Plantar Fasciitis Insoles: How They Help and Where to Find the Right Fit

Discover why choosing the right insoles is counter-intuitive; the soft pillowy insoles that appear to cushion the best will actually prolong your discomfort.

Quick Summary ---

• Your plantar fascia runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. Think of your foot as the bow, and your plantar fascia as the bow string.
• If your alignment is poor, your arch flattens with each step and stretches your plantar fasciia. This causes plantar fasciitis. It can be excruciating.
• The most effective way to relieve the pain (and prevent recurrence) is to keep your arches from flattening. Strong arch support is the answer.
• Stride insoles have medical grade support and a fit for all arch heights. The solution is simple, comfortable and effective.

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All the details ---

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. You can feel your own plantar fascia by pulling your big toe towards your ankle and feeling the pronounced ridge that runs down the middle of your arch.

Plantar fasciitis (fashy-EYE-tis) is an inflammation of this band of connective tissue. When the band is overstretched, tears occur on the surface of the fibrous tissue. Inflammation and pain follow. Pain usually occurs where the plantar fascia attaches at the center/bottom of your heel bone. 

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common foot condition in the USA. 1 in 10 people will experience this painful ailment at some point in their lifetime. The most common symptom is a stabbing pain on the bottom of your heel. The pain is often worse in the morning or after standing for an extended period.

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury. It is a chronic irritation of the foot due to excessive strain. With this in mind, some people are more prone to developing the condition than others

• Runners and ballet dancers - High stress activities put more stress on the plantar fascia
• People who are overweight - More weight = more stress on your feet.
• Those who stand on hard surfaces all day - We were not designed to stand on concrete all day.
• People with flat feet – When you have flat feet or fallen arches, your plantar fascia overstretches every time you take a step.
• People with High arches – The opposite can occur when you have high, inflexible arches. When you walk, your plantar fascia remains rigid, absorbing too much weight too quickly. 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia, in addition to other muscles and tendons in the foot and lower leg, supports your arch. When excessive forces collapse the arch, plantar fasciitis can occur. 

Basic Foot Bio-Mechanics

Here is how your weight should transfer through your foot as you take a normal step:

1. Your foot strikes the ground at the outside corner of the heel. Wear on your shoe at a 45 degree angle is completely normal.
2. Your weight moves to the center of your heel, making use of the body's natural fatty pad, located beneath the heel bone.
3. As the foot rolls forward, your weight transfers along the outside of your foot until it reaches the ball of your foot.
4. The center of weight then moves inward, across the ball of your foot. This inward rolling motion absorbs some of the shock of the step and is called pronation.
5. When your center of weight has moved to a spot just behind the 2nd toe, you push off onto the other foot.

Unfortunately, most people's bio-mechanics are not perfect. Most steps actually end more like this:

1. As the weight shifts inward across the ball of the foot, it continues past the area behind the second toe. This excessive rolling motion is called over-pronation.
2. When this happens, the arch of the foot stretches, putting stress on the plantar fascia. In addition, the ankle, knee and hip rotate inward, compromising the alignment of your bones and joints.

This video explains pronation and over pronation.

Curing Plantar Fasciitis

A 3-prong approach works best:

• Reduce inflammation  using ice and ibuprofen
• Stretch and strengthen the ankle, foot, and calf muscles
• Use orthotic insoles with plantar fasciitis arch support to addres the cause as well as the symptoms.

How To Choose the Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis

Shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis relieve pain by limiting pronation (the foot rolling inward). To be effective, the best insoles for plantar fasciitis should have the following characteristics.

• Firm, Medical Grade Foot Support - Firm support is necessary to support the arch and limit pronation. Insoles with arches that deflect easily or those made from soft foam will not be effective.
• Precision Fit - Firm support and a precision fit go hand and glove. Orthotic inserts for plantar fasciitis that accurately match the contours of the bottom of your foot can provide firm support without compromising comfort.
• A Deep Heel Cup - The fatty pad beneath your heel bone is natures way of decreasing the impact of each step. A deep heel cup on an orthotic keeps the fatty pad centered beneath the heel where it absorbs shock effectively. In addition, deep heel cups add to the stability of the foot, improving balance as well as performance in sports related activities.
• Durable, Resilient Cushioning - The natural shock absorbing pads in our heel help tremendously, but they are not enough. We were not meant to walk on concrete and other hard surfaces all day. A great plantar fasciitis insole has a layer of foam on top of the arch support to add cushioning for additional comfort.

Tread Labs Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

The key to finding the right insole to alleviating your plantar fasciitis pain starts with determining your arch height. You'll want to make sure you're giving your aches the full support they need. Once you know your arch height, you can choose your plantar fasciitis inserts based on the shoes in which you'll wear them. We make it easy with our Find Your Fit tool. Start by clicking the button below. 

FIND YOUR FIT

 

Heel Spur Vs Plantar Fasciitis: What’s The Difference?

If your day has ever started with a bothersome pain at the bottom of the heel upon taking your first few steps, you probably wanted to know what was causing it. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two terms frequently used when discussing this type of heel pain. In this post, we'll walk you through heel spur vs plantar fasciitis conditions so you can understand the difference between the two. We'll also offer some recommendations for preventing these conditions and relieving your foot pain.

