If you’ve been told you have custom orthotics but you’re still in pain, you’re not crazy — and you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common complaints we hear at Complete Feet:
“They’re custom… but my feet still hurt.”
The truth is, not all custom orthotics are created equal, and pain after getting orthotics usually means something important was missed. Here’s what that pain is telling you.
First: Is Some Discomfort Normal?
Yes — brief adjustment discomfort can happen in the first 1–2 weeks as your body adapts to better alignment.
But here’s the key distinction:
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✔ Mild soreness that improves = normal
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❌ Sharp pain, worsening pain, or pain weeks later = not normal
If orthotics are still painful after the break-in period, they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do.
The Most Common Reasons Orthotics Still Hurt
1. They Weren’t Truly Custom
Many “custom” orthotics today are based on:
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Foot scans
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Pressure mats
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Computer averages
Those methods miss how your foot actually functions. If the orthotic wasn’t made from a true impression of your foot in the correct position, it’s guesswork — not customization.
2. The Arch Is in the Wrong Place
This is a big one.
If the arch support:
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Hits too far forward
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Pushes too aggressively
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Doesn’t match your foot’s flexibility
…it will cause pain instead of relief.
Orthotics should support your arch — not fight it.
3. They Weren’t Matched to Your Shoes
Orthotics are not one-size-fits-all across footwear.
If they weren’t designed specifically for:
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Your daily shoes
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Your work environment
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Your activity level
They may feel fine in theory — and awful in real life.
4. Your Foot Mechanics Were Never Fully Evaluated
Foot pain rarely exists in isolation.
If no one looked at:
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Heel position
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Ankle motion
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Gait
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Leg length or alignment
Then the orthotic may be treating the symptom, not the cause.
5. The Orthotics Were Never Adjusted
Custom orthotics are not “set it and forget it.”
Fine-tuning is often necessary. If you were told:
“Just keep wearing them, you’ll get used to it”
That’s a red flag.
Pain means something needs to be adjusted — not ignored.
What Proper Custom Orthotics Should Do
When orthotics are done correctly, they should:
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Reduce pain, not create it
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Improve comfort throughout the day
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Decrease strain on the heel, arch, knees, and back
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Feel supportive, not aggressive
Most importantly, they should work with your foot, not against it.
Why This Happens So Often
Many patients come to us after being fit elsewhere and told:
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“That’s normal”
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“Give it more time”
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“Your body just needs to adjust”
In reality, persistent pain means the orthotic isn’t right.
What Makes Complete Feet Different
At Complete Feet in Hoover, AL:
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Orthotics are made from precise foam impressions, not scans
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Foot mechanics are evaluated thoroughly
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Devices are matched to real-world use
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Adjustments are expected — and included
That’s why patients who struggled elsewhere often find relief here.
Still Hurting? That’s Your Answer.
If your orthotics still hurt, don’t push through it. Pain is information — and it’s telling you something needs to change.
Call 205-822-1606 to schedule a proper evaluation at Complete Feet and finally get orthotics that do what they’re supposed to do.
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