Orthotics realigned the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position. In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions) and they provide some shock absorption.
Who needs orthotics?
Any person with a foot problem will benefit from wearing orthotics. It is estimated that over 50% of the world population suffer from rolling inwards of the foot and fallen arches ("excess pronation of the feet"), which is the major contributing factor to foot problems. As a person gets older, the problem often worsens. An estimated 75% of the over 40's suffer from excess pronation!
People most likely to suffer pronation-related conditions are:
- People who stand on their feet for 8 hours or more per day! Prolonged standing on hard unforgiving surfaces like concrete and asphalt take their toll on feet of all ages. Complaints most heard are tired, aching feet and legs as well as low back pain.
- Wearing high heel shoes may be fashionable for women but they often suffