Are orthotics/arch support inserts supposed to be more painful than the PF itself?

Orthotics are big business especially with podiatrists. They are expensive and I feel like they prey on the pain and suffering of people. Anyway my orthopedic sports medicine doctor specializes in feet. He said if you never needed orthotics before you don’t need them now I did some retail inserts etc early and they all hurt my feet. Doctor told me to stop all that. Wear decent shoes. Use my feet. Stretch and strengthen and eventually it will go away. It’s almost gone after two years

Hurt like hell. Listen to your body. If something like that hurts , it's not going to help.

They hurt my feet. Pt, shots didn't work for me but using a massage gun on calves and feet really helped me. I've been pain free for awhile. Also look at Dr Angela's videos and website.

I could wear orthotics I had too much pain with them. If they hurt stop wearing them.

No they shouldn’t be painful. If they are then don’t use them. Unfortunately orthotics are a big business. No one makes money from telling you to grab something heavy and strengthen your body

I bought New Balance 880 orthotic shoes and got orthotic insoles made by specialist for my high arch. Felt back pain immediately. They hurt my feet as well. After awhile they were the only shoe I could wear. I am now almost unable to wear anything else and loathe putting those shoes on. Now trying to find new shoes. I can see other posts that recommend different shoes so am looking into that. I do stretching and strengthening exercises and have recently started the Kinesiology Taping. That is helping a lot. Best wishes.

I now have orthotics in all my shoes and they have definitely worked for me (alongside strengthening and stretching). There was a small adjustment period but now it’s fine.

Full length custom orthotics have worked for me. Before you get any, make sure the place that does it will adjust them if needed. I went to the Hanger Clinic, who actually made me an entirely new pair when the first ones didn't work. The second pair was much better and they did adjust that pair one time They've helped me for over 2 years now. I go up a shoe size to make room for the orthotics..

I couldn't bear the pain of them and they weren't cheap