How Custom Orthotics Help Relieve Back Pain

Back pain can significantly impact your life, work, and relationships. This might leave you wondering if custom orthotics help relieve back pain. Your podiatrist can create custom orthotics to fit perfectly, support you, and correct various health issues, including foot issues linked to back pain.

It’s not an understatement to say your feet are the foundation of your body and overall health. You might not have considered it, but your feet support all your bones and joints. When your feet become misaligned, it can lead to problems in your knees, hips, and lower back. In a study on the effectiveness of orthotics, researchers found that custom orthotics can significantly reduce back pain and dysfunction in as little as six weeks. This study’s results suggest orthotics can be an effective pain relief treatment. They can be effective for many patients, not just those with a recent injury.

Whenever you experience foot, knee, or lower back pain, you must visit your podiatrist. Seeking medical help can ensure the pain doesn’t spread and isn’t connected to a more severe health issue. The process is relatively straightforward. They will take various measurements and make a plaster-cast impression. They will then utilize a lab specializing in creating custom orthotics to create your perfect fit.

If you’re unsure what is causing your pain or why it won’t go away, consult your local podiatrist in Illinois and ask them to help you determine if you need orthotics.

Underpronation Insoles

Foot problems like overpronation and supination, (also known as underpronation), can contribute to back pain by placing too much strain on your lower spine. Underpronation insoles correct your posture, so your back muscles have less work to support your body as you walk and stand. Underpronation is when your feet do not sufficiently roll inward when they contact the ground. 

All feet pronate a little when you walk and run; however, excessive or incorrect foot movement can cause misalignment in your legs and hips, leading to back pain. Underpronation insoles include high-quality, moisture-wicking materials that keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. Some also have antimicrobial foam cushioning for absorbing shock and keeping your feet as cool and dry as possible. Wearing supination insoles with high arches can help push feet outward while walking or running. Overpronation insoles allow your feet to roll inward slightly, which reduces stress and strain on the foot and ankle area.

Insoles for Back Pain

Orthotics for back pain can be an excellent solution for people experiencing symptoms associated with back pain. Insoles for back pain can relieve back pain by correcting structural deficiencies and limb length variances contributing to back pain. In addition, they reduce inflammation and pain.

Some types of orthotics can be purchased over the counter or at a store, while others require a prescription. Prescription orthotics are usually the most expensive, are designed to fit your feet precisely, and offer some of the best treatment. The cost of orthotics can be a significant factor in whether they are worth it, but some health plans cover custom orthotics.  Another essential factor to consider when choosing orthotics is their quality. High-quality orthotics are made from sturdy material and will last for years. They also help alleviate back pain by correcting the foot problems that may be causing it.

Insoles for back pain are beneficial for people with a history of lower back pain because they help restore proper positioning to your feet and ankles, help align your hips and knees, and ultimately help stabilize your pelvis and spine.

Back Pain Shoe Inserts

Back pain is a common issue that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. People often seek relief by trying different methods, from surgery to medication. However, shoe inserts and custom orthotics are among the most popular and effective ways to reduce or eliminate back pain.

Back pain shoe inserts are easy to use and provide an excellent first step for people with back pain. They can also help prevent symptoms from occurring in the future.

Need more proof that custom orthotics are worthwhile? You can use back pain shoe inserts for many other types of discomfort, including:

• Ankle pain
• Ball of the foot pain
• Bunions
• Big-toe pain
• Flat feet
• Heel pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• High or low arches
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain

Back pain can be a debilitating problem that impacts your daily life, work, and relationships; luckily, it’s possible to relieve back pain without surgery or medication using custom orthotics. However, wearing your orthotics properly for the prescribed break-in period is also essential. During this time, wear the orthotics for more than a few hours at a time until you are able to get used to them and their functionality.

Be careful to follow your podiatrist’s recommendations on usage. Overusing your orthotics can result in increased foot/arch discomfort and risk injury to your ankle, knee, or back. However, once the break-in period is over, you can use your orthotics in everyday footwear and for any of your desired activities. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics address your specific foot, knee, or lower back problems. Custom orthotics can come at a certain price, and you should consider them an investment in your future overall health. If the price is a concern, don’t forget that many healthcare plans cover all or most of the cost of custom orthotics.

Now that you know how custom orthotics help relieve back pain and more, it’s time to take control of your life, work without pain, and finally enjoy social gatherings again with custom orthotics from the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Illinois. We are the custom orthotics experts trusted by our patients in Algonquin, Elgin, West Dundee, and Crystal Lake. Our doctors will take a three-dimensional scan of your foot to ensure you get the best, most comfortable fit to support you as your walk through life happier and more pain-free.