Difference Between Heel Spur And Plantar Fasciitis

For one reason or another, there are some misconceptions about how plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are connected. The main problem is a false belief many people have that heel spurs are a common cause of heel pain. The truth is that while heel spurs might be associated with pain, they are usually not the reason it occurs. Instead, the majority of the time, plantar fasciitis is the responsible party when heel pain strikes.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick, connective band of soft tissue that stretches from the back of your heel to the base of your toes. As a ligament, it connects the bones in these two areas and it’s designed to be a shock absorber for the high amount of stress we place on our feet. The plantar fascia is strong and can withstand a great deal of force, but too much pressure can damage or tear it.

The body responds to this damage by becoming inflamed, and inflammation of the plantar fascia is called plantar fasciitis. As the most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis affects about two million people every year.

Plantar fasciitis is usually described as a stabbing pain under the arch and/or on the bottom of the foot near the heel. This pain tends to be worse in the morning and after long periods of standing, exercise, or rest. There may also be some redness and swelling in the area.

Sometime plantar fasciitis can be confused with Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel and allows you to stand on your toes when walking, running, or jumping. Achilles tendinitis often develops when active individuals train too hard or intensely without enough rest, and it leads to pain at the back of the heel or directly above it.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a type of bone spur, or calcium deposit, that develops toward the back of the calcaneus, or heel bone, where the plantar fascia inserts. These small, jagged bumps of bone usually develop in response to lots of trauma—or damage—to the heel. This means that in most cases, heel spurs actually form as a result of plantar fasciitis. If the plantar fascia continues to be damaged for a long period of time, the body will eventually create a heel spur to provide additional support for the heel.

Heel spurs are associated with a similar stabbing type of sensation in the heel that is usually worse in the morning and comes and goes throughout the day. But the major difference here is that the heel spur itself is rarely the actual cause of this pain. In fact, about 10% of the population has heel spurs whether they know it or not, but only 5% of those with spurs will have heel pain. The true reason for pain in most of these individuals, as you might have guessed, is plantar fasciitis.

Heel Spurs vs. Plantar Fasciitis: Similarities & Differences

Here is one of the easiest ways to remember how these two conditions are different: many people have heel spurs without plantar fasciitis or heel pain, but it’s rare to find someone with plantar fasciitis who does not have a heel spur. According to one study, approximately 50% of patients with plantar fasciitis also have bone spurs. Since about 1 in 10 people would show a heel spur on an X-ray of their foot, they are only considered an incidental—or insignificant—finding unless there is also foot pain.

When a heel spur forms, it is usually not responsible for causing any foot pain on its own. Instead, the pain is due to the foot condition that caused the spur. So, if you have a heel spur and notice pain at the back of the heel, you probably have Achilles tendinitis. If the pain is on the bottom of the heel, plantar fasciitis is most likely the reason. Many people have heel spurs without any symptoms at all, and experts are still trying to figure out exactly how spurs relate to heel pain.

Since both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs result from a similar process, the risk factors associated with them are shared in common. The following factors increase the chances of developing both conditions:

• Having tight calf muscles
• Being extremely overweight or obese
• Wearing shoes that are worn out, don’t fit well, or lack proper support
• Having either flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern
• Spending too much time on your feet
• Being involved in a sport or activity with lots or running or jumping
• Increasing physical activity levels too rapidly 

It’s also important to point out that although the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and a heel spur seem similar, there is one way to help tell them apart. Plantar fasciitis symptoms may be felt in the arch as well as the heel, some patients have it for a while before they notice the stabbing heel pain. In rare cases where heel spurs are responsible, the jabbing pain will be centered in the heel.

Treating Both Conditions with the Same Type of Approach

If you’re experiencing heel pain, your doctor will examine your foot and may recommend an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, it’s important to rule out other causes like Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, a broken heel, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.

With a diagnosis of either plantar fasciitis or a heel spur, nonsurgical treatments are always recommended first and are usually successful. These include:

• Rest, ice, and pain relievers – When heel pain strikes, the first thing you should do is decrease or stop any activities that might be making the pain worse, and try icing the bottom of your foot with a frozen water bottle for about 20 minutes 3-4 times per day. Pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help alleviate your pain temporarily.
• Change your footwear – Make sure all of your footwear fits well, is not worn out, and provides sufficient support for your feet, and try to reduce or eliminate your time in high heels.
• Heel cups - These plastic, gel or silicone pieces are inserted into just about any pair of shoes. Heel cups address foot pain by lifting the heel slightly which reduces tension on the Achilles tendon, in turn alleviating pressure on the plantar fascia. They also provide shock absorption for the heel, which reduces stress on the plantar fascia even more.
• Arch support insoles– By providing extra support for your arches, you can reduce the pressure on the plantar fascia. Wearing insoles regularly will help to both relieve heel pain from plantar fasciitis and prevent it from returning.
• Night splints - Designed to treat plantar fasciitis related heel pain throughout the night, these hold the foot and toes back so that the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are kept slightly stretched. Available in a boot style cast, sleep supports, and sock style supports, these are a simple and effective way to alleviate morning heel pain.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for heel pain. Treatment usually consists of stretching both the calves and plantar fascia thoroughly, as well as manual—or hands-on—techniques performed by the therapist.
• Cortisone injections – If none of these treatments reduce pain levels, your doctor may suggest trying an injection of a steroid hormone called cortisone for additional pain relief.

For patients whose pain doesn’t improve after 6-12 months of trying these nonsurgical treatments, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for these conditions usually include gastrocnemius recession of a calf muscle and plantar fascia release.

Walk Better. Feel Better. Live Better.

When it comes to heel spur vs plantar fasciitis conditions, it's important to remember that the latter often leads to the former. The good news is that more than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve in less than 10 months after following these simple nonsurgical treatments. On the other hand, allowing the pain to persist or trying to push through it will only make matters worse and can lead to bigger foot problems.

With so many different options for treatment, it can be hard to figure out where to start. But, taking charge of your heel pain by finding one that works for you can have you experiencing more mobility and freedom as your heel pain gradually fades away.

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What Are The Best Insoles For Flat Feet? A Guide To Finding Comfort For Flat Feet

Foot arch height is unique to each of us, and ranges from flat as a board to sky high. When people with flat feet think about what type of insoles to buy, things can get really confusing.

Should they look for cushy foam inserts or firm and supportive insoles? Do they need low arch support that mimics their low arches, or higher arch support to create the arch they don't have? Wonder no longer. We're answering these questions and more.

Quick Summary ---

• Whether you were born with flat feet or your arches have fallen over time, your low arches can cause pain in your feet, legs, hips and back.
• Stretching and strengthening can help relieve pain and foot fatigue.
• The best solution for long term comfort is adding insoles that provide firm arch support to all of your footwear. Cushy foam or gel inserts don't provide for pain relief, however firm insoles do.
• If you have flat feet, you need to know whether they are rigid or flexible in order to know which insole arch height is best for you - it could be low or medium.

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All the details ---

The arches of our feet help us move efficiently throughout the day. By allowing the middle part of the foot to flex like a bow, they add shock absorption and flexibility to our gait. Whatever your activity, your arches absorb the physical shock of landing and improve your balance when standing or moving.

Supporting your arches is crucial to preventing foot pain and injuries. For people with flat feet, it can be tricky finding the perfect amount of arch support. Supporting the arch however, is crucial in preventing pain.

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet (pes planus) occur when the entire bottom of your foot (the sole) touches the ground when you’re standing.

Both genetic and environmental factors can lead to flat feet. Most of the time, genetic factors will lead to people have flat feet their entire life. However, environmental factors can lead to flat feet later in life. This is called acquired flat foot, or fallen arches.

Common causes of flat feet include:

• Genetic factors - Flat feet often occur when your arches don't develop properly during childhood. As babies, we all have flat feet. During the course of normal childhood development, our arches form. Sometimes our foot's muscles, bones, and ligaments don't develop adequately, and they don't acquire a stable arch. This is often due to genetics, as flat feet run in families.
• Traumatic injury - Examples include dislocating bones in the feet or tearing a tendon, particularly the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch
• Rheumatoid arthritis - An inflammation of the joints
• Obesity - This puts extra pressure on foot tendons
• Pregnancy – Both weight gain and hormonal changes can cause the arches to flatten
• Diabetes - This affects the nerves in the feet and can lead to weak tendons
• High blood pressure – Decreased blood supply to the tendons in the foot can alter their ability to support the arch
• Aging - During the natural aging process, tendons can stretch and tire more

Not sure if you have flat feet? Complete a quick, simple test to determine your arch height.

What Injuries Are Caused By Flat Feet?

Whether you have flat feet naturally or fallen arches because of an injury or other condition, both can cause many of the same injuries and problems including tired feet, foot pain, ankle swelling, and overpronation.

While many of these flat foot problems and injuries can be addressed easily with the right insoles, avoiding them altogether is the goal.

• Tired feet – when your feet feel fatigued after you've been on them, and especially at the end of the day
• Foot pain – pain can occur over the length of the foot or in isolated areas
• Pain typically occurs inside the ankle, on the outer edge of the foot, in the heel (known as plantar fasciitis) or in the arch itself
• Swelling along the inside of your ankle; this can make footwear uncomfortable
• An altered placement of the foot on the ground
• This causes pain in the calf, knee, thigh, hip, and lower back
• Overpronation, or the excessive rolling inward of the foot

How Can I Relieve Pain From Flat Feet?

Strengthening and stretching exercises for the feet, calves and ankles can help alleviate pain related to your low arch height. For long term pain relief, add arch supporting insoles to your footwear.

Start by taking some time to do the following exercises:

Strengthen And Stretch The Foot

A weak "foot core" (intrinsic muscles of the foot) can lead to instability and injury. While we often focus on the big extrinsic muscles that support the ankle and foot (these generate most of the foot's motion), there are 11 small intrinsic muscles located entirely in the foot. These stabilize your foot during strike and push-off. They absorb load and store energy mid-stance. Most importantly, these muscles support the arch of the foot. Strengthening these muscles will allow them to better support the arch.

Here are two quick foot core exercises:

• Foot Doming - Start with your foot in a neutral position, flat on the floor. Then, shorten the foot by contracting the "foot core" muscles to arch the sole of the foot. Make sure to keep the toes flat on the ground. Start sitting down. As you progress, try standing, then standing on one foot, then hopping.
• Heel raises - Stand in the middle of the room and press all of your toes firmly into the floor. Lift both your heels up so all your weight is on your toes. Hold for two seconds and repeat. Try two sets of 15 repetitions.

Strengthen And Stretch The Calves And Ankle

Tight calves and Achilles tendons pull up on the ankle, forcing the foot to pronate, or roll inwards. This, in turn, causes the arch to collapse. Stretching the calves and heel cords are important to prevent fallen arches.

Here are two simple exercises to try:

• Achilles tendon stretch – Put the front of your foot on a step while your heels are off the step. Relax your calf muscles, and slowly let your heels down over the edge of the step for 10 to 15 seconds. You should feel the stretch along the Achilles tendon.
• Calf muscle stretch – Stand with one foot about a foot in front of the other. Point the toes of the back foot towards the heel of the front and lean towards a wall. Keep your back leg straight and bend your front one, keeping both heels firmly planted on the floor. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Stretching and strengthening the arch and calves will help relieve the pain associated with flat feet. But finding supportive insoles for flat feet will provide the long-term arch support your feet really need.

Do Flat Feet Need Arch Support Insoles?

People with flat feet are often confused about how much arch support is optimum. They wonder if a soft, cushy shoe insert is better than a firm one with a defined arch. Flat feet do need arch support insoles, the best of which offer a low, but supportive arch and heel stabilization.

Finding the best insoles for flat feet starts with identifying the type of flat feet you have - rigid flat feet or flexible flat feet. 

• Rigid flat feet are flat when you stand on them and flat when your feet are unweighted. If you put your foot over the opposite knee and your foot still looks flat, you have rigid flat feet. People with rigid flat feet usually prefer arch supports for flat feet that have a low arch height.
• Flexible flat feet are flat when you stand on them, but show an arch when they are unweighted. If you put your foot over the opposite knee and your arch appears, you have flexible flat feet. People with flexible flat feet usually prefer a arch support for flat feet that have a medium arch height.

It is important to make the distinction between rigid flat feet and flexible flat feet because the best flat foot insole arch height for each arch is different. 

The best insoles for flat feet will have:

• Low, but supportive arch - What you need is a low arch that offers strong support. A firm arch that is too high will be painful. A soft arch that your foot compresses will not provide long term relief. Insoles are not a one-size fits all product.
• Heel stabilization - Deep heel cups help to concentrate the fatty pad underneath your heel bone. This helps prevent overpronation and increases shock absorption.

Remember, if you have flat feet, wearing the the right footwear will make a huge different. Shoes that don't offer support or let you add arch support insoles will leave your flat feet feeling tired and in pain at the end of the day. High heels, flip-flops, and sandals can aggravate pain associated with flat feet.

The best thing you can do for flat feet is to determine the kind you have (rigid or flexible) and add flat feet insoles with the appropriate arch height to your footwear. Supporting your low arches with the best insoles for flat feet will do wonders for relieving pain.

Have insoles helped you find comfort for your flat feet? Share your story below.

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Do I Need Custom Molded Orthotics?

Orthotics are foot supports designed to be worn inside the shoe. Scientific research has demonstrated that both over-the-counter and custom molded orthotics, or orthopedic insoles, are effective in treating lower-extremity injuries and pain. Insoles can also help correct biomechanical irregularities in your feet, and they solve many foot problems such as flat arches and plantar fasciitis.

Sports podiatrist and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Richard Braver considers orthotics a “cure-all” for many lower-body injuries and pain. According to Braver, “orthotics can prevent and cure a problem by reducing and eliminating the stress that caused it.” Clearly, orthotics are important additions to our shoes. But what are custom orthotics?

Over-the-Counter Versus Custom-Molded Orthotics

There are two types of orthotics: over-the-counter and custom-made orthopedic insoles (also called custom molded orthotics). What are the differences between the two?

1. Over-the-counter inserts encompass a variety of different foot products including arch supports, insoles, heel liners, and foot cushions. Not all prefabricated insoles are made alike, however, especially when it comes to the level of support they offer.
2. Custom molded orthotics are insoles that have been prescribed by a doctor, often a podiatrist, sports medicine physician, or orthopedic surgeon after conducting a thorough evaluation of your feet, ankles, and legs. They are built for your specific foot and gait, and accommodate your individual foot structure.

While scientific research has proven that that insoles help treat and prevent leg, foot and lower-extremity injuries,  studies have not found a significant difference between prefabricated versus custom orthotics.

In fact, Dr. Braver believes that for most people, orthopedic or custom-made orthotics should be a last option. Think of it this way. If you have a headache, you rest, take an anti-inflammatory, and drink water. You probably don’t immediately rush off to get an MRI. It’s the same with orthotics. With prices from $300 to $500, prescription insoles are not necessarily the best option for everyone.

So who may be a good candidate for custom orthotics?

People Who May Need Custom Orthopedic Insoles

1. Diabetics - Diabetes and poor circulation increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections. You might want to see a podiatrist if you have diabetes.
2. High-performance athletes - Running an ultra-marathon is different than a completing a 5K. If you engage in sustained, high-level activities (particularly weight-bearing ones like running), you could benefit from an orthopedic insole.
3. People with serious biomechanical issues and recurring injuries that aren’t addressed with over-the-counter versions - Have you tried every single over-the-counter version available and you still suffer from plantar fasciitis, pain or other issues? Prescription orthotics may be a good option. However, you also need to rule out other causes of foot pain such as tight muscles and improper footwear. Seeing both a podiatrist and a physical therapist can help you determine the true cause of lower-extremity pain.

If you don't fall into these three categories, aftermarket insoles might be a better option.

The Types Of Custom Orthotics

1. Functional orthotics - As William R. Olson, DPM, and former President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) writes, “The purpose of the functional orthotic is to accurately and precisely position the foot throughout the gait cycle so as to promote proper function.” These orthotics control abnormal motion. They also treat foot pain and injuries such as tendinitis and shin splints. Functional orthotics are often crafted of semi-rigid materials like plastic and graphite.
2. Accommodative orthotics - Accommodative orthotics are designed to provide cushion and support. They are often custom-fitted for people suffering from diabetic foot ulcers or painful calluses on the bottom of their feet.

What To Expect When Getting Fitted for Custom Molded Insoles

If you’ve decided you might be a good candidate for custom-molded insoles, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Here is what you can expect when getting fitted for your orthotics.

1. A Range of Motion Test - Your podiatrist will measure the motion of all your lower-extremity joints (such as your hips, knees, and ankles) in order to identify any irregularities in joint motion like excessive flexibility or extreme limitation. Your doctor will also establish the weightbearing and non-weightbearing functional positions of these joints. This means he or she will test your joints both when you are standing and walking on them (weightbearing) and when you are lying down (non-weightbearing).
2. A Muscle Examination - Your podiatrist well test the lower-extremity muscle groups like the quadriceps and calves to identify any overly weak or tight areas. This will allow him or her to assess muscular contributions to your injury, symptoms, or biomechanical problems.
3. A Non-Weightbearing Neutral Position Cast of the Foot - Your podiatrist will cast your foot to provide a model for the orthotic laboratory. As Dr. Olsen says, “The specific method of casting is critical and must be done accurately in order to achieve an accurate impression of the foot in its neutral position.” This is why stomp-box moldable orthotics are ineffective in treating biomechanical problems. They take an impression in a weightbearing position, thus incorporating any biomechanical issues into the build of the orthotic.

Questions Your Podiatrist May Ask

Your podiatrist should perform a thorough examination that includes all the elements listed above as well ask you questions about your pain and foot problems.

A good podiatrist will ask you to explain the type, frequency, and duration of all the activities you engage in as well as your overall lifestyle. Are you on your feet all day at work, lifting heavy loads? Your podiatrist should know this. Have a long history of plantar fasciitis or stress fractures? This is important information.

Your podiatrist should also look at the wear pattern of your shoes to understand your gait mechanics. Podiatrists look for the following patterns:

• Symmetry - Is the wear equal and in the same location on both shoes?
• Tipping at the Heel - If you place the shoes on a table and look at them from the back, do the shoes tip in at the heel (pronation) or out (supination)? Does one shoe tip in a different direction than the other? That can be indicative of leg-length discrepancies.
• Toe Wear - Are there holes in the mesh part of the shoe where your toes have popped up? Do the toe creases run straight across the front of the shoe? If not, it could be a sign of poor fit.

A thorough examination is the foundation for effective, reliable custom-made orthopedic insoles.

Well-made, custom-molded orthotics (a pair of orthotics made for a particular individual) are quite expensive ($300 and up), and there is a  small group of people who will benefit from them.

Custom-molded orthotics are designed to control pronation and increase the comfort and performance of footwear. There are many providers for custom-molded orthotics, and some are better than others. You’ll want to consider a few factors when searching for a provider.

Finding The Right Custom Molded Orthotics Provider

1. Hands-On Evaluation – Great custom-molded orthotics cannot be made without a face-to-face visit. There are a variety of providers who will send out a "Stomp Box," a piece of impression foam in a box. You are instructed to step into the box with each foot and send the resulting impressions off to make your orthotics. Unfortunately, without an experienced provider to position your foot as it makes the impression, your dysfunctional biomechanics may be built into the design of your orthotics.
   
2. Type of Provider – A certified Pedorthist (C. Ped) diagnoses foot problems and prescribes orthotics. C. Peds often have the most hands-on experience with orthotics and functional biomechanics. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in feet. They can diagnose foot problems and prescribe orthotics as well as perform surgery to fix problems.  A chiropractor is involved with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Some provide custom orthotics.
3. Years of Experience – Getting custom orthotics right is a challenging mix of art and science. It takes years of experience to learn the subtleties of making custom orthotics that meet both the functional and the comfort needs of the client. Choosing someone with a long history of success will increase the chances that the orthotics will be right – the first time.
4. Hands-On Fabrication – Some practitioners evaluate a client's needs, then transmit the info to a lab that creates the actual orthotics. While this system can work, having the orthotics made at the place of the diagnoses prevents errors in communication and insures that modifications can be easily made if necessary.

If you’ve decided that custom orthotics aren’t right for you, or that it makes sense to try over-the-counter insoles first, you’ll find you have a lot of choices.

How To Choose Over-The-Counter Insoles

The most important thing to consider is that not all over-the-counter inserts are made alike. Their quality and effectiveness varies greatly. And understanding the difference between inserts and insoles is helpful.

Think about arch supports, feet, and walking the way you think about eyeglasses, eyes, and seeing. Most people (especially as they get older) benefit from some kind of corrective lenses to improve vision. In the same way, most people benefit from arch supports to optimize their stride.

Shoe Inserts

Depending on your eyesight, you might need a specific prescription or a simple pair of generic reading glasses found at the drugstore. Generic reading glasses are similar to shoe inserts that don't have much variety in sizing and fit.

The basic cushioned inserts you find at the drugstore may be cheap, but they lack any structure and they won't provide the needed support.

Shoe Insoles

If you require more than drugstore reading glasses, you will need an eye exam, after which you get a prescription for lenses. The prescription is written in a detailed scale because added precision enables better sight.

