Why Shoe Inserts Matter for Foot Health (And Where to Find Them in Albuquerque)

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If you spend long hours on your feet, deal with foot pain, or simply want better support in your everyday shoes, shoe inserts (also called orthotic insoles) can make a big difference. At New Mexico Orthopaedics Motion Shop, we offer SOLE® shoe inserts designed to improve comfort, alignment, and overall foot health.

What Are Shoe Inserts?

Shoe inserts are supportive insoles placed inside your shoes to improve foot alignment, cushioning, and stability. Unlike the thin liners that come with most shoes, orthotic-style inserts provide structured arch support that helps distribute pressure more evenly across your feet.

This support can help relieve stress not only in the feet, but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and even the lower back.

Why SOLE® Inserts?

We carry **SOLE insoles in our Motion Shop because they offer a unique combination of comfort and support. Many SOLE inserts are heat-moldable, meaning they can form to the natural shape of your foot for a more customized fit.

Benefits of SOLE inserts include:

  • Arch support to reduce strain and fatigue

  • Improved foot alignment for better biomechanics

  • Shock absorption for walking, running, and daily activity

  • Heat-moldable customization for a personalized feel

  • Durable materials designed to last longer than standard insoles

Conditions That May Benefit from Shoe Inserts

Supportive inserts may help people experiencing:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Heel pain

  • Foot fatigue from standing or walking all day

  • Knee or lower back discomfort related to foot alignment

If you’ve recently been seen by one of our providers or physical therapists, they may recommend supportive insoles as part of your treatment or recovery plan.

Who Should Consider Them?

Shoe inserts can benefit many people, including:

  • Active individuals and athletes

  • Healthcare workers and professionals who stand all day

  • People recovering from orthopedic injuries

  • Anyone looking for better everyday comfort

Even if you’re not dealing with a specific injury, better arch support can improve how your feet feel throughout the day.

Visit the Motion Shop at Winrock

You can find SOLE shoe inserts at the Motion Shop located inside our Winrock clinic. Our team can help you choose the right style and fit for your shoes and activity level.

Stop by during your next visit to explore supportive products designed to keep you moving comfortably.

✔ Looking for better support for your feet?
Visit the Motion Shop at our Winrock location to check out our selection of SOLE shoe inserts and other orthopedic support products.

Causes & Treatments for Arch Pain

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Article featured on Sydney Heel Pain

Arch pain can be the result of one or a combination of conditions that develop in the sole of the foot. Patients will often describe a tightness, pulling, strain, burning or ripping sensation through the mid arch of the foot, in front of the heel but behind the ball of the foot.

The pain in the arch can come on suddenly as in a one off day of increased walking or a sporting event, or progressively over a period of time as in walking in inappropriate shoes. Arch pain can be present every day and can be consistently present, in that it interferes with day to day activity. It will often feel worse in bare feet or thongs or flat and flimsy shoes such as ballet flats.

In extreme cases the pain can be excruciating and can cause burning and throbbing in bed at night. The soft tissue in the arch can be torn and this can be detected via ultra sound or MRI.

Conditions Causing Arch Pain

Do You Have Burning Arch Pain in Your Foot?

Discover this leading Podiatrist’s exciting new approach to arch pain treatment, for Plantar Fasciitis, by reading this un-missable article here.

ARCH PAIN TREATMENT

It is important to assess and diagnose which part of the foot is affected and causing the pain. Physical examination is usually sufficient but in complex cases the patient can be referred for ultra sound imaging. An MRI is not usually necessary.

It is also important to determine whether or not the ligament, fascia or tendon has been torn as this will determine which treatment path to take. If the tissue is not torn, then it is important to determine what has caused the condition so that these contributing factors can be resolved. Factors such as footwear, exercise or even stretching techniques are common contributing factors.

If there are bio mechanical issues affecting the patients foot then these need to be addressed also. Orthotics can be arranged and shoes can be changed. Strapping can be applied to the foot and in extreme cases an immobilisation boot can be used.

Shock wave therapy can applied to the foot which can stimulate blood flow and accelerate healing in addition to relieving pain. Correct stretching techniques must be instructed and followed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Strapping
  • Orthotics where necessary
  • Footwear changes
  • Shock wave therapy
  • Stretching
  • Immobilisation boot

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

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Article featured on OrthoInfo

Every mile a person walks puts 60 tons of stress on each foot. Feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. The result is often foot pain — the most common problem affecting the foot.

Anatomy

The bones of the feet are commonly divided into three parts:

  • The hindfoot (back of the foot)
  • The midfoot (middle of the foot)
  • The forefoot (front of the foot)

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. It lies at the back of the foot (hindfoot).

