Your feet are incredibly important and take on a lot of wear and tear. Foot pain can even affect many other parts of your body, especially your lower back. If you struggle with foot pain, it may be time to consider shoe orthotic inserts. If you would like to know more, check out these three orthotic insert options.

1. Store-Bought Inserts

If you go to your local grocery store or pharmacy, you may see a bunch of shoe inserts. These are great for making your shoes more comfortable, which can help prevent future problems. However, they are not custom-fit, and they are not designed to correct any foot problems. Typically, you must cut them to fit your shoe, but they do come in many options.

Of course, because they aren't custom, they are the cheapest option. On average, you can find over-the-counter inserts for about $10 to $80, but custom inserts can cost between $200 and $800.

2. Rigid Orthotics

Custom orthotics may be more expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you're looking to fix a foot problem, you may want to talk to your podiatrist about rigid orthotics. These are also known as functional orthotics, and they are made from hard plastic. They are typically designed to help provide more arch support.

When your arch isn't properly supported, it can put a strain on the rest of your foot and even your legs. In some cases, the pain can reach the lower back. Rigid orthotics are great for treating plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. They do take some time to get used to, and they work best in closed-toe walking shoes or dress shoes.

3. Soft Orthotics                 

As the name suggests, soft orthotics are made from a soft material. The main goal of soft orthotics is to help ease pain associated with pressure. You may have pain from diabetic ulcers, plantar fasciitis, and many other issues. The soft material of soft orthotics cradles your foot, giving it a soft home, which takes the pressure off those painful spots.

Soft orthotics are much more flexible than rigid orthotics, which makes them a great choice for when you are active. If you're out hiking or even playing sports, these orthotics can move with your feet, even when you have to move quickly.

If you're tired of foot pain, it's time to consider orthotic inserts. They can help many issues and protect your feet from pain and discomfort.

If you would like to know more, contact a podiatrist like Mid Star Lab Inc.