Originally Published December 7, 2021 | Updated August 7, 2025
Arch supports and custom orthotics are tools that can alleviate symptoms from sore muscles, flat feet, or a bad back. In both cases, inserts are placed inside shoes to support feet and ease pain.
However, the function and benefits of these devices vary greatly. Understanding the differences between orthotics and arch supports can be crucial for foot health.
What Are Arch Supports?
“Arch supports” is often a colloquial term for generic, mass-produced orthotics available at most drugstores. These insoles are designed to fit inside shoes and provide support for the arch of the foot.
Arch support distributes weight evenly across your feet, minimizing strain on your muscles and tendons. It can also provide relief from conditions such as lower back pain. However, over-the-counter arch supports are not tailored to specific medical conditions and may fail to give you the support you need.
What are Orthotics?
Like arch supports, orthotics are inserts designed to fit inside your shoes. However, custom-made orthotics often require a prescription from your doctor or an appointment with a podiatrist. They are built from a 3D impression of your foot to fit your specific walking patterns.
Good orthotics can provide pain relief, improved biomechanics, and shock absorption. Some designs can also help with more severe conditions such as neuropathy, biomechanical faults, or plantar fasciitis.
“Orthotics” refers to a wide range of inserts, such as soft orthotics made from specialized foam or rigid orthotics made from carbon fiber. Unlike generic arch supports, the custom nature of prescription orthotics means they’ll fit your unique needs.
How to Know When You Need Orthotics:
While many people need some form of basic arch support, your condition may benefit from additional treatment. Here are some signs that you need more than over-the-counter support.
#1: Persistent Pain:
If you are experiencing constant pain in your feet or ankles, contact a podiatrist for help. Our doctors can assess your feet to determine the underlying issue and the best treatment.
#2: Difficulty Walking / Standing
If you have difficulty walking and standing for long periods of time, you may have an underlying condition. A podiatrist can discuss your symptoms and recommend treatments that improve your mobility.
#3: Sports Injuries
If you are an athlete or generally active, you may experience strains, fractures, or stress fractures; orthotics may be necessary to get you back on your feet.
#4: Biomechanical Faults
Biomechanical faults are persistent imbalances in your bodily functions. You could be born with them, or they may develop over time. These faults could take the form of:
- One leg is shorter than the other
- Side-bent, flexed, or rotated vertebrae
- Muscles on one side of a joint or bone are of different lengths than the opposing ones on the other side
These Biomechanical faults may need more than basic arch support to be corrected.
Get Back on Your Feet: We’re Here to Help!
Our Foot Specialists of Birmingham team is ready to support you and your needs. If you believe you may benefit from custom orthotics, contact us today. Doctor Linde will thoroughly examine your feet and help determine what orthotics are right for you.
