like on-call therapists for your feet — correcting posture, redistributing pressure, and helping you walk or run with ease.

Bottom line: Custom orthotics aren’t just for older adults. Whether you're an athlete, avid runner, or have a physically demanding job, orthotics might be the game-changer you need.

Learn more about the benefits of custom orthotics by scheduling an evaluation with Jason Armstrong, DPM, in Shenandoah and Humble, Texas.

Orthotics 101

Orthotics are devices you place into your shoes to improve your gait or ease pain caused by specific ankle and foot conditions.

Dr. Armstrong offers custom inserts or other devices tailored to the unique shape of your foot vs. over-the-counter products that may not fit as effectively. Wearing custom orthotics can reduce foot or ankle pain and help prevent or delay foot and ankle surgery.

15 conditions custom orthotics can treat

Custom orthotics from Dr. Armstrong can address the following conditions and more:

Bunions (hallux valgus): bony, often-painful bump near the base of your big toe joint
Corns and calluses: rough or thickened areas of your feet caused by friction
Flat feet: flat foot arches
High arches: abnormally high foot arches
Tendonitis: inflamed tendon in your foot or ankle
Hammertoe: toe deformity of one or more of your middle toes
Plantar fasciitis: heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia in your feet
Runner’s knee: knee pain near or behind your kneecap
Sprained ankle: stretched or torn ankle ligaments
Morton’s neuroma: foot pain caused by thickened tissues around a nerve
Foot or ankle pain: discomfort in your foot or ankle caused by an injury or disease
Stiff big toe: stiffness in the joint at the base of your big toe, limiting its movement
Limb length deformity: one leg that is longer than the other
Turf toe: sprain of the big toe joint
Diabetes complications: wounds, neuropathy, and other foot problems caused by diabetes

Dr. Armstrong might suggest additional treatments, such as rest, ice, compression, elevation, bracing, physical therapy, or surgery, in addition to wearing custom orthotics.

Signs you might need custom orthotics

The only way to truly know if custom orthotics are right for you is to undergo a foot evaluation, but some common signs include:

Foot, ankle, or back pain
Weakness
Sharp heel pain
Gait abnormalities
Balance problems
Frequent falls
Uneven wear-and-tear on your shoes
Inward rolling of your foot
Recent lower leg, ankle, or foot injury
Other ongoing foot or ankle problems
Foot wounds

Dr. Armstrong customizes orthotics using innovative technology based on your unique needs, foot structure, lifestyle, and goals.

Start with a custom solution

Take advantage of custom orthotics or find out if they’re right for you by scheduling an evaluation with Jason Armstrong, DPM. Contact us today by phone or request an appointment online.