Foot issues from injury, overuse, or structural problems can impact our quality of life. Proper foot health is often underestimated, but custom foot orthotics, specially designed shoe inserts, offer relief and support. Curious if they can help you?
In this article, we will explore when to consider being evaluated for foot orthotics, signs that indicate a need for them, and how customized foot orthotics can benefit your overall health. We will also discuss the advantages they provide when considering different activities and sports.
What Are Foot Orthotics?
Foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support, alignment, and cushioning to the feet. They can be customized to address specific foot conditions, structural abnormalities, gait irregularities, and can alleviate pain, as well as promote proper biomechanics.
Foot orthotics are available prefabricated, or off-the-shelf, or can be tailor-made by medical professions to customize specifically to an individual’s needs.
How Do Custom Foot Orthotics Work?
Foot orthotics help to reduce internal and external forces acting on specific parts of the feet, which can help with better positioning and alleviate pain.
Custom foot orthotics are prescribed and fitted exclusively to your feet and needs. They help achieve better foot function and reduce excessive forces by altering the magnitude, location, and/ or overall forces acting on and within the feet which can help prevent mechanically related injuries.
Common Conditions Treated with Foot Orthotics
When should you consider being evaluated for custom foot orthotics? While almost everyone can benefit from orthotics, here are common conditions that indicate that they could be a good fit for you.
| Condition/ Symptoms | How it Affects You | How Custom Foot Orthotics Help |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent Foot Pain | If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain, especially in the arches, heels, or balls of your feet, this can be an indication that your feet are not being properly supported. | Foot orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly, provide proper support, and alleviate pain. |
| Flat Feet or High Arches | If you have flat feet (low arches) or high arches, these conditions typically result in gait abnormalities and improper weight distribution. | Foot orthotics can reduce strain on muscles and joints, and create proper realignment. |
| Overpronation or Supination | If you overpronate (rolling inward of the foot) or supinate (rolling outward), these common gait issues can lead to various foot and leg problems, and often extend to misalignments further up the body. | Foot orthotics can correct these imbalances, improve overall stability, and reduce the risk of injuries. |
| Foot Conditions (Ex. Plantar Fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma) | If you suffer from conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, these conditions typically cause pain, discomfort, and/ or worsening deformities. | Foot orthotics can provide support and pain relief associated with these conditions, as well as manage the progression of these symptoms. |
The Physical Benefits of Foot Orthotics
If you’re an athlete or engage regularly in physical activities, custom foot orthotics can provide significant advantages. They can enhance performance and overall mobility, increase structural stability, and prevent injuries caused by repetitive movements.
| Sport / Activity | How it Affects You | How Custom Foot Orthotics Help |
|---|---|---|
| Running & Jogging | Repetitive impact can lead to discomfort and potential injuries. | Foot orthotics can provide cushioning to absorb shock and provide stability. They can also correct for gait imbalances, reducing the risk of injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. |
| Basketball & Court Sports | Quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and jumping can put substantial stress on your feet, ankles, and knees. | Foot orthotics can enhance lateral support and stability during these movements, reducing the likelihood of ankle sprains, knee issues, and improve agility. |
| Soccer & Field Sports | Repetitive running, kicking, and directional changes on the field can result in issues like metatarsal stress fractures or turf toe. | Foot orthotics can provide proper arch support and metatarsal padding to reduce these risks by providing better shock absorption and reducing pressure on vulnerable areas. |
| CrossFit & Weight Lifting | Functional movements, lifting,and jumping require stability and mobility. | Foot orthotics help maintain proper alignment and cushioning to absorb the impact of high-intensity exercises. |
| Hiking | Uneven terrain and prolonged walking can strain the feet and lead to fatigue and injury. | Foot orthotics provide better arch support and shock absorption. They help stabilize your feet on uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of twists and sprains, while also offering more comfort during extended walking. |
| Golf | Rotational movements and weight shifts place specific demands on your feet. | Foot orthotics can improve overall weight distribution, stability, and enhance balance during swings, which can reduce strain on your feet, knees, and lower back. |
Occupational Advantages
Jobs that require prolonged walking or standing can put excessive strain on your feet. Custom foot orthotics can provide the necessary support and cushioning to help prevent fatigue and discomfort.
Such jobs include:
- Healthcare workers
- Hairdressing
- Foodservice industry
- Retail industry
- Production line workers
Where To Get Custom Foot Orthotics
For foot orthotics to be maximally effective, it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis for the conditions or symptoms you are experiencing. While off-the-shelf, prefabricated orthotics might provide temporary relief, they are mass produced based on foot sizes, made to fit a majority, and won’t provide the long term benefits and support you need if you have a medical condition that needs attention.
It’s crucial to consult a medical professional for a thorough evaluation if you’re experiencing persistent foot pain or discomfort. Custom-made orthotics are tailored to your specific foot shape and needs, ensuring the most effective results.
PostureWorks Provides the Best Professional Evaluation for Custom Foot Orthotics
It’s important to assess the extent that foot issues can have on overall well-being and alignment, and to identify their potential causes in the first place.
At PostureWorks, our custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed specifically for your feet to create optimal alignment starting with your feet, which follows upward though your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Proper alignment at the foundation optimizes support and function throughout the body.
After diagnosis, we create custom orthotics using a mold of your feet. Our approach offers pain relief and addresses the root cause to prevent recurrence or worsening. With a comprehensive assessment and tailored orthotics from PostureWorks, you’ll enjoy lasting benefits, from pain relief to prevention and performance enhancement.
Contact us today to learn more about why we’re the best choice for custom foot orthotics or to schedule your appointment with PostureWorks in Lakewood or San Francisco.
