If you are looking up orthotics, then you are probably either experiencing pain or have had someone recommend orthotics for you for another reason. Foot orthotics are used to help change how the structure of your foot impacts your foot function. They can help alleviate pain, help with recovery from injuries, and help with injury prevention. Educating yourself about what orthotics can do will help you decide if custom orthotics are right for you.
Pain Relief
Relief from foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain is probably the number one reason that people seek custom orthotics. If a structural or functional problem is causing the pain, orthotics can help by adding cushioning, reducing pressure in the painful areas, and properly aligning the foot’s position. Some sources of pain include plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, calluses, corns, high arches, flat feet, Achilles’s tendon issues, metatarsal issues, and high arches.
Prevent Injuries
If you have a problem with your foot’s function, the more you use your feet, the greater your likelihood of injuries. Orthotics can help correct your foot’s function, lowering your risk of injury. This is particularly true for those who are on their feet for extended periods of time or for athletes who are training. Orthotics can provide stability, which helps prevent sprains, strains, and tears. They can also help with overpronation and supination, reducing your risk of fractures, sprains, and overuse injuries.
Attractive Support
If you are on your feet all day, you already know how important it is to wear supportive shoes. You probably also know that supportive shoes are often unattractive. Custom orthotics are great because they can fit into almost all existing shoes. They can even be made to fit into high heels or formal dress shoes.
Feel More Comfortable
There is a line between pain and discomfort. Many of us feel like tired, achy feet are the norm at the end of the day. When you have the right foot support, you realize that there is no reason to suffer from sore feet at the end of the day or after an intense workout.
The Right Fit
You might already be using over-the-counter orthotics. However, choosing custom orthotics allows you to use an orthotic that is designed to fit your exact foot and to correct for your particular foot conditions. They will give you better results than any OTC orthotics could ever give you.
