Rainier Foot & Ankle Associates

Their feet will feel fresher all or most of the day.

Here we will talk about orthotics in depth:

What orthotics do.

What orthotics do not do.

Off-the-shelf insoles vs orthotics.

Impact of shoe options.

What Orthotics Do

Orthotics work primarily to help correct common foot problems, like high arches or flat feet. They have also had success in relieving intense pain resulting from plantar fasciitis, or heel spurs.

In an injury such as plantar fasciitis, where the fascia tendon is stretched too far or torn, orthotics take pressure off of the heel so that the tendon is not unduly stressed. This will help the tendon recover while resuming normal activities.

Even in the case of more chronic ailments like arthritis, orthotics do a world of good in offloading high-pressure areas so that simple tasks like walking or standing are much easier.

Pressure on one’s feet is also a factor in diabetics, who are at risk for foot ulcers. Orthotics help reduce that pressure so the foot can heal.

What Orthotics Do Not Do

Medical professionals as a whole shy away from the word “cure” as it is. Podiatry is no exception. In the case of orthotics, they only help relieve pain and help the foot function better. Orthotics are no cure for foot problems. They simply help you to deal with them better.

This can be illustrated in the case of eyeglasses. They help compensate for the vision problem; they do not reverse the vision problem.

This brings us to another point. Just as eyeglasses will not help you see well unless you are wearing them, orthotics will only help you walk better if you are wearing them.

Off-The-Shelf Insoles Versus Orthotics

You can go to any store, either in the pharmacy department or the shoe department, and find insoles and inserts made of gel or foam. They often are called “orthotics” but this is a misnomer, as true orthotics are customized to each individual’s feet.

For minor foot problems like fatigue, you may find relief with off-the-shelf products. They are much lower in price than orthotics. However, these are all made exactly the same, with the exception of size, so an average person with an average foot stands a fair chance to get relief from their minor foot problem.

On the flip side, since orthotics are customized according to a foot’s unique biomechanics and particular problem, they are far more likely to produce results. With their higher price, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars, results should be expected.

All the same, nothing is guaranteed. With some people, not even orthotics will work for them any more than something they bought at the local store. In those cases, more extreme measures may be recommended by a doctor.

According to one doctor, however, orthotics have a better chance of providing relief. “Not everybody needs a custom orthotic. A lot of people need something, but not necessarily a custom orthotic,” he says. “But people who are having mechanical issues that aren’t resolving with good footwear and maybe some exercises might want to consider an orthotic.”

Impact Of Shoe Choices

Even a customized orthotic can have limitations. The most common of these is the shoe it will be worn in. Most orthotics are made for walking or running shoes. So if you are using orthotics for dress shoes, they will have to be made for your dress shoes. Using orthotics made for running shoes could hinder the intended effect.

Orthotics can theoretically be designed for any type of shoe. However, if it happens to be for a shoe that is not good for your feet, such as high heels, it defeats the purpose.

Summary

In the event you may encounter a foot problem, orthotics could be your answer. No one remedy will work for all people. Remember too that orthotics are not a cure; they will only make enduring the foot problem easier. Investigate your options, whether it is a store-bought insole or consulting a doctor about a customized orthotic.