Are you suffering from foot pain? You may benefit from foot orthotics.
Foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help support, align, or improve the function of the feet by relieving pressure in certain areas of the feet. They can be custom-made or over-the-counter (prefabricated), depending on the condition being treated, the shape of your foot, and the level of support required.
Common conditions that orthotics are used for include: heel pain (plantar fasciitis), flat feet (fallen arches), high arches, achilles tendonitis, big toe joint pain, shin splints, knee pain (patellofemoral syndrome), lower back pain (from poor posture or gait), and rheumatoid arthritis.
A biomechanical assessment will be completed to determine if foot orthotics are required. This includes joint range of motion tests, muscle testing and visual gait analysis.
What are orthotics?
These are specially designed foot supports that are worn inside your shoes. They are constructed after taking a digital scan of your foot, then modified accordingly based upon the podiatrist evaluation of your problem.
What are the orthotics made of?
Orthotics are usually made from plastics, EVA and carbon-fibre composites. If coverings are used, they may be vinyl, leather, or soft cushioning materials.
How do they help?
They work by supporting joints in the foot by controlling abnormal motion. They also re-align joints so that the foot works as an effective lever for propulsion. Levers reduce load, and therefore orthotics make the foot function better with less stress on ligaments and muscles. They also redistribute weight more evenly over the feet, reducing pressure points.
Are they comfortable?
Correctly made foot orthotics should be comfortable, provided they are in a suitable shoe. Speak to your Podiatrist if you have any concerns.
Will orthotics fit all my shoes?
No. They will not fit shoes open at the back, shoes that are shallow in the heel counter nor are they suitable in with heels over 2 cm. In most cases though, some of your existing shoes will be suitable.
Are all orthotics the same?
To an untrained eye, most orthotics look similar. But as podiatrists, we can spot what makes one different from another.
How long will I need to wear my orthotics?
There is no definitive answer. This is because orthoses correct rather than cure your foot problems in the same way as prescription glasses do not cure vision problems. As with glasses, some people will need to wear orthoses all the time to avoid discomfort, whilst other people only need to wear them for certain activities, such as sport.
For children, however, the use of prescription orthoses before the bones are fully developed may help to reduce malalignment problems. At the very least, it may ensure the problem does not worsen.