Have you ever put on a pair of shoes and noticed almost instantaneously that they were not giving you the support you need? You are not alone. We’ve all experienced discomfort on our feet and that is where shoe orthotics comes in. But do shoe orthotics actually work?
What Are Shoe Orthotics?
Shoe orthotics or simply just orthotics are insoles that are made to fit your shoe to provide you more appropriate support of your feet. They are made to redistribute pressure on your feet, provide more cushion, and help with alignment. They are recommended to anyone with any sort of discomfort or pain in their feet..
More on Shoe Orthotics
Shoe orthotics can be divided into two main groups: custom orthotics and over the counter orthotics. Let’s talk a little more in depth on each of these.
- Custom Orthotics: custom orthotics are made to fit your feet exactly after getting assessed by a professional. These are meant to treat specific issues with feet such as flat feet or high arched feet, and other issues. They are more effective since they are made to fit specifically to your feet, but are also more expensive.
- Over-the-Counter Orthotics: Orthotics can be found at most pharmacies and sporting good stores. They can be found in various types and sizes, but they are not customized. They can provide general support, but are not a great long term solution, just a temporary and quick solution for minor discomfort.
The Science Behind Orthotics
Orthotics shifts the angles at which people are making contact with the ground with their feet and equally distributes pressure and support across the foot, relieving pressure at the needed areas. Sounds great right? But how useful really are they?
How Do Orthotics Aid Foot Health?
There are plethora of ways in which orthotics can help people, such as improvement with posture, increase in athletic performance, reduction of foot pain, and aid in specific diseases like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and arthritis. With those in mind, its completely understandable to want to incorporate orthotics into a foot care plan. They can be a useful tool in foot care. It’s just important to consider the condition being treated, and to use them properly.
What Foot Issues Orthotics Can Help With
Are you trying to figure out if you need orthotics? Let’s review some foot problems where orthotics could really help you:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Orthotics can help people with high arched feet receive arch support, and help miners and people with occupations that require long periods of standing and walking ease some of the pain and strain on the arch of the foot.
- Flat Feet: Orthotics are arch supports and help people with flat feet maintain proper foot alignment and reduce overpronation, which is the excessive rolling in of the foot.
- Bunions: Orthotics help redistribute some of the pain that is felt in the big toe which helps out with the bunions, but it is not a permanent fix.
- Diabetic Foot Issues: Diabetic foot problems require proper foot support to limit complications such as ulcers and orthotics can help with that.
Talking to a Professional
Before buying orthotics, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional with more specialization, like a podiatrist. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff from LMD Podiatry explains, with her experience from Mount Sinai, one must learn the diagnosis before treatment. Dr. Dabakaroff offers an individualized treatment plan with both surgical and non-surgical options, depending on the condition of the foot.
Your Foot and Gait Examination
After the consultation, the practitioner will typically conduct an extensive foot examination, a gait analysis, and possibly some imaging studies. This process will assist you in ensuring that any orthotics prescribed will serve the intended purpose, and will not be a one-size-fits-all solution.
The Downsides of Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can be extremely helpful, but they often come with downsides, the most important of which being that they don’t solve all problems. Here is something to keep in mind:
How Much It Costs
Custom orthotics can be pricey. The price can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the custom orthotics, and also what place you buy them from. Insurance coverage is variable, and many times, they will not cover any of it.
Adjustment Period
Wearing orthotics is an adjustment period. Your feet will feel discomfort as they get used to the new support. WEaring them for shorter periods is the best way to get used to them.
Not Always a Cure
Theres no easy fix when it comes to pain relief. While orthotics will help, they will not fix everything, like severe misalignments or other problems. You may need extra treatments or therapies.
Real-World Results
What do users have to say about orthotics? Feedback may vary, and results do vary.
Success Stories
Numerous testimonials do exist from people who experience pain relief when they added orthotics to their daily shoes. This added pain support enables people to participate in activities they used to do.
When Orthotics Fall Short
If people don’t experience relief with orthotics is not uncommon. New pain can develop when people try to use a plain orthotic from a drug store. Their best fit when they target a specific condition and type of shoe, which shows why you need a professional.
Getting the Most out of Your Orthotics
Here are some great tips to help you get the most out of your orthotics, whether you are getting them for the first time, or have been using them for a while.
Check In Regularly
It might be a good idea to consider setting regular check-ins to see how the orthotics are working out for you, especially to see if they need adjusting or if they need to be replaced.
Wear the Right Shoes
Wearing the right shoes that work with the orthotics can help to maximize their effectiveness. Shoes that have good arch support, cushioning, and that are generally made to help with comfort work the best.
Care for Your Orthotics
It’s a good idea to wipe down the orthotics with a damp cloth and some soap to keep orthotics fresh. Letting them get worn down to the point that they aren’t working anymore would be a shame.
Use Orthotics for Short Periods
If you can, set up a scheme to get them incorporated slowly. At first, wearing them for short periods of time is best, before slowly extending the time spent wearing them on a daily basis.
When to Seek Alternatives
In some cases, an individual may not get the long-term benefits of using foot orthotics as intended. If patients using foot orthotics do not get the needed benefits of treatment, alternate strategies may need to be considered and incorporated into the treatment plan.
Other Treatment Options
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can assist in the strengthening of problem foot muscles.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options may be necessary when changes to the foot structure are needed.
- Medication: In conjunction with the foot orthotics, pain-relieving medications may be recommended for temporary use.
Lifestyle Modifications
At times, simple routines and habits, such as weight loss or changes in physical activity, can benefit the use of orthotics in resolving foot issues.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of shoe orthotics can vary from person to person due to condition, type of orthotics, and following guidelines. They’re an essential part of foot care and support for many. However, as with any device, it’s important to note that orthotics are most effective with professional consultation and other supporting treatments. Collaborating with Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff and her team at LMD Podiatry gives a complete picture of foot health so that you can improve your comfort and mobility. If you suffer from chronic pain or simply need support, knowing when and how orthotics can help is important.