Like with glasses, having precision sizing with insoles enables a higher level of support and better biomechanics. For many people, an eye exam and simple prescription is enough, much like aftermarket insoles with precision sizing works for most people in relation to arch support.

There are different types of insoles:

• Heat-moldable insoles and stomp-boxes – These “do-it-at-home” models seem to provide a custom fit for your feet. Remember, however, that because these inserts take weightbearing casts of your feet, they build the biomechanical issues you are trying to correct into the very structure of the insert supposed to correct it. Moreover, if the materials are soft enough to heat, they are not going to provide the firm structure your feet need.
• Structured insoles – Brands like Superfeet or the electronically-fitted Dr. Scholls line provide more structured inserts with deep heel cups and arch support. But, unlike Tread Labs, neither brand provides sizing options that accommodate every foot.

When you’re considering  over-the-counter insoles, look for proper fitting medical-grade arch supports that provide comfort as well as support. They should control overpronation and prevent and relieve plantar fasciitis. But most importantly, they should support your active life so you can walk better, feel better, live better.

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Overpronation: What It Is and Which Shoe Insoles Will Help

You've probably heard the term "overpronation" before, especially if you've ever been fitted for running shoes. And even if you already know what overpronation is, you may not know why it happens or that there is an easy way to solve it. Read on to learn why pronation occurs and what you can do to mitigate it.

Over Pronation Explained

Pronation is the inward rolling of the foot as a step is taken. Over pronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward before you push off to move forward. When this inward rolling motion goes too far, the alignment of the foot is compromised and there is a loss of efficiency in every step you take.

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Basic Foot Biomechanics

Here is a non-video version of what happens when you take a step.

1. Heel strike happens on the outside of your heel. (Yes, this is normal.)
2. The weight distribution moves to the center of your heel before progressing forward along the outside of your foot.
3. When the weight reaches the ball of your foot, it moves across the ball towards the inside of your foot. This inward rolling motion is pronation – a valuable shock-absorbing feature of the foot.
4. As the foot rolls inward, the ankle, knee and hip follow suit.
5. For an efficient stride, push-off happens when your weight is just behind the second toe.
6. Unfortunately, most people continue to roll their feet to the inside. This is overpronation.

When your foot overpronates, the arch flattens, the toes pivot toward the outside and the ankle, knee and hip rotate inward. None of these motions are positive for your body.

1. When the arch flattens, it puts stress on the connective tissue between your heel and the ball of your foot, causing fatigue and in some cases plantar fasciitis. In addition, your foot now has a lower instep and tends to slide forward in your shoes.
2. As the toes pivot outward, the bones of the foot are no longer in a stable position and forward motion is much less efficient.
3. The inward roll of the ankle, knee and hip can cause discomfort and alignment problems, especially if you are on your feet all day.

There is an excellent control point to limit pronation for an efficient, comfortable stride. There is a "shelf" on the inside of the heel bone, towards the rear of the arch. This is the calcaneal shelf. Support beneath it is the best way to limit pronation.

1. By providing support under the Calcaneal shelf, pronation can be controlled.
2. Spreading the support forward into the arch makes the support much more comfortable.
3. The most effective support is firm, with a spring-like feeling. An accurate fit is necessary to insure that this firm support is matched to the contours of your foot.

The Negative Effects of Overpronation

1. Arch Collapse - As the arch flattens, your foot slides forward in your shoe. This causes friction resulting in blister and/or calluses. When hiking, your toes can hit the end of your shoes causing blackened toe nails and no small amount of discomfort.
2. Plantar Fasciitis - Constant elongation of the arch puts stress on the connective tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their life and can be excruciatingly painful.
3. Inefficiency - We all want to get the most out of our efforts. If each step you take is inefficient because your not properly aligned, you're wasting your energy. 
4. Pain in the Kinetic Chain - Your kinetic chain is the series of joints that are affected by a particular motion. The rolling in of your foot, twists your ankles, knees, hips and back - all in ways that may cause pain or overuse injuries.

The Best Over Pronation Insoles

Pronation is a powerful force. Firm support from overpronation inserts is necessary for proper alignment. There are 2 options:

1. Custom orthotics - Ideal for people with complicated, clinical issues, custom orthotics are expensive. Do you research to make sure that custom is necessary for you and choose a orthotic supplier carefully.
2. Non-prescription insoles - Many over-the-counter insoles do not provide the firm support to limit pronation. Look for strong molded plastic or carbon fiber arch supports and multiple arch height options.

Overpronation is a common issue with an easy solution. By adding shoe inserts for pronation to your footwear, you'll improve your alignment and the efficiency of every step you take.

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Best Supination Insoles & Inserts - Find Relief Today

Having high arches can be a pain – literally. Foot shape affects pressure on other joints and, if not properly cared for, high arches can lead to knee and hip problems. Another thing affecting people with high arches? Supination.

Are High Arches The Exact Same Thing As Supination?

No.  Supination is also known as underpronation, which occurs when the foot doesn’t properly roll inward upon landing. As part of a normal stride, the foot will roll slightly inward after the heel hits the ground (pronation). This cushions the impact and helps you adapt to uneven surface.

A normal foot pattern rolls inward at around 15% during your stride. When you supinate, your foot rolls in  under 15%. Most of the person’s body weight lands on the outer edges of each foot. Conversely, overpronation is defined as the inward rolling of the foot over 15%.

