If you’re experiencing foot pain, dealing with a sports injury, or noticing changes in your gait as you get older, you’re not alone. Your feet are the foundation of your movement and when they’re not supported properly, you can feel it throughout your body.
At West Side Foot Care, board-certified podiatric surgeon Philip Messenger, DPM, often recommends custom orthotics to help our patients here on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City get lasting relief and improve mobility.
Unlike inserts you can buy on Amazon or at the drugstore, custom orthotics are tailored specifically to suit your foot structure, lifestyle, and specific needs.
In this month’s blog, Dr. Messenger outlines five benefits of custom orthotics and why they might be the right solution for you.
Have you been waking up with heel pain? Or feel an ache in your arches after taking an afternoon walk?
Custom orthotics can help alleviate persistent foot pain by supporting your natural foot alignment, properly distributing pressure across your feet, and reducing inflammation due to poor foot mechanics.
Whether you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes, custom orthotics provide support for your feet exactly where they need it.
If you’re active or play sports, custom orthotics can be a game-changer. Dr. Messenger regularly sees runners, pickleballers, hikers, basketball players, and many other athletic people with painful conditions like Achilles tendinitis, shin splints, and stress fractures.
He provides custom orthotics to:
When your feet are properly supported, the rest of your body moves more efficiently. That means fewer injuries and more time on the field or playing the sport you love.
As you age, your feet lose strength and cushioning, which contributes to balance problems, nagging joint pain, and foot fatigue. As a geriatric care specialist, Dr. Messenger uses custom orthotics to help:
If you have one of the many conditions that affect older adults, such as arthritis or diabetic retinopathy, orthotics can help relieve the persistent discomfort you feel. Making it easier to walk not only improves your quality of life, it helps you stay independent, too.
Your feet are the platform that supports everything your body does physically. Poor foot alignment can throw your hips, knees, and lower back off balance. But with custom orthotics, you experience:
Custom support for your feet can lead to a chain reaction of alignment and comfort throughout your body.
Each foot is different. That’s why Dr. Messenger has a world-class orthotics system right here in our New York City office. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, this system digitally captures precise measurements of your feet.
Once we take your measurements, Dr. Messenger sends the data to a specialized lab where your orthotics are expertly crafted. During your follow-up visit, he ensures they fit properly and provide the support your body needs whether you’re a runner, barista, healthcare worker, or someone managing a chronic condition.
Custom orthotics are effective because they’re made from high-quality materials, are long-lasting with proper care, and are adaptable to a range of shoe styles.
If you’re struggling with nagging foot pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Messenger to see if custom orthotics are right for you.
