Do I really need custom orthotics or will over-the-counter inserts work?

Many people do fine with quality over-the-counter inserts. Custom orthotics are most helpful when symptoms persist, you’ve tried OTC options without relief, you have significant asymmetry/biomechanical drivers, or you need durable support for higher workloads. We’ll tell you honestly which option fits you best.

Can orthotics help plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch pain?

Often, yes. Orthotics can reduce tissue overload and calm irritation while you rebuild strength and tolerance. They’re most effective when paired with a simple plan (mobility, strengthening, load management) instead of acting as the only intervention.

Do orthotics change my gait or posture?

They can change how your foot loads and how forces move up your leg. The goal is not to “fix” you overnight, but to reduce overload and improve mechanics during your normal day. We’ll confirm the orthotic feels stable and appropriate during walking/standing tests.

When should I worry and seek urgent medical care for foot/ankle pain?

Seek urgent care for severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, significant swelling/deformity, fever/redness/warmth, a wound that’s worsening, or rapidly worsening numbness/weakness. If you suspect an emergency, go to urgent care or the ER.

Services · Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics in Logansport, IN

Q: How long does it take to get used to orthotics?

Most people need a short break-in period. We recommend gradually increasing wear time over 1–2 weeks and adjusting based on symptoms. If you’re consistently worse, we’ll troubleshoot fit, volume, and activity load.

Q: Do I need imaging before getting orthotics?

Not usually. Imaging is more likely if there’s significant trauma, suspected fracture, severe swelling, infection concerns, or symptoms that aren’t behaving normally. We’ll screen for red flags and guide you clearly if imaging is needed.

Q: How long do orthotics last?

It depends on materials, activity level, and use. Many custom orthotics last years, but heavy daily mileage or demanding work can shorten lifespan. We’ll advise on expected durability based on your needs.

Better foot support, less overload, and steadier movement — without guessing what you need.

Foot + gait assessment (not “one insert fits all”)

Custom fit for your pain pattern + footwear

Clear break-in plan + follow-up adjustments if needed

Foot pain is rarely “just your foot.” How you load the ground can influence the ankle, knee, hip, and even the low back. Custom orthotics can help reduce overload and improve stability — especially when heel/arch pain, plantar fasciitis, or chronic foot fatigue keeps coming back. If your symptoms overlap with foot & ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, or low back pain, we’ll connect the dots and outline the simplest next steps.

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More comfortable standing, walking, and long work shifts
Less heel/arch strain (with a plan to build tolerance)
Honest direction — custom vs. OTC inserts when appropriate

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Written by:Dr. Tyler M. Graham, DC

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Clinically reviewed by:Balanced Chiropractic Clinical Team

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Last updated:December 31, 2025

Educational only. Not medical advice. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you suspect an emergency, seek urgent care.

When Orthotics Help Most

Orthotics aren’t magic — they’re a support tool to reduce overload and stabilize your gait while we address the true driver.

Common patterns we see

Heel pain / plantar fasciitis (especially first steps in the morning)
Arch fatigue after long shifts or increased walking
Foot/ankle instability or frequent “rolling” of the ankle
Knee pain tied to foot mechanics (stairs, squats, long stands)
Hip or low-back overload when one side collapses more than the other

The goal is better load distribution — so irritated tissues calm down and your body can rebuild capacity safely.

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Our Custom Orthotics Process

We fit orthotics to your foot, your gait, and your symptoms — then support it with guardrails so it actually works.

Foot + Gait Assessment

We assess arch behavior, ankle mobility, balance, and how you load the ground during walking/standing tasks.

Custom Fit + Footwear Match

We match support to your shoe type (work shoes, running shoes, casual) and your pain pattern — not a generic insert.

Break-In Plan + Adjustments

Clear wear schedule and follow-up troubleshooting so comfort improves without creating new irritation.

Common goals we build toward

Calm heel/arch irritation while rebuilding tolerance (see Foot & Ankle Pain)
Improve knee tracking during stairs and squats (see Knee Pain)
Reduce hip/low-back compensation when one foot collapses more (see Hip Pain and Low Back Pain)
Support higher-mileage activity and sport workloads (see Sports & Athletic Performance)

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What to Expect With Orthotics

Comfort is the goal — we build up gradually and adjust based on how your body responds.

Break-in guardrails (simple version)

Start small: 1–2 hours/day for a few days
Build gradually: add time every 1–2 days if you’re improving
Use the “24-hour rule”: if you’re worse the next day, reduce wear time
Expect mild awareness: strong pain is a sign to adjust the plan
Pair with basics: mobility + calf/foot strength helps results stick

If something feels “off,” don’t push through. We’ll troubleshoot fit, volume, and footwear so you feel steadier—not sore.

Custom Orthotics FAQs

Clear answers — including “when to worry.”

What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription-grade inserts designed to support your feet and manage load based on your structure, movement, and symptoms. They can help reduce strain on irritated tissues and improve how forces travel up the chain.

Do I need custom orthotics or will OTC inserts work?

Many people do fine with quality OTC inserts. Custom orthotics are most helpful when symptoms persist, you’ve tried OTC options without relief, or you need durable, precise support for higher workloads. We’ll tell you honestly which option fits best.

Can orthotics help plantar fasciitis or heel pain?

Often, yes. Orthotics can reduce tissue overload and calm irritation while you rebuild strength and tolerance. They work best paired with a simple plan (mobility, strengthening, load management).

How long does it take to get used to orthotics?

Most people need a short break-in period. Start with smaller wear times and build gradually over 1–2 weeks. If you’re consistently worse, we’ll troubleshoot fit, volume, and footwear.

Do orthotics change my gait?

They can change how your foot loads and how forces move up your leg. The goal is to reduce overload and improve stability during normal movement—not to force dramatic change overnight.

Do I need imaging before getting orthotics?

Not usually. Imaging is more likely with significant trauma, suspected fracture, severe swelling, infection concerns, or symptoms that aren’t behaving normally. We’ll screen for red flags and guide you if imaging is needed.

How long do orthotics last?

It depends on materials and use. Many custom orthotics last years, but heavy daily mileage and demanding work can shorten lifespan. We’ll advise based on your workload.

When should I worry and seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, significant swelling/deformity, fever/redness/warmth, a worsening wound, or rapidly worsening numbness/weakness.

Custom Orthotics