Dealing with foot or heel pain is difficult. Finding information about your options for healing and pain relief shouldn’t be!
At Heel That Pain, we live and breathe orthotics. But we know that many of our customers, especially those who are just learning about plantar fasciitis or heel spurs for the first time, have a lot of questions about what orthotics are, how they can help plantar fasciitis, how to choose the right option, and when it’s time to consider orthotics.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about orthotics!
What Are Foot Orthotics?
Put simply, orthotics are non-prescription inserts designed to sit inside your shoe and support your heel and feet. They can provide support, cushioning, and help prevent or relieve symptoms from a variety of disorders like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, shin splints, knee pain, and tendonitis.
Many people choose slip-in orthotics as an alternative to orthotic shoes. Not only are orthotic shoes quite expensive, but they’re often heavy and come in limited style options.
Plantar Fasciitis and Orthotics
One of the most common reasons people consider foot orthotics is plantar fasciitis. This condition, which is caused by stress, lack of support, and damage to the plantar fascia (and the arch of your foot) and can make walking and other activities very painful.
Orthotics can be an important part of the equation in healing, since they provide additional support by stabilizing the heel, supporting the arch of your foot, absorbing shock, reducing the pressure to your heel, cushioning inflamed and stressed ligaments in your foot, and allowing you to heal.
When to Consider Orthotics
All too often, people endure pain far longer than they should–especially in the beginning, if the pain is happening intermittently or “isn’t too bad.” However, taking charge of your health and addressing these symptoms early is critical to keep symptoms from getting worse, and to reduce the amount of time it takes to heal. You should also be aware that when you’re dealing with chronic foot or heel pain, you may start to notice pain in your hips, back, or neck over time, as your body attempts to compensate for the pain you’re feeling in your feet.
It’s also a good time to consider orthotics if you haven’t dealt with pain yet but you love participating in high-impact sports like running, basketball, or football. If you’ve experienced sudden weight gain (especially from pregnancy) and your feet are dealing with extra stress and impact, orthotics are a great choice.
Whether you’ve just recently noticed pain in your heels or feet, or you’ve been dealing with chronic pain from plantar fasciitis, now is the right time to start healing or head off symptoms from developing.
Which Orthotic Inserts Are Right for You?
You have a lot of choices when it comes to orthotics. All orthotics at Heel that Pain include the patented Fascia Bar–a highly effective support system that is so unique, it was the first shoe insert awarded a patent in the space of 10 years. Not to mention that a double-blind clinical study conducted by the University of Iowa found that Fascia-Bar technology is twice as effective as the treatment method offered by a comparable leading brand orthotic!
But which type of orthotic is right for you?
Heel Seats: This is your classic orthotic insert. It uses acupressure to relieve pain while supporting your foot. If you have average arches (not especially high or low), this is the insert for you.
Gel Heel Seats: This insert is similar to the classic Heel Seat, except it’s made out of gel. If you have extra sensitive feet, it’s a great choice.
Full Length Heel Seats With Arch Support: Do you have high arches? These full-length inserts are designed especially for you and support high arches. Full Length Heel Seats with Arch Support are also great if you experience most of your pain in the arch of the foot.
Orthotics for Heel Spurs
Heel spurs often develop in response to a damaged or flattened arch. These small, sharp calcium deposits on the heel bone are the body’s attempt to prop up the damaged fascia. As heel spurs grow, they may protrude into the fatty pad of the heel, causing intense pain and damage.
Heel Spur Orthotics work by cushioning, supporting, lifting, and physically re-stretching the plantar fascia ligament while applying targeted acupressure to stop pain. They also structurally support the heel bone, thicken the fatty pad of the heel, and prevent the arch from collapsing under the impact from walking, running, and jumping. Heel spur inserts have been clinically proven to reduce pain and treat heel spurs, often eliminating the need for costly and painful medical interventions.
Keep in mind that not all Heel Spur Orthotics are created equal. The best insoles for heel spurs are cost effective, durable, and specifically designed to target both the symptoms and the causes of heel spurs. Look for thick (rather than flimsy) inserts for heel spurs that don’t collapse or fold easily. And research carefully to separate marketing lingo from clinically effective features!
How to Wear Orthotics
The first thing you should know about slip-in orthotics is that you should wear them over the original insoles of your shoes (some custom orthotics require you to remove the insoles of your shoes). Then simply slip in the orthotics, so they rest snugly against the back of your shoe.
The second thing you should know about wearing orthotics is that your shoes still matter! Make sure the shoes you’re wearing have a cushioned sole and that your heel isn’t sliding around. Bad shoes + good orthotics isn’t a good combo!
The third thing you should know about wearing foot orthotics is that it might take you a little time to adjust. Break them in gradually, wearing them for a couple of hours the first day, a few more the second day, and so on until you’re wearing them full time after about a week.
How Fast Do Orthotics Work?
The time it takes for your orthotics to begin working will depend on the type you purchase as well as the unique anatomy of your foot. With Heel That Pain products many people have an immediate reduction in heel pain from the moment they begin using them. However, others may feel a gradual decrease in pain, taking as long as a month.
If you have been using Heel Seats for more than a month and do not notice an improvement in heel pain, contact Customer Support – our specialists can help identify potential sizing issues, or if there is another product that might be more effective.
Orthotics: A Step in the Right Direction
At Heel That Pain, our goal is to get you back on your feet–literally. We’re so sure our slip-in orthotics will make a world of difference in your symptoms from plantar fasciitis, we offer a money-back guarantee. (You can read happy reviews from customers like you here!)