  • The Achilles tendon extends down from the calf muscle and attaches to the back of the heel.
  • The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and attaches to the plantar surface of the heel bone.

Both of these attachments — the places where soft tissues attach to bone — can become inflamed and be the source of heel pain.

Cause

Heel pain can have many causes, which generally fall into two categories.

Pain beneath the heel may be caused by:

  • Stone bruise. Stepping on a hard object, such as a rock or stone, can bruise the fat pad on the underside of the heel. The bruised area may or may not look discolored.
  • Plantar fasciitis. Too much running or jumping can inflame the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This inflammation can be worsened by performing these activities in older shoes with worn-out cushioning. Learn more: Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
  • Heel spur. When plantar fasciitis goes untreated for a long time, a heel spur (calcium deposit) may form where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone. A heel spur is usually the result of the problem (long-standing plantar fasciitis) and not the cause of the pain.
  • Calcaneus stress fracture. Repetitive stress to the calcaneus from high impact activities can eventually wear out and fracture the bone. Learn more: Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
  • Nerve entrapment. Repetitive impact activities can cause swelling and nerve inflammation underneath the heel bone.

Pain behind the heel may be caused by:

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis. People who have pain behind their heel may have inflamed the area where the Achilles tendon inserts onto (attaches to) the heel bone. This can be the result of running too much, or wearing shoes that rub or cut into the back of the heel.
  • Insertional Achilles tendinosis. This condition results from the breakdown of collagen in the Achilles tendon at the place where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Over time, the tendon becomes thickened, causing pain.

Whatever the cause, continued impact on a sore heel will only worsen the pain and may lead to additional problems.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of heel pain often include swelling and tenderness.
  • With plantar fasciitis, the pain is centered under the heel and may be mild at first. The pain flares up when taking first steps out of bed in the morning or when stepping out of a car after a long drive.  Even rising from a chair after sitting for awhile can cause pain.
  • Pain behind the heel may build slowly over time, causing the skin to thicken, get red, and swell. The pain flares up when first starting an activity after resting. Wearing normal shoes often also causes pain.
  • People with pain behind the heel may also develop a bump on the back of the heel that feels tender and warm to the touch. People born with this bump are more likely to experience heel pain as they get older.

Doctor Examination

Medical History and Physical Examination

During the appointment, your doctor will:

  • Ask you about your heel pain and symptoms.
  • Examine the bottom and back of your heel, looking and feeling for signs of tenderness and swelling that may indicate plantar fasciitis or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
  • Possibly squeeze your heel to determine if you have a stress fracture.
  • Possibly ask you to walk, stand on one foot, or do other physical tests to help your doctor pinpoint the cause of your pain.
  • Check your range of motion and flexibility.

Imaging Tests

X-rays. When heel pain continues for a long time, your doctor may order X-rays to evaluate the root cause of the pain. X-rays can help your doctor diagnose heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, calcaneus stress fracture, insertional Achilles tendinosis, and other issues that cause heel pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan. An MRI is rarely needed to diagnose heel pain. However, if initial nonsurgical treatment is not effective, and X-rays do not reveal the cause of your heel pain, your doctor may order an MRI scan. An MRI can help your doctor better evaluate the Achilles tendon, or diagnose a calcaneus stress fracture, retrocalcaneal bursitis, plantar fasciitis, or other soft tissue-related sources of pain.

Treatment

If your heel hurts, see your doctor right away to determine why it hurts and get treatment.

Treatment will depend largely on the cause of the pain.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Heel pain rarely requires surgery. Conservative (nonsurgical) treatments include:

  • Rest. Rest your foot as much as you can until the pain goes away. Heel pain that is the result of a stone bruise will gradually go away completely with rest.
  • Icing. If your pain is located behind the heel, consider placing ice on the back of the heel to reduce inflammation. Apply ice 20 minutes on/20 minutes off. Do not apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack, or wrap the ice in a towel or cloth.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your doctor may recommend you take an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, to reduce swelling.
  • Tape. Placing tape around the heel may help reduce pain and promote healing in patients with plantar fasciitis.
  • Shoe inserts. Your doctor may recommend that you wear heel pads or heel cup inserts. Patients with a torn Achilles tendon may also want to wear open-backed shoes.
  • Night splinting: Your doctor may prescribe a splint for you to wear at night, which can be effective in reducing pain first thing in the morning.
  • Exercises. Your doctor may suggest special exercises. For example, leaning forward against a wall with your foot flat on the floor and heel elevated with the insert to stretch the Achilles tendon. Restoring flexibility in the calf muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia is a critical step in relieving heel pain and keeping symptoms from coming back.

