Step Into Greater Comfort with Custom Orthotics

When you spend all day on your feet, you might expect that your feet will be sore when you finally settle in for the evening. And sometimes, this is the case. But sometimes, you may notice pain in your knees and back. It might surprise you to learn that your feet may be contributing to that discomfort, too.

Your feet are the foundation of movement, and when something’s off with your foot structure or walking pattern, it can affect how forces are distributed throughout your lower body. One tool the Ellis Physical Therapy team uses to address these concerns is custom orthotics, which can help reduce muscle and joint stress throughout your body.

When combined with physical therapy, custom orthotics can help relieve pain, improve function, and support the activities that matter most to you.

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A Closer Look at Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts made specifically for your feet to help improve alignment, distribute pressure more evenly, and support healthy movement with every step. They aren’t to be confused with the over-the-counter orthotics you might buy at a drug store. Our team creates these orthotics using detailed measurements and an evaluation of your foot structure, walking pattern, and movement, ensuring they address your specific needs.

When Might We Recommend Custom Orthotics?

Heel pain, including plantar fasciitis

Flat feet or very high arches

Foot pain during walking or exercise

Recurrent ankle sprains

Knee, hip, or lower back pain related to foot mechanics

Arthritis affecting the feet or lower limbs

Diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of foot problems

An Important Part of a Complete Care Plan

We rarely recommend custom orthotics on their own. They work best when combined with a custom rehabilitation program that addresses the underlying cause of your discomfort, helping you to find long-term relief.

Some of the strategies we use with custom orthotics include:

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy, which uses hands-on techniques to improve joint and soft tissue mobility.

Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercises to improve strength and mobility throughout the lower body.

Balance & Stability

Balance and stability training to improve control during walking and daily activities.

Gait Training

Gait training to improve walking patterns that place extra stress on the body.

Patient Education

Education about footwear choices, activity modification, and ways to reduce repeated strain.

Two Examples of the Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Let’s take a look at two example patients that illustrate the different ways custom orthotics can make a difference.

Addressing Plantar Fasciitis

Sarah enjoyed taking long neighborhood walks every morning, but persistent heel pain was making her cut them short. She tried wearing some new athletic shoes, but they didn’t help.

As it turned out, her shoes weren’t the problem. Instead, Sarah had developed plantar fasciitis, an irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue along the bottom of her foot. We prescribed her custom orthotics to help ease her discomfort, and we also guided her through stretching and strengthening exercises to address the plantar fasciitis itself.

Within several weeks, Sarah was walking farther with less discomfort. More importantly, she felt confident returning to the daily routine she loved.

Improving Gait

David worked long shifts on concrete floors that always ended with pain in his knees and back. An evaluation with our team revealed that the problem lay in his gait, which was placing increased stress on his legs and spine.

Custom orthotics helped improve the way forces were distributed through his feet during walking, while a personalized therapy program focused on strengthening his hips, improving mobility, and correcting movement habits.

As his treatment progressed, he noticed less pain at the end of his day. As a result, he could get in a full day’s work and still feel comfortable in the evening.

We’ve Opened a New Location!

Ellis Physical Therapy Ammon Location Photo 1

Ellis Physical Therapy Ammon Location Photo 2

Ellis Physical Therapy Ammon Location Photo 3

Ellis Physical Therapy Ammon Location Photo 4

We’re excited to share that Ellis Physical Therapy has expanded with a brand new location: Peak Performance in Ammon, ID! While the clinic may look familiar to some, it’s now under Ellis ownership—meaning you’ll get the same high-quality care, personalized treatment, and trusted approach you’ve come to expect from our team.

If you or someone you know is in the Ammon area, we’d love to help you move and feel your best!

Learn More

Feel Better from the Ground Up

Pain in your knees, hips, or back may have more to do with your feet than you realize. Fortunately, the Ellis Physical Therapy team is here to help! We’ll start by learning more about your individual needs and goals. If custom orthotics are the right solution, they become one part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help you move with greater comfort and confidence.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Together, we’ll identify the source of your discomfort and create a plan that helps you get back to the activities you enjoy with every step.

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Our Patients Get Great Results

“I came here several years ago and was totally satisfied. Currently my wife is having physical therapy and the progress for her, in my estimation has been extraordinarily good. I carry Peak Performance business cards with me to recommend the service to others. The service here is more than five stars. It is A++ plus the five stars.”

— Kenneth

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A quick game

The Foot-First Challenge

Meet five patients. For each one, pick the treatment strategy that best complements their custom orthotics.

Score: 0/5

✨ Staff Spotlight

Nick Hernandez

(PTA)

Nick Hernandez was raised in Pocatello, Idaho. While attending Highland High School, Nick not only participated in football, basketball, and track, he also coached youth football and basketball.

After graduating from high school, he went to Idaho State University where he graduated with his PTA degree in Associates of Health Science.

When Nick’s sister hurt her back in middle school, Nick wanted to help her, but didn’t know how. In high school he found his love for anatomy and physiology, which he put together and decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. His experience as a PTA has allowed him to help people live happier, healthier lives, which has been very rewarding.

In his free time, Nick enjoys playing tennis, and during the summer, his favorite outdoor activity is paddleboarding.

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Exercise of the Month

Clamshells (Exercise Band)

(Hips & Glutes)

Lie on your side with your knees bent and your feet together.
Position an exercise band just above your knees.
The side you want to exercise should be on top.
Keeping your feet together, slowly lift your top knee away from your bottom knee.
Pause briefly at the top, then slowly return to the starting position.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.

Materials: Exercise Band

Chicken Caesar Wrap

High-Protein • Quick Lunch • Ready in Minutes

Ingredients

2 large whole wheat tortillas
2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced or shredded
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
¼ cup light Caesar dressing
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup whole wheat croutons, lightly crushed (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, chopped romaine, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Sprinkle in the crushed croutons for extra crunch, if desired, and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Lay the tortillas flat and divide the Caesar chicken mixture evenly between them, placing it in the center of each tortilla.
Fold in the sides, then roll the tortillas tightly into wraps.
Slice each wrap in half and serve immediately with a lemon wedge or fresh fruit on the side.

Sources

Step Into Greater Comfort with Custom Orthotics