Supination can put too much pressure on the Iliotibial (IT) band. Some people who supinate will experience knee pain or achilles tendonitis. Underpronation is less common than overpronation, with up to 10% of people in the U.S. supinating. Those with severe supination are prone to inversion ankle sprains, heel spurs and stress fractures.

While supination is not the same thing as high arches, it is a condition often caused by them. Not all people with high arches will supinate, but many are at risk. Athletes with high arches should be particularly careful in order to avoid these injuries.

Can Someone Have Very High Arches And Still Pronate?

Yes. Though people with high arches often underpronate, that is not always the case. People with high arches can pronate and even overpronate.

Who Underpronates and Why?

There are three main characteristics of people who underpronate or supinate.

1. People who underpronate are often heel strikers – their heel hits the ground first. Then, the foot rolls out, and the force of their body weight is unevenly distributed to the outer edge of the foot
2. Underpronation is more common in – but not exclusive to – people with high arches. High arches are often more rigid and less flexible. When your foot hits the ground, your arches don't sufficiently flex to accommodate dynamic movement.The force of the stride then pushes the weight towards the outside of the foot.
3. Tight calves and Achilles tendons magnify the movement of supination. The tightness in the back of the heel and up the leg pulls your foot outwards when it lands. If tight calves and Achilles tendons are the cause of your supination, stretching is an easy solution.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and the associated pain, there is an easy way to get relief. A quality pair of shoe inserts for supination support can help.

I Have High Arches, How Can I Tell If I Supinate?

According to  Runner’s World  there is an easy informal test to see if you supinate. Simply take a well-worn pair of sneakers and place them on a flat surface. Look at the shoes from behind. Do they stand straight? Or do they lean to the outer edges? If they lean dramatically to the edges, there is a high chance that you supinate. See a doctor for confirmation.

Injuries Associated with Supination

Like any biomechanical irregularity, underpronation can cause specific injuries. Common injuries associated with supination include:

• Plantar fasciitis – it may seem that no matter how you walk or run, the inflammation of the plantar fascia (or plantar fasciitis) that runs along the bottom of the foot is a common injury. For people who supinate, the plantar fascia remains rigid, absorbing too much weight too quickly during the stride.
• Ankle sprains – because the impact of your stride is concentrated on the small outside portion of the foot, you are more likely to roll the ankle outward.
• IT band syndrome – as the weight remains on the outside of your foot, it travels up your legs. This can cause inflammation and pain in other areas, particularly on the outer thigh and knee. The iliotibial band, which runs down the outside of your quadricep, can become tightened and inflammed.
• Achilles tendinitis – your achilles tendon will try to stabilize your ankle and foot. The excessive outward rolling can cause it to become inflammed.
• Stress fractures – supination is connected to improper shock absorption. Especially for runners, when your bones experience a repetitive application of force that is not properly and evenly absorbed, you can develop small fractures.

Neutral Shoes and Shock Absorption

Shoe shopping can be difficult for people with high arches. If you underpronate, you need to find shoes that accommodate your gait. Because the body weight is not distributed evenly across the foot, forces of impact remain concentrated on the outside of the shoe. When you push off, your smaller toes do most of the work. This is both inefficient and lessens your ability to properly absorb the impact of your stride. Most specialists recommend finding neutral shoes with extra cushion or shock absorption qualities.

Other characteristics you should look for in a shoe include:

• Shoes with curved lasts to allow for pronation
• Lightweight trainers as they allow more foot motion
• Shoes with flexible medial (inner) sides

Best Shoes For High Arches And Supination

There are many brands and styles that work well for people with high arches. To find your the best shoes for high arches and supination, it's important to try several pairs on in a store before purchasing. Orthotics for supination can also be a great solution. More on that later.

New Balance

New Balance is a great brand of running and walking shoes for people with high arches. Many of their styles provide extra cushioning. Cushion is important because it serves as the shock absorption that high-arched feet typically don’t have on their own. New Balance’s cushion is superior to other brands because of their “ABZORB” technology. ABZORB is a proprietary blend of rubber and foam materials that is very lightweight and can endure many miles of wear.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock is another well-known comfort shoe brand. Their sandals provide arch support with a molded footbed. For many, their signature footbed helps redirect and balance pressure. Make sure to try out the sandals in the store. Birkenstock's firm one-size-fits-all footbed is heaven for some but too uncomfortable for others.

Chaco

Developed by the founder of Tread Labs, Chaco has been making sandals with robust arch supports for decades. Originally designed for river guides, the number of Chaco styles have increased with time. The original Z/series of sandals has very good arch support. Some of the more recent models have less-pronounced support. Very durable, Chaco sandals will last for years. Many are resoleable and a made-in-USA model is available for a premium price.

Saucony

Saucony also makes  great running shoes for those with high arches. Like New Balance, they provide amazing comfort and cushioning. Their PWRGRID+ technology claims to provide 20% more cushion without adding bulk or weight. A selection of their shoes are designed for daily use for neutral or supinated feet.

Insoles To Prevent Supination

If biomechanics (and not tight calf muscles) are the cause of underpronation, you will need to go above and beyond buying a pair of neutral, shock-absorbing shoes. Most shoes do not sufficiently support high arches. Thus they won't correct the underlying cause of your underpronation.

Because having high arches is closely correlated to supination, you need to find  supination insoles that will support the arch during your stride. By supporting your arch, you prevent your foot from rolling out.

