What Orthotics Do I Need?
What are orthotic inserts?
Orthotics are a type of medical device that is commonly used to support and realign the feet. They are prescribed by podiatrists and custom-made for each patient to address their specific foot conditions. Custom orthotics should not be confused with off-the-shelf insoles that are sold online or from pharmacies.
Would I benefit from orthotics?
In general, orthotics are designed to increase your comfort and decrease foot pain. Most long-term foot pain is caused by abnormal foot mechanics that take place during repeated movements, such as walking.
This means that your foot may possess abnormalities that cause it to be misaligned or land in an irregular position. As a result, the internal structures of your feet (i.e. ligaments and muscles) have to work harder than normal to keep the foot stable and mediate movement.
Investing in custom orthotics can help you and your overall health in numerous ways, some of which include:
- Relieving pressure in your feet, legs, hips, and back
- Improving your posture
- Minimizing chances of injury during daily or athletic activities
- Preventing the development of bunions, corns, and calluses
What orthotics do I need?
The main factor that will dictate the type of orthotic you need is your foot condition. In the clinic, we see many patients with feet that overpronate (roll excessively towards the midline), otherwise known as “flat feet.”
These patients would benefit from implementing an orthotic that supports the arch and prevents it from collapsing. A made-to-order orthotic can also provide targeted cushioning in areas that undergo extra amounts of stress or pressure.
This is why it is important to consult a trained professional, such as a podiatrist, who will conduct a thorough evaluation of your feet and make an informed decision on how best to treat them.
When it comes to selecting and creating an effective orthotic, it is also important to consider the type of shoe you will be wearing with them. For example, if you have a shoe that can accommodate a full-length orthotic, it is likely that we would recommend the largest orthotic possible that would fit in the shoe and still feel comfortable.
This would allow for the most support and the highest level of cushioning. Evidently, this is not possible in every type of shoe, so for footwear with a limited amount of space (i.e. dress shoes or tight boots), we would recommend a smaller orthotic that may solely serve to provide arch support.
If you have any additional questions about orthotics or if you would like additional guidance on the various kinds of orthotics, please feel free to comment below. We would love to hear from you and are always happy to help!