What’s in Your Shoe?

At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, we know that no one likes their feet to hurt. Foot pain should always be evaluated by one of our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral or Dr. Nrupa Shah, to determine the source of the pain and also what, if any, treatment is needed. Some common causes of minor foot pain or soreness can be helped by shoe inserts. Below are some different types of shoe inserts that can be purchased over the counter:

• Arch supports—patients with low arches can experience soreness in the arch of the foot and heel pain. Arch supports added to your shoes can help reduce foot pain from weak arches.
• Heel liners/pads/cups—as you age, the fat pad on your heel can begin to thin out, resulting in heel pain. These products add extra cushioning and comfort for your heels.
• Insoles—these line the bottom of your shoe to boost overall cushioning and support. A variety of materials are used to make insoles, including gel, plastic, and foam.
• Foot cushions/pads—if you have a spot that is chronically sore, such as a corn on the top of your toe due to a hammertoe, foot pads can create a barrier between your foot and your shoe.

Custom Orthotics

Store-bought shoe inserts are generic and can only assist with minor foot issues. Custom orthotics also go inside your shoes, but they are specially made for your unique foot. The podiatrist will get a three-dimensional image of your foot and take measurements as well to create orthotics that will precisely match the contours of your feet. Functional Orthotics can be used for the correction of much more complex foot problems, such as biomechanical dysfunction, controlling abnormal motion of the foot or helping to properly realign your toes.

Patients with diabetes or another chronic foot disorder should not use over the counter products unless specifically directed by the foot doctor. Wounds, calluses, and corns can benefit from Accommodative Orthotics.

To learn if orthotics can help you get relief from a painful, ongoing foot problem, contact our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office.