While many of us can use our shoes and other footwear without support, some need a little extra. Usually, this calls for something called an orthotic. Known generically as a shoe insert, an orthotic is more specialized and treats specific conditions that an ordinary store-bought item will not.
Conditions orthotics treat include:
- High arches – supports foot arch to keep from overstretching and/or collapsing
- Flat feet – strengthens the area, supports the foot, and helps with gait
- Diabetes – can reduce foot stress to avoid foot ulcers, blisters
- Plantar fasciitis – support area of the heel usually with cushioning
- Bursitis – sensitive area of the foot can also be treated with cushioning
- Arthritis – Usually a flexible orthotic will work best as it has more cushioning
- Corrects balance and walking issues – help with proper foot placement and gait
- Bunions – allows for a wider toe area relieving bunion irritation
Other conditions orthotics can treat include hammertoes, heel spurs, injuries to the foot and back pain.
There are two basic types of orthotics. They are:
- Flexible – Made of a softer material to offer cushioning
- Rigid – Made of a more solid and stronger material such as carbon fiber or plastic. Offers more support
Depending on the type of condition you are suffering from, an orthotic may only be part of the treatment. The best way to determine what works best is to see your podiatrist. They are professionally trained to diagnose and recognize issues that may or may not require an orthotic.
Your first step to treat many of the conditions above may be to use a store-bought shoe insert but if this doesn’t work, a custom made orthotic may be needed. One issue many people ignore is making sure they have properly fitting shoes before moving to an orthotic. Make sure your footwear fits first. Proper fitting footwear is always important for good foot health.