A custom orthotic is designed specifically for your underlying biomechanical problem and is used to effectively realign and improve your foot function. Without it, the instability of your lower extremities will remain and the pain you are suffering from will very likely return or not going to go away at all. There’s also a good chance that the problem will only worsen. There are a lot of reasons people don’t pursue custom orthotics when prescribed. The expense, a bad past personal experience, or on the advice of a friend or family member. However, going without or finding an “off the shelf” insert is only a temporary fix to a long term problem and the expense of custom orthotics should be considered a long term investment.