How Custom Orthotics Can Help You Move Better and Feel Better

If you’ve been dealing with foot pain, knee pain, or back discomfort, the problem might actually start from the ground up — your feet.
Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide the right support, alignment, and cushioning your body needs. At Pulse Physical Therapy in Hinsdale, we create custom orthotics to help patients move comfortably, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are medical-grade insoles made specifically for your feet. Unlike store-bought inserts, they’re not “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, they’re molded or digitally scanned, pelvic exercises to match your foot’s unique shape, arch, and pressure points.

These orthotics are designed to improve alignment and support—which can have a ripple effect on your entire body, from your ankles and knees up to your hips and spine.

Common Reasons You Might Need Custom Orthotics

Many people benefit from orthotics without realizing it. You might be a good candidate if you experience:

• Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
  
• Flat feet or fallen arches
  
• High arches
  
• Knee, hip, or lower back pain related to poor alignment
  
• Foot fatigue after standing or walking for long periods
  
• Pain during exercise or sports
  
• Uneven shoe wear (one side of your shoe wears down faster)

Even small changes in your foot structure can affect how your entire body moves. Custom orthotics help correct those imbalances before they lead to chronic pain.

How Custom Orthotics Work

Your feet act as the foundation for your whole body. When they’re not aligned properly, it can throw off your posture and how you walk or run.
Custom orthotics work by:

1. Supporting the arches – Preventing your feet from collapsing or rolling inward (overpronation).
   
2. Improving alignment – Helping your knees, hips, and spine stay in proper position.
   
3. Reducing pressure points – Distributing your body weight evenly across your feet.
   
4. Absorbing shock – Decreasing stress on your joints with every step.
5. Sport physical therapy – To improve physical health

The result? Less pain, better balance, and more efficient movement.

What to Expect at Your Orthotic Evaluation

At Pulse Physical Therapy, we start with a comprehensive gait and posture assessment and orthopedic rehab specialists. Your physical therapist will:

• Watch how you stand and walk
  
• Evaluate your foot structure and arch height
  
• Assess your lower body alignment
  
• Identify imbalances or movement patterns causing pain
  

From there, we’ll take a digital foot scan or mold to capture the precise shape of your feet. This data is used to create your custom orthotics, ensuring the best possible fit and function.

Once your orthotics are ready, your therapist will make sure they fit properly and provide guidance on how to break them in and what shoes work best with them.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

• Reduce foot, knee, hip, and back pain
  
• Improve posture and walking mechanics
  
• Prevent injuries during sports or daily activity
  
• Enhance comfort for people who stand all day
  
• Support long-term joint health and mobility
  

Orthotics can make a huge difference whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to walk without pain.

Invest in Your Foundation

Your feet support you every single day — they deserve the right care. If you’re tired of living with foot or leg pain, custom orthotics can help you move more comfortably and confidently.

At Pulse Physical Therapy in Hinsdale, our specialists combine expert movement analysis and precision orthotic design to help you feel better from the ground up.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your custom orthotic evaluation today at Pulse Physical Therapy, your trusted local clinic for foot pain and orthotic solutions in Hinsdale.