Foot pain can disrupt your posture, mobility, and even your daily routine. Many people live with foot discomfort for years without realizing that a simple, personalized solution could offer lasting relief. Custom orthotics are medical-grade inserts designed to support your unique foot shape, improve alignment, and reduce strain on your joints and muscles. But what specific foot issues can they actually help with?
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, our foot and ankle team, led by Dr. Curt Martini, specializes in diagnosing and treating common foot problems with custom orthotics, physical therapy, and advanced podiatric care. Serving Crown Point, St. John, and Lowell, Indiana, we help patients walk, move, and live with less pain.
Here are five common foot problems that custom orthotics can help manage, and how they work to support your feet and your overall mobility.
1. Plantar Fasciitis: Support Where You Need It Most
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports your arch (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, usually due to overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues.
How orthotics help:
Custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis redistribute pressure and provide structured arch support, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Unlike generic inserts, which offer minimal cushioning, orthotic devices are tailored to your foot’s exact shape to control motion, minimize irritation, and speed up healing.
Early signs:
- Sharp heel pain in the morning
- Pain after standing for long periods
- Discomfort when walking barefoot
Orthotics work best when combined with rest, stretching, and physical therapy, services we provide right here in our Lowell and St. John locations.
2. Flat Feet and Overpronation: Restoring Natural Alignment
Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This leads to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively with each step, which can throw off your body’s alignment.
Why custom orthotics matter:
For people with flat feet or overpronation, orthotic insoles restore proper arch support and reduce abnormal foot motion. These corrections help stabilize the ankle, align the knees and hips, and even alleviate low back pain caused by poor posture.
Key benefits:
- Redistributes weight more evenly
- Improves balance and stability
- Reduces joint and muscle fatigue
If you're searching for “custom orthotics near me” in Northwest Indiana, our in-house diagnostics and gait analysis ensure your devices match your exact support needs.
3. Bunions: Easing Pressure and Preventing Progression
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, usually due to joint misalignment. Bunions can worsen over time, becoming painful and inflamed, especially when wearing narrow or tight shoes.
Orthotics for bunions:
Custom orthotics help slow the progression of bunions by redistributing foot pressure, reducing friction at the toe joint, and stabilizing the foot. This conservative treatment can delay or even prevent the need for surgery in many cases.
Symptoms that orthotics may help:
- Visible bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Swelling and redness at the joint
Our team also provides non-surgical bunion care and preventive education to help you avoid future complications.
4. Heel Spurs: Cushioning and Pain Reduction
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone, often associated with long-standing plantar fasciitis. Though not always painful, when inflammation occurs around the spur, walking can become very difficult.
How orthotics help heel spurs:
Orthotics for heel spurs are designed to cushion the heel, reduce impact during walking, and correct abnormal biomechanics that contribute to stress in the heel area.
You might benefit from orthotics if:
- You feel a stabbing pain in the heel during movement
- The pain worsens after long periods of standing or activity
- Over-the-counter shoe inserts aren’t helping
Combining orthotics and foot pain management through stretching, proper footwear, and physical therapy can greatly improve daily comfort.
5. General Foot Fatigue and Structural Imbalances
Not all foot pain is tied to a specific diagnosis. Many patients experience chronic foot fatigue or discomfort caused by structural imbalances that throw off how pressure is distributed while walking or running.
Orthotic devices offer long-term comfort:
For people who stand or walk for long periods, work in active jobs, or have minor leg-length discrepancies, orthotics can improve foot function and reduce fatigue by correcting alignment and absorbing shock.
Everyday benefits:
- Enhanced comfort in daily movement
- Reduced risk of future injuries
- Better posture and lower joint stress
With custom-made orthotics, you’re not just treating current symptoms—you’re actively protecting your long-term joint health.
Why Custom Orthotics Work Better Than Store-Bought Inserts
There’s a clear difference between custom and off-the-shelf orthotic inserts. Generic options are made to fit the average foot and offer limited support. Custom orthotics, however, are crafted from a 3D mold or digital scan of your feet, allowing for precision support tailored to your specific structure and gait.
Custom orthotics benefits include:
- Enhanced comfort
- Targeted correction
- Long-term durability
- Personalized fit based on your lifestyle and diagnosis
Whether you're dealing with orthotics for overpronation or bunions, having a device designed for your body ensures better outcomes and longer-lasting relief.
How Orthotics Support More Than Just Your Feet
Foot issues don’t exist in isolation. Misalignment in your feet can lead to a ripple effect of pain up your body, especially in your knees, hips, and lower back. Correcting foot mechanics through orthotics often leads to broader improvements.
Orthotics and foot pain relief often result in:
- Less strain on the knee joints
- Improved hip posture
- Reduced lower back discomfort
This whole-body benefit is one reason so many of our patients report better overall function and daily comfort after starting orthotic use.
What Patients Say About Custom Orthotics
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we regularly hear from patients whose daily lives have improved dramatically after being fitted with custom orthotics. Whether it's walking without pain, standing longer at work, or simply enjoying movement again, these personalized devices make a measurable difference.
- One of our patients, a local teacher, had been dealing with persistent heel pain that made teaching nearly unbearable. After being fitted with custom orthotics designed to reduce plantar pressure, she returned to full days on her feet with ease.
- A recreational runner with long-standing flat feet avoided surgery thanks to orthotics that provided structural support, corrected overpronation, and reduced strain on the knees.
These are just a few examples of how custom orthotics can restore comfort, reduce pain, and improve mobility. When tailored to your specific needs, they become more than just foot supports, they become a foundation for healthier movement and a more active life.
Invest in Better Foot Health With Great Lakes Orthopedics
Custom orthotics are a powerful tool in managing and preventing foot and joint pain. From plantar fasciitis to heel spurs, orthotics offer a personalized solution that improves mobility and quality of life. If you're struggling with foot pain or related joint issues, custom orthotics could be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Great Lakes Orthopedics, our team uses expert diagnostics and individualized care to get you back on your feet, pain-free.
To get started, call us at (219) 365-0220 or visit us online to set an appointment with our podiatry team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are custom orthotics made of?
They're made from durable materials like EVA foam, polypropylene, or carbon fiber and are shaped based on your foot’s measurements.
How long do custom orthotics last?
Most last 2–5 years with proper care, though high-use patients may need replacements sooner.
Do I need a prescription for orthotics?
Yes, custom orthotics require an evaluation and prescription from a qualified provider.
Can orthotics fix my bunion?
They won’t reverse the bunion but can slow its progression and reduce pain.
Are orthotics covered by insurance?
It depends on your provider and diagnosis. Our team can help check your coverage.