An insole with a deep heel cup will stabilize your heel and acts as extra shock absorption. With the proper insoles for supination correction, you can prevent injury and develop a more efficient stride.

Are High Arches Passed Down Genetically?

Sometimes. There are many causes of high arches. People can be born with high arches or develop them later in life. Causes include:

• Natural orthopedic shape/genetic – high arches tend to run in families
• Neuromuscular– such as  Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome
• Neurological – often the cause of a high arch in just one foot

How Will High Arches Change With Age?

As people with very high arches grow older, their arches may fall. Weight gain is another cause of fallen arches. A series of tendons and ligaments that attach leg muscles to the foot create the foot’s arch. When these tendons are injured or otherwise loosened, arches begin to fall. This change in foot shape can be painful. Feet will tire easily and put even more stress on knees and ankles. Prevent arches from falling by making sure to wear high arch support insoles and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

Millions of people in the U.S. have high arches. With proper foot care and footwear like shoe inserts for supination correction, they should enjoy pain participation in most sports and activities. Staying in tune to your own body and being aware of any discomfort or changes is the best and most proactive way to prevent injury.

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Bursitis Foot Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Your foot is equipped with its own cushioning system that helps reduce the impact of walking and running on hard surfaces. Your bursa is a fluid-filled sac that shields the bones and tendons in your foot from damage. If the bursa becomes inflamed from overuse or injury, you may experience pain, swelling, or bruising in your heel, arch, or metatarsal area (ball of foot). This is known as bursitis. Read on to learn more about bursitis foot pain, common causes, symptoms and treatment options. 

Common Symptoms of Bursitis In The Foot

• Heel, arch, or metatarsal pain
• Redness or warmth anywhere on the bottom of your foot
• Swelling of the heel or arch
• Pain that is worse when you flex your toes or bend your foot
• Tenderness that increases upon touch

What Causes Bursitis?

There are many things that can contribute to the development of bursitis foot pain. The most common cause of foot bursitis is the overuse or improper use of your foot’s muscles, bones, and tendons. Other common causes include the use of ill-fitting footwear and other biomechanical issues in your feet. Learn more about each:

Overuse Injuries

Repetitive activities like jumping, dancing, power walking, or running can lead to foot bursitis. This can be especially true if you don’t take the time to stretch and warm-up your body—especially your feet—prior to exercise. Always spend time stretching your body and feet prior to athletic activities to ensure your muscles and tendons are warmed up, with proper blood flow and oxygen.

If you are not accustomed to strenuous activity, take things slowly when you first begin a new exercise regimen. While you may (and should) be enthusiastic about your healthy new routine, your body needs time to adjust to the new demands. Pacing yourself in the beginning is an important step in becoming fit.

Footwear

Ill-fitting footwear is another culprit when it comes to bursitis. If you regularly run, jump, dance, or spend many hours at a time on your feet, be sure your footwear has a wide, square toe box and good heel and arch support. Be sure your shoes have adequate arch and heel support and proper cushioning as well. Consider using supportive insoles to replace the factory insoles in your shoes.

Biomechanical Irregularities In The Foot

Sometimes, bursitis foot pain can be caused by an existing foot irregularity, like Haglund’s deformity—a bone spur that can develop on the heel. The bursa can become inflamed as it tries to cushion the heel and the spur from impact.

Other conditions that may cause or contribute to bursitis include problems with thyroid levels, infections, arthritis, or diabetes. These medical conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms of bursitis in your foot.

How is Bursitis of the Foot Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you may have bursitis, they will examine your foot and ask you about the symptoms, how often you exercise, when the pain began, and your medical history. To rule out an underlying illness, injury, deformity, or bone fracture, your doctor may order an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or blood work. If they suspect an infection, they may remove some fluid from the bursa to test it for gout.

Note that bursitis foot pain is often confused with other foot conditions, including: plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, Achilles tendinopathy, Sever’s Disease, a trapped nerve, Haglunds’ deformity, or a stone bruise. Depending on the condition your doctor finds, they may refer you to a rheumatologist, orthopedist, or podiatrist.

Bursitis Foot Treatment Options

The good news about foot bursitis is that it can be easily managed with proper and prompt attention. Here are a few common bursitis foot treatment options:

• Rest your foot whenever you experience pain.
• Ice the affected area for 20 minutes every hour.
• Elevate your foot when sitting or lying down.
• Avoid activities that involve running or jumping until your foot improves.
• Consider a weight management program if you are overweight. This will help you get fit and reduce the amount of pressure on your feet when you walk or run.
• Undertake new athletic activities slowly— working up to your goal-levels a little at a time.
• Take time to stretch the muscles and tendons in your feet and Achilles prior to undertaking any strenuous physical activity, including running, dancing, jumping, standing for a long time, or speed-walking.
• Wear quality footwear that fits properly and supports your heels and arches.
• Consider foot surgery if all other remedies have been tried and your bursitis pain does not go away.
• Use insoles that support and cushion the heels and arches of your feet.

Tread Labs Insoles Can Help Ease Foot Pain

Podiatrists recommend firm support to improve alignment, control pronation, and deliver long-term comfort. Tread Labs offers medical-grade, semi-custom orthotic insoles in a variety of sizes and arch-heights. Our 2-part system features a medical-grade arch support and interchangeable top cover. The arch supports are guaranteed. Forever. Top covers can be replaced inexpensively.

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