Note: Heel pain that has been going on for a long time often requires a long time to improve. Your doctor will likely recommend several of these conservative treatments and explain that it may take several months of treatment before your symptoms improve.

Surgical Treatment

Most heel pain can be treated without surgery. If your heel paint has not improved after months of conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgical solutions target the anatomic source of the heel pain. Learn more about specific surgical treatment for:

Conclusion

Heel pain is a common foot problem. There are multiple causes of pain on the back, side, or bottom of the heel.

Clinical evaluation with a thorough exam is needed to diagnose the root cause of heel pain and to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

A sore heel will usually improve on its own without surgery — if you avoid placing significant impact on the heel and perform exercises to improve the damaged tissue.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Foot, Leg & Ankle Swelling

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Article featured on Mount Sinai

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people.

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can cause swelling. This fluid buildup and swelling is called edema.

Considerations

Causes

Home Care

When to Contact a Medical Professional

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What Should I Do When My Foot or Ankle Pain Won’t Go Away?

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Article featured on PennMedicine

Foot and ankle pain is a common source of frustration because it often involves small bones, ligaments, and/or tendons, all of which can heal at somewhat unpredictable rates. A little patience is in order. But what can you do when your patience starts to wear thin because your pain doesn’t feel like it’s gotten any better over time? This article will offer some guidance.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by an Injury

Foot or ankle pain caused by an injury occurs suddenly and includes conditions such as sprains and fractures.

What should I do after a foot or ankle injury?

If your foot or ankle pain is the result of an injury, in the moments immediately following, treating it with the tried-and-true acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Try to spend as little time on your feet over the next few days as work and life will allow.

Light compression and keeping your injured foot or ankle elevated above the level of your heart will help minimize swelling. She says a heating pad can make the injury feel better initially, but because it opens blood vessels in the injured area, it can ultimately make the inflammation worse. Ice, on the other hand, will constrict the blood vessels, reducing inflammation.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle injury?

Many foot and ankle injuries may be treated at home, but there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. They include:

  • A significant deformity. Compare your injured ankle or foot to the other one. If there’s a clear difference in appearance, seek medical attention.
  • Any large open wounds or significant bleeding
  • You’re unable to put any weight on your injured foot or ankle

Otherwise, if the pain hasn’t lessened after about three to five days of treating your injury at home, it is best to  see your primary care physician. They may order x-rays and, depending on what they show, refer you to a specialist.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by Overuse

Foot and ankle pain can also occur slowly over time as a result of overuse and include conditions such as Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures.

The hallmark of an overuse foot or ankle injury is an aching pain that comes on gradually. You may start to notice discomfort in the area of the injury during certain activities. Eventually, it will become more persistent. Achilles tendonitis, for example, may be agitated only during runs or long walks initially. Left unchecked, running will become impossible, and simple everyday activities, like making dinner, will feel like they’re straining the tendon.

What should I do at the first sign of foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

Similar to the advice above for an injury, treat the initial pain with RICE and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, overuse injuries will heal on their own with at-home treatment and time off from activities that put stress on the injured area.

Exactly how much time off will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In general, you can return to light activity that involves the injured area if you haven’t experienced pain there, without the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for a week. If, after another week, you’re still pain-free, you can gradually ramp up your intensity. But be honest with your self-assessments. If you feel any discomfort, limit your activity and continue resting.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

The vast majority of overuse foot or ankle injuries do not require immediate medical attention. The exception is those that escalate to the point of causing any of the symptoms listed above for an injury that would prompt urgent treatment.

Aside from these instances, the guidance is similar to that of a foot or ankle injury: If the pain hasn’t diminished or resolved after about three to five days of treating it at home, see your primary care physician. They will help address your concerns by performing a thorough examination, obtaining x-rays, and initiating a consultation/referral to an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist.

Why should I consult an orthopaedic surgeon for my foot or ankle pain?

As mentioned earlier, feet and ankles can be finicky. For that very reason, consulting an orthopaedic surgeon should be your next step if your primary care physician refers you to a specialist. Orthopaedic surgeons undergo rigorous training.

While waiting for the x-rays, the Dr will ask about the patient’s medical conditions, past injuries, general lifestyle, and what sorts of physical activity they engage in on a regular basis. The responses, along with the x-rays and observations during a physical exam, will help develop a more complete understanding of the injury and inform treatment strategy.

Often, patients will want to know if they did anything that made their foot or ankle more susceptible to injury so that they won’t unknowingly cause another injury. They sometimes also ask if this is something that could get better on its own.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Foot or Ankle Fractures & Dislocations

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery: What is it?

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Pain

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Why Go See a Podiatrist?

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.