Basic Facts about Orthotics

Many of us wear orthotics to help maintain the foot in a functionally correct position. They can help cure lower extremity ailments and are often prescribed for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, knee pain, shin splints, lower-back pain, Morton’s neuromas, and other conditions. Orthotics can correct gait irregularities and provide support for flat feet and pronation problems. They can also relieve pressure by providing support behind a problem area such as a callous, neuroma, or metatarsal injury. Mal-alignment problems such as leg-length inequality can also be helped.
     Typically prescribed by a podiatrist or orthopedist, orthotics are medical devices made from cast impressions of your feet. A properly fit orthotic will control arch and pressure-point problems.
     Signs that you may need an orthotic can include repeated overuse strains or injuries, excessive fatigue in your legs and feet, genetic structural problems (over- or under-pronation, bunions, differences in leg length, arch problems, etc.), or your shoes show different wear patterns or wear out quicker than usual. The need for orthotics may begin with pain in your feet, repeated blistering in the same place on your feet from pressure, or even problems in your knees or hips as your gait is changed due to biomechanical stresses.
     An added benefit of orthotics is the way they support the body’s natural movements. This reduces the demands placed on the muscles when the body is out of alignment. The result is less work by the muscles, which translates to less fatigue, fewer injuries, and higher performance.
     Next time we will look at the difference in custom made orthotics and those available over the counter.