Custom orthotics are a great option for many people. They can help correct foot pronation, support weak ankles and arches, improve your range of motion, and much more. But if you’re not sure, then you might not be ready to go the extra mile with custom insoles.
Here are some clues that will help you determine whether buying custom orthotics are right for you. If you feel uncomfortable or restricted in any way while wearing conventional running or casual shoes, this is a clear sign that something isn’t working right with your footwear or gait. This uncomfortable feeling could be caused by one of the following problems.
1. Heel Doesn’t Come Down When You Walk or Run
If your heel doesn’t go all the way down when you walk or run, this is generally a sign that one of your ankle joints is slightly turned outward. As you walk, your heel will come down but your ankle will remain slightly turned outward, which causes your foot to “roll”.
It’s important to get this corrected so your foot doesn’t hit the ground with too much force and cause excessive shock to your joints. It’s also important to correct this so your heel doesn’t hit the ground while you’re running. This excessive shock could cause your foot to rock back and forth in your shoe, which greatly decreases the efficiency of your stride.
2. Twisting Sensation When You Walk
The foot is designed to have a slight arch so you can balance your body while walking. However, if you feel a severe twisting sensation when you walk, this could be caused by a lack of support in one of your foot joints.
To correct this, you can wear a tight sock for a few days to build up the muscles in that area. This will help to support your foot and reduce the twisting sensation you feel while walking.
3. Nagging Pain in One of Your Toes or Feet
If you have a constant nagging pain in one of your toes or feet, this could be caused by one of the following problems: your foot and ankle are too tight, your arches are flat and weak, or you have Morton’s neuroma, a condition in which a nerve becomes trapped in a bump or a cyst on your foot. All can be helped with an orthotic.
4. You’re a Pronator
One of the biggest signs that you’re a pronator is pain. If you feel it in your feet or toes, this means you’re pushing them past their normal range of motion. This can lead to pain, decreased range of motion, and muscle tightness. If you’re not making an effort to correct this, then it will likely get worse over time.
You can help reduce the pronation that causes your pain by wearing well-cushioned shoes or custom orthotics. If you’re finding that your pain is getting worse or that you’re unable to do certain activities because of it, you should get it checked out soon to prevent further injury.
5. Ankles and Feet Feel Weak or Unstable
If your ankles and feet feel weak, this could be a sign of joint issues. This is more likely to happen if you have flat feet and overpronation. If your feet are over pronated, this means that your feet are rolling excessively inward.
This is a sign of a weakness in the ligaments that keep your ankle joint stable. Over time, this can lead to an unstable ankle that feels weaker with each step.
Joint pain is another sign that you might have ankle weakness. But it can also be caused by muscle tightness or instability. If you notice pain in your ankle or foot, you should see a doctor to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
6. Numbness or Tingling in Your Toes or Feet
Numbness and tingling in your toes or feet could indicate a nerve issue. This is more likely if you have low or flat arches. Low arches are common in people with diabetes, but you can also have them if you’re a runner. Low arches are one of the best indicators that you need custom orthotics.
One of the reasons you need custom orthotics is to correct your form and strengthen your feet. If you have weak ankles and toes, they won’t be able to support your body weight. This can lead to injuries and general weakness.
You can try some toe stretches and foot strengthening exercises to help you if you have numbness or tingling. You can also see a podiatrist to get your feet looked at.
7. Difficulties with Muscle Tightness and Pain
Pain or tightness in your feet, ankles, or toes is a sign that your muscles are too tight or unstable. This can happen if you overpronate, pronate excessively, or have joint problems. You can often correct this yourself by making an effort to stretch your muscles, walk differently, or wear different shoes.
Custom orthotics will often contain a custom blend of therapeutic herbs and other ingredients to help relieve muscle tightness, reduce instability, and reduce pain. If you have issues with these issues, then you should get custom orthotics.
8. Constantly Rolling Your Ankle
A rolled ankle is often a result of pronation. If you constantly roll your ankle, this indicates that you have pronation limited ankle motion. This can lead to injuries and increased risk of ankle sprains.
You should see a doctor if you roll your ankle. If you have a rolled ankle, you should wear custom orthotics. They will help to support your ankle and reduce pronation. They can also help to increase stability by helping to maintain normal ankle and foot alignment.
Conclusion
When it comes to footwear, no two people are exactly alike. That’s why it’s important to make sure you get the most out of your footwear. You can do this by checking out the signs above. If you notice one of them, it’s a sign that you need custom orthotics.
You will also notice most of these common noticeable issues are caused by pronation, which is a common medical problem. Before making a self-diagnosis, always talk to a medical professional.
