Do you think foot arch supports are helpful?

I think a good therapist is the right person to decide the type of support that suits you the best. For my case, 2 years back, when I was diagnosed with Arthritis in a good number of Joints my Therapist recommended Dr. Schultz Arch support. Its good if your case is mild to moderate but I do not think only arch support can minimize any sort of severe pain. Talk with the therapist if your case is severe, if its mild, try Dr. Schultz.

I have orthotics in my shoes which basically are arch supports which were molded for my foot. They cost $360 for a pair. The foot MD told me to wear them 1 hour for the 1st day and increase the time daily until I had them on all of the time.

Personally, I think they are a waste of money because I have had them for 3 months now and its too painful and I cant take them more than about 2 hours. I nurse, so I have plantar fascitis. It is painful and the only thing that helps is getting off my foot.

I suggest going to a podiatrist to examine your foot and see if you really need arch supports.

Not unless you need them! If you think you need them see a Podiatrist. They will look at your feet, the walking gait: how you walk and then see if you have a problem. If you have a problem, they might suggest arch supports, or you might have to have some specially made for the problem. Wearing arch supports when you do not have a problem, will allow the muscles that support the arch to weaken. Best of Luck