Our feet don’t get nearly enough credit. They carry us everywhere—pavements, hills, standing in queues—and just get on with it. But it’s usually not until something starts aching that we stop and give them a second thought. Truth is, knowing how your feet work and what can go wrong with them can save you a lot of pain and faff later on.
Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. It’s like a tiny architectural wonder holding you up every day. The arch in your foot, in particular, helps spread weight and cushion the blow every time you take a step. But when things go a bit wonky—like flat feet, plantar fasciitis or overpronation—it can really mess with your whole body. Flat feet, for example, mean the arch drops, which can make your feet roll inwards more than they should. Plantar fasciitis is when the band of tissue under your foot gets all inflamed and painful. Overpronation is a fancy way of saying your feet roll too far in when you walk or run. All of these can throw off your posture, muck up your stride and even lead to back or knee trouble.
Science in Your Soles: What Custom Orthotics Actually Do
At AppliedMotion, they’re all about helping you move better and hurt less. One of the ways they do that is through custom orthotics. These are shoe inserts that aren’t just off-the-shelf fixes—they’re made specifically for your feet and how you move.
The process starts with a proper look at how you walk, usually done by a physio or podiatrist. They might use video or pressure sensors to spot anything odd in your gait. Then, they’ll take a mould of your foot to create a perfectly fitted orthotic insert. What you end up with is something that slips into your shoes and gives your feet the exact support they need—without feeling like you’re wearing bricks on your feet.
These inserts help keep your foot and ankle in proper alignment. They can limit excessive movement, absorb shock better, and stop too much pressure piling onto one part of the foot. Depending on what’s going on with your feet, there are different kinds:
-
Rigid orthotics are great if you need serious support, like after surgery or for strong overpronation.
-
Semi-rigid ones are more flexible and suit everyday wear or mild foot issues.
-
Soft orthotics are more cushiony and often used for things like heel pain or plantar fasciitis.
More Than Just Comfy Shoes
Custom orthotics do more than just make your shoes feel nice. At AppliedMotion, they know that keeping your feet happy can make a big difference across your whole body. Here’s how they can help:
Less Pain, More Living
If you’ve ever winced every time you took a step, you know how much foot pain can get in the way of life. With custom orthotics, you can ease pain from things like plantar fasciitis, bunions or general foot fatigue. When your feet are in better alignment, you can move around with less pain—and who doesn’t want that?
Better Performance for Active Folks
If you’re into sports or just pretty active, these inserts can seriously help. They improve how your feet line up, which means better balance, power and movement overall. You might even find your running or jumping gets a boost. Plus, they reduce the risk of injuries from dodgy movement patterns.
Posture Upgrade
Good foot support can work its way all the way up to your back. By keeping your feet in line, orthotics can also help your spine stay where it should be, ease stress on your knees and hips, and help you walk or stand more comfortably.
A Bit of Prevention
You don’t have to be in agony to get orthotics. They’re actually a smart option if you’ve got a history of foot issues or you’re doing lots of walking, running or standing. Think of them as a way to stop problems before they start.
So, Who Are They For?
Custom orthotics aren’t a magic cure-all, but they’re surprisingly versatile. They’re brilliant for athletes, people who are always on the go, or anyone dealing with foot pain. If you’ve got flat feet, plantar fasciitis or even just tired, achey feet at the end of the day, they might be worth a look. And if you’re not in pain but want to keep your feet in good nick? They can help with that too.
Custom vs Off-the-Shelf: What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably seen those gel insoles at the chemist—cheap and cheerful, and they do offer a bit of padding. But they’re made for everyone and no one at the same time. If your foot issues are more than minor, those shop-bought ones might not cut it. Plus, they tend to wear out fairly quickly.
Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are made just for you. After a proper assessment at AppliedMotion, they’ll craft something that fits your feet and supports exactly where you need it. It’s more of an upfront investment, sure—but they last longer, fit better, and can make a big difference to your daily comfort and long-term foot health.
If you’re not sure what you need, having a chat with someone at AppliedMotion can help. They’ll take a look, assess your walk and let you know what’s best—whether that’s a custom option or a solid over-the-counter one.
Wrapping Up: Take Care of Your Feet
Your feet might not always shout for attention, but they definitely deserve a bit of love. Looking after them now can save you a lot of trouble later on. Custom orthotics are one way to help keep everything in working order—whether you’re in pain or just want to feel a bit more comfortable on your feet. If you’re curious, the folks at AppliedMotion are great at figuring out what you need. A simple step today might mean a comfier, pain-free tomorrow.
