Shoe Inserts
Shoe inserts, also known as orthotics, are devices placed inside your shoes to alter how you walk or distribute your weight. You might need an orthotic for several reasons, but one of the most common reasons is to treat plantar fasciitis. Orthotics can help treat plantar fasciitis because they help to redistribute your weight and take pressure off your inflamed fascia.
Orthotics come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your needs. For example, some people might only need a small insert to raise their arch slightly, while others might need a more significant insert covering the bottom of their feet. There are two main types of orthotics: over-the-counter and custom-made.
Over-the-counter orthotics are prefabricated and can be bought without a prescription from various retailers such as drugstores and online retailers. Custom-made orthotics are made specifically for you based on an imprint or mold of your foot. Consult a doctor or podiatrist if you’re considering using orthotics to treat your plantar fasciitis to assess whether orthotics is right for you and, if so, which type would be best.