Foot Orthotics: Definition, Types, Uses and How They Help

What are Orthotics?

Foot orthotics, or foot orthoses, are a type of device or prosthetic used to support your foot. Foot orthotics are specifically designed for each patient to treat a foot condition. People often confuse insoles commonly sold in shoe shops with orthotics, but they are different.

The design and manufacture of orthotics follow specifications given by a podiatrist. Such design specifications may include the material, shape, and type of orthotics the patient needs. As such, you can only get a foot orthotics prescription from a podiatrist.

Do You Need Orthotics?

When you visit your podiatrist, they may prescribe orthoses as part of a broader set of treatments for your condition. Orthoses are routinely prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort. Before prescribing orthotics, your podiatrist will want to know that they can help you in the following ways:

Correct a foot deformity

Offer support to the ankle

Protect you from further injury

Assist your foot or ankle to function better

Orthotics are prescribed when other off-the-shelf insoles and other treatment courses do not work. When specified, they offer a highly customized treatment option for foot problems.

Types of Orthotics 

Orthotics types are defined based on material, installation, and target.

Materials

Most orthotics are made from plastics and graphite for the rigid parts and neoprene and foam for the soft parts. The exact type of material used is determined during your examination. It’s important to note that unlike off-the-shelf devices, orthoses are manufactured to your specifications and use materials specified by your podiatrist.

Installation

Orthoses differ according to the mode of installation. Some are installed as shoe inserts, while others provide ankle support. Installation is guided by the specific foot support you need as well as the range of motion. The objective of this is to ensure maximum support as you move without hindering any aspect of motion, which, if obstructed, can cause more harm.

Target

Depending on which part of the foot is the target, your podiatrist will prescribe orthoses designed to support this part. Orthoses typically support the foot, ankle, or lower leg or any combination of these. 

Conditions Treated With Orthotics

Orthotics may be used to treat some of these conditions:

Back pain: If your posture is poor while standing, it can cause back pain. Orthotics can help cushion your feet and change your standing posture.

Arthritis: Arthritis typically causes discomfort in the joints, including lower limb joints. Orthotics can help alleviate the pain caused by both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Flat feet: Orthotics can help support the foot and reduce foot, ankle, and back pain caused by flat feet.

Plantar fasciitis: A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis can be treated using appropriate foot orthoses to support the foot. 

How Orthotics Help

Orthotics are prescribed as added support for other treatment methods like medication and therapy. If you are in pain, your podiatrist may prescribe pain medication in addition to orthoses.

In some cases, such as crooked toes, orthoses can help correct the condition. In other cases, such as flat feet, orthoses offer ongoing support for the foot.

In general, orthotics are prescribed as a stop-gap measure to help you avoid more invasive treatments like surgery. Nevertheless, if orthotics do not work, surgery may be the answer, especially if you have chronic pain.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M. at Bayview Medical Centre.