What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are custom-made inserts that are worn inside of shoes. They can be
used to relieve pain, improve skeletal alignment, improve the function of your
foot and lower limb, or improve the overall neurological function of your entire
body.
What Do Orthotics Do?
Depending on the design, orthotics can cushion and support your foot by redistributing
the pressure areas on your feet. They can also be designed to support and improve
the alignment of the bones in your feet and legs. Improper foot alignment can
lead to a wide variety of foot, knee, and lower back problems. By improving
the alignment, the body is able to function more efficiently with less stress
on the muscles and ligaments that hold you together. Many different styles and
types of orthotics can be designed in order to alleviate various types of pain
in the feet, knees, hips and lower back. These can range from soft flexible
moulds to very rigid types. It is important to have your foot and shoes properly
evaluated prior to getting orthotics. Beware of companies that provide only
one type of orthotic—it may not be right for your foot.
Foot Types:
There are two general types of misaligned feet. Pes planus, (flat flexible feet)
and pes cavus, (rigid high arched feet.) The flexible flat foot is commonly
named the “over-pronator.” The arch of this foot type collapses
towards the ground upon standing. This creates excessive collapse of the feet,
and will subsequently create excess movement up into the legs and knees.
The rigid high arched foot, called a supinator, has a high arch contour even
when weight bearing. This foot type tends to have poor shock absorption and
cushioning, and can lead to various joint pains.
Will Orthotics Change My Feet?
Orthotics work to support and re-position your feet. Like eyeglasses, they help
us while we are wearing them. When we remove the orthotics, they have not changed
our feet at all. Orthotics allow us to maintain our lifestyle and activities
while reducing the symptoms. Orthotics are often prescribed as a method of treatment
for an injury or as a performance enhancement tool. Orthotics will help you
to recover from injury as well as prevent it from recurring.
Can I Wear Orthotics With Any Shoes?
Orthotics are designed with a particular shoe type in mind, and as such should
work well with shoes of similar style. If an orthotic is designed for running
shoes, it will not fit properly into a heeled shoe. Sandals also restrict orthotic
use, as the orthotic is not secure without a closed shoe.
I Have Flat Feet - Does This Have Anything To Do With
Why I Have Lower Back Pain?
Flat feet cause the leg bones to rotate inwards when you are standing and walking.
This will affect your hip and pelvic positions, thereby altering the amount
of back curvature and leading to pain. Previous injury, activities, and upper
body mechanics will also play a role in lower back pain.
Do My High Arch Feet Have Anything To Do With My Knee
Pain When I Run?
A high arched foot lacks adequate shock absorption. When there is not enough
cushioning at the foot, shock is transmitted upwards, placing added load on
the knee joints.
Can Orthotics Help With Arthritis and Diabetes?
In patients with arthritis or diabetes, special care is taken in supporting
the feet, while also relieving excessive pressure areas and providing cushioning
to the feet. Typically, these orthotics act as special supportive pillows for
your feet.