Physical therapist evaluating foot alignment for orthotic inserts in Sunnyvale

Foot Pain Slowing You Down? Renew Your Inserts Before the Year Ends

When​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the year is about to end, almost all people evaluate which things they would like to keep for the new year and which ones they would like to leave behind. Foot pain is definitely something that should be left behind. If you are using custom inserts to make your day comfortable and haven’t thought that your inserts are worn out, it is the perfect time to renew them.

Many patients that take Physical Therapy in Sunnyvale don’t realize that orthotic inserts have a lifespan. Over time, they wear down just like shoes do. The materials lose support, the alignment changes, and little by little you begin to feel aches that were once under control. You may notice soreness after long walks, fatigue in your arches, or even discomfort in your knees or lower back. These are early signs that your inserts need attention.

Why Inserts Matter More Than You Think

Every day of the year, your feet are what keep you up. They have to deal with the shock of every little thing, like standing, walking, and moving their body. If they get the help they need, the whole body will benefit. But if they aren’t, the chain response can happen anywhere from your ankles to your back.

The part of the foot that needs the most support doesn’t get the stability it needs from old or worn-out inserts. The heel might move or the arch of the foot might sag, and places that used to be balanced may start to feel a lot of pressure. At first, these changes are very small, so a lot of people think the pain they feel is only temporary.  But when the support is totally gone, the body gets heavier as it works to keep you stable. This kind of work may slowly start to hurt.

Also, if you want to make sure you have the right support, better balance, and a stronger base for everything you do in the new year, replacing your inserts will definitely help. 

Why Year-End Is the Perfect Time to Renew

The end of the year is when many patients finally slow down, take a breath, and think about their health. It is also when people begin preparing for a fresh start. If you have been putting off replacing your inserts, this is the best time to get it done.

There is another practical reason. Many insurance plans refresh their benefits in January, and some cover a portion of orthotics or foot pain–related services. If you have remaining benefits you haven’t used, renewing your inserts before the year resets can be a smart financial choice.

At physical therapy Sunnyvale, we make the process simple. We help assess whether your current inserts are still effective, discuss any new symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and recommend the updated support your feet need for 2025.

How Physical Therapy Supports Better Foot Health

Inserts help with foot pain, but how your body moves is important too. Foot pain can change the way you walk, stand, and balance over time. That is why people often feel better after both new inserts and the help they get during rounds of Proactive Physical Therapy.

Your therapist may look at your gait, how much pressure changes your arches, or the alignment of your hips and knees. This method looks at the whole body, so you don’t have to guess which inserts will work for you. Plus, it stops the pain from coming back.

Custom-fitted supportive inserts and physical training work together to help people. They help you reset your base so you can keep moving and stay comfortable.

Signs It Is Time to Renew Your Inserts

By​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ far, majority of people insert wear do not see coming until the pain is back again, but there are earlier signs you can check. If you experience tired feet at the end of the day, your shoes get worn out unevenly, or your balance is slightly off, it is highly probable that your inserts are no longer providing the support they used to. In some cases, the discomfort may be even going up to the knees, hips, or lower back, and you may not be aware that it initially came from the feet.

Refilling your inserts prior to the end of the year allows you to bravely step into January with a strong and supported ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌foundation.

Start the New Year on the Right Foot

It’s time to do something if you have foot pain that makes you move slower or if your inserts are over a year old.  You should be able to move easily, stay fit, and enjoy the holidays without pain getting in the way.

At our Sunnyvale physical therapy clinic, we help our returning patients re-evaluate their foot movements and re-new their inserts. This way, they can start the new year feeling supported from the ground up.

All year long, your feet keep you healthy. Before the end of the year, give them the attention they need.

Make an appointment to get your orthotics refilled today, and start off 2025 comfortably and confidently.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *