There are many problems that occur with our feet, and these problems can cause a lot of pain. Diabetes, arthritis, bursitis, and various other foot issues result in serious discomfort and can affect how we walk, run, and stand. One solution that is often prescribed is inserting orthotics into your shoes. Orthotics, often called insoles, are devices that are placed inside your shoes to correct an issue, provide extra support or offer relief from pain and discomfort. Different orthotics offer a different function, so it is important to understand exactly how orthotics work and what benefits they can provide in order to make the right choice. This article will answer some of the frequently asked questions about orthotics to explain all you need to know when choosing the right orthotics.

How Do Orthotics Work?

Orthotics are inserted into your shoes as an extra means of support to relieve pain or discomfort or to correct some issues with the way you stand or walk. Essentially they can be inserted into any kind of shoe, but podiatrists usually recommend that if you have foot problems, you should always try to wear shoes with strong heel support. Orthotics may raise your heels or give customized support to the arches of your feet. As well as supporting your feet, orthotics can help to correct some of the knock-on symptoms such as problems with your knees, hips, and back, and relieve any discomfort as a result. The folks at Align Clinic told us that various types of orthotics had been developed, and your podiatrist will first examine you to determine the cause of your foot problems. Once they have ascertained the root cause, they will prescribe your custom orthotics to help correct those problems. Each case is different, so the preliminary examination is important to ensure that the right orthotics are used. Otherwise, they will not be effective and may even exacerbate the problem.

What Conditions Are Orthotics Prescribed For?

There is a range of conditions for which orthotics can provide relief and help to correct the underlying problem. One of the most common reasons orthotics are prescribed is for various types of foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and neuroma. Plantar fasciitis is pain caused by repetitive straining of the plantar fasciitis ligament in your foot. Metatarsalgia is a pain in the ball of your foot, often caused by playing high-impact sports or a symptom of arthritis. Neuroma, often referred to as a pinched nerve, is an extremely painful condition usually felt between the toes and in the ball of the foot. There are various reasons why neuroma develops, but one cause is regularly wearing high heels or excessively narrow shoes. Other conditions are affecting various parts of the legs that can also be helped with orthotics. Many runners have problems with shin splints or problems with their knees caused by repetitive strains or continuous impact. Orthotics can help to cushion the impact and adjust the foot’s alignment and position so that fewer strains occur. Some orthotics will be used to redistribute pressure away from parts of your foot, where you experience a lot of pain. This is often used as a treatment to help people with diabetes. Pediatric orthotics are used to strengthen weak areas of a child’s foot and to aid their natural development. 

How Are Orthotics Developed?

Orthotics can work in a variety of ways, depending on the issue that needs resolving. There are a huge number of factors that will be checked by your podiatrist in order to create orthotics with the ideal mechanics. They will assess your joints’ flexibility and range of motion, your muscle strength, and your nerves and circulation to your feet. Your podiatrist will also examine your gait and the way you walk to see if your problems are a cause. You will be fitted for an orthotic using either a plaster cast, a foam impression box, or even with digital scanning. This will enable the development of a perfectly customized orthotic to help with your specific problems. Alongside your orthotics, your podiatrist may suggest certain stretching exercises or other treatments to help maximize the potential of positive results. 

Foot pain and other issues are problems that affect so many people and so finding an effective solution is really important. Orthotics have been shown to provide relief and corrective benefits for a huge number of foot and leg issues and help patients to avoid more disruptive measures like surgery or extended courses of physiotherapy. Podiatrists are experienced and skilled in assessing your particular case, determining the underlying causes of pain and discomfort, and developing a customized set of orthotics to help you. If you are experiencing foot pain or related discomfort or issues, book an appointment with your podiatrist and see if orthotics can benefit you.

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