Smarter Foot Orthotics That Keep You Moving Comfortably All Day
- Shawn Christensen

- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read

You don’t have to live with painful feet, knees, hips, or back!
At Healing Arts Physical Therapy, we often see patients who have been dealing with nagging pain for months—or even years—thinking it’s just something they have to tolerate. The truth is, alignment plays a huge role in musculoskeletal pain, and for many people, the problem starts at the feet.
Your feet are the foundation of your body. When they don’t move or support you properly, the stress travels upward through the ankles, knees, hips, and spine. This can contribute to common conditions such as:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinitis
Knee pain
Hip pain
Low back pain
Overuse injuries from walking, running, or standing at work
Correcting foot alignment can significantly reduce strain on these structures and help relieve pain throughout the body.
Custom foot orthotics are designed specifically for your body and your needs—not a one-size-fits-all insert you grab off a shelf.
At Healing Arts PT, we use Footmaxx custom orthotics, which are fabricated based on:
Your foot structure and biomechanics
How you walk and move
Your symptoms and pain patterns
Your daily activities and hobbies
Unlike generic inserts, custom orthotics address the root cause of the problem rather than just cushioning the pain.
As a practicing clinician for many years, I’ve seen this happen far too often: Patients receive “custom orthotics” from a podiatrist’s office or a foot store that are essentially a hard piece of plastic—rigid, uncomfortable, and difficult to wear.
This results in:
Poor comfort
Low compliance
Orthotics sitting unused in a closet
If you don’t wear them, they can’t help you.
Our Footmaxx custom orthotics are different.
Traditional plastic mold orthotics are typically made from rigid plastics that aim to control the foot by limiting motion, which can feel uncomfortable and restrictive for many people over time. While these orthotics may hold their shape, they often lack shock absorption and can concentrate pressure on certain areas of the foot, leading to poor tolerance and reduced wear time. In contrast, Footmax orthotics are constructed using advanced, multi-density materials and a layered design that better matches how the foot functions during everyday movement. These materials allow for controlled flexibility, improved shock absorption, and more even force distribution, helping to support natural gait rather than block it. Because Footmax orthotics are lighter, more adaptable to different shoes, and more comfortable for all-day use, patients are more likely to wear them consistently, which ultimately leads to better long-term outcomes.
Not everyone needs the same type of orthotic. We carefully select materials based on several factors, including:
Age – Growing athletes, active adults, and older individuals all have different needs
Medical history – Arthritis, diabetes, previous injuries, or surgeries
Primary complaint – Heel pain, arch pain, knee pain, or back pain
Activity level – Walking, running, work demands, or sports
Hobbies – Hiking, golf, pickleball, CrossFit, or long hours on your feet
Some patients benefit from softer, more forgiving materials, while others need firmer support for stability and control. The key is finding the right balance for your body.
Custom orthotics are not a standalone fix—they work best when combined with expert physical therapy, strengthening, mobility work, and movement education.
At Healing Arts Physical Therapy, our goal is to:
Reduce pain
Improve movement
Help you stay active and independent
If foot pain—or pain anywhere up the chain—is holding you back, custom orthotics may be a key piece of the solution.
If you’re tired of dealing with foot, knee, hip, or back pain and want a solution designed specifically for you, we’re here to help.
Call us to schedule a fitting at (530) 329-8490
Further information can be found at Orthotics | website
Your feet support your life—make sure they’re supporting you the right way.







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