There are a few things you should know about orthotics, but at the end of the day the most important thing you should know is that they’re a cost-effective, simple way to help you live a happier, comfortable life!
I bought a pair of heal seats from you about 3 months ago and loved being pain-free with them. I would like to know about how long a pair should last. I am wearing New Balance shoes, the same ones I had when I purchased the heal seats and my feet began hurting again a few days ago. I seem to go about 3-5 months pain-free with new orthotics and/or shoes(of any kind) before the pain sets in again.
I have had heel spurs since 1989, and I think this year (and it’s not even over yet) has been my worst year for plantar fasciitis. UGH! Thank you very much for your time. It is appreciated.
Hi Kathy
We recommend replacing your Heel Seats after 3 months of regular use. If you’d like, you can subscribe to our Renewal program – we send you a new pair of Heel Seats every 3 months automatically, and you save almost 30% on every order!
https://heelthatpain.com/treatments/htp-heel-seats-renewal/
Hope this helps!
My sneakers are too tight if I put your insole on top of it. Will it be ok to remove the insole and than use yours?
Hi Carolyn!
It’s worth a try 🙂 Removing the original insoles and using Heel Seats instead won’t cause any harm to your foot. You may also want to try loosening the laces, or if nothing else works try shoes a half size larger.
My foot care specialist refuses to order shoes half size larger to make room for orthtics so I don’t wear them because my feet and toes rub
Hello! I wanted to let you know that I have really appreciated all the items I ordered. The gel heel seats are marvelous, for shoes that have an insole that I cannot remove. The full length insert is fantastic too! I love the full arch support, plus the fascia bar! And, the night sock splints! Wow! Within minutes of wearing them, my feet (both have had plantar fasciitis) felt the healing effect!
Last night, I ran for the first time in SEVERAL WEEKS, as I was trying to let my PF heal. I did not run much, or for long, but—I did not had a twinge of pain. Then, when I got home, I put on the sock splints while watching TV. I want to keep my feet healthy because I LOVE running. I’ve missed it so much.
I am sold on these products. I am so glad I found them online. Your products are a “too well-kept secret”! But, not for long. I’m telling everyone about these products. And, I’m thinking about getting the full inserts every 3 months. That sounds like a good deal! How do I do that???? Thanks again!
Hi Robin
SO glad your feet are feeling better – congrats on being able to run again 🙂
You can sign up for the full length insert renewal program here: https://heelthatpain.com/treatments/full-length-heel-seats-renewal/ and save $10 every time 😀
Thanks for being such a loyal customer!
I have a question about heel pain: the pain is on the bottom of my heel toward the outside. I don’t have pain on the bottom middle of my heel. Is this still plantar fasciitis?
Hello I just ordered the heel seats. I want to get the Best product for my feet. I have had planter fasciitis for about three years now and despite all of the stretches physical therapy etc. I have still had pain so I am hoping these will help. I am overweight and my foot tends to roll out a little. I think my arches are normal but being overweight am sure my arch flattens out when I stand but I am worried that the full length may be too much support for my foot. But feel if my foot was better aligned the pain might be better? My main pain is center of the heel with bone spur. What do you recommend?
Hello 🙂 Heel Seats sound like the correct product to try – remember, they are 100% guaranteed and work for more than 90% of our customers. If you find that they don’t reduce your pain, give us a call and our heel pain specialists will help you find another solution for your unique situation.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS WRONG I HAVE SEVERE PAIN IN MY RIGHT HEAL WITH 5 MONTHS IM DOING STRETCHING EVERY DAY THE SIDE OF MY FOOT NEAR TO THE REAR HEAL IS VERY SENSITIVE TO PAIN ; HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HIGH OR LOW ARCH OR HOW DO I ID THE PROBLEM : ANY HELP OR ADVICE PLEASE VERY BEST REGARDS MICK .
Hi Mick, sorry to hear you’ve been struggling. Here’s a test we recommend to determine your arch type: https://heelthatpain.com/foot-arch-type-test/
This page may help you identify the cause of your problem: https://heelthatpain.com/heel-pain/heel-pain-causes/
If your pain is persistent, we recommend visiting your doctor for a proper medical diagnosis. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi
I have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. I have tried orthotics made for me and then have had pain in the outside part of my foot. I am at a loss. I can’t walk long or run at all anymore. I tend to probate when I walk. What do u suggest
I’ll be very much grateful if receive a free e-book regarding the planer fasciitis..thanks
I live in Ireland. Do you sell your products here
Hi Joan – you can order Heel Seats on our website from almost anywhere in the world 😊🙌 Simply add them to your cart and enter your address during checkout.
Are these good for flat feet? My son feet are flat, when we go for long walks he complains of his legs and feet hurting.
I do like that you go over some of the different kinds of orthotics that are available. After all, you will want to make sure that you are choosing the right kind to fit your needs. In fact, it might help to talk to your podiatrist in order to find the right kind of orthotics for yourself.
These heel inserts give me immediate relief and feel great. My question is: I want to start running again, am I supposed to leave the inserts in while I run, or take them out?
Please let me know if the orthotics must be wear all the time when somebody walks or only for sport activities. My daughter is playing tennis and she has pains when she is playing. She has shin splints.
I appreciate that you explained how orthotics are good for pregnant women who are dealing with sensitive feet. My wife and I are having a baby this spring, and my wife mentioned that standing up for long periods of time hurts her feet. Maybe getting some orthotics would allow her to walk around without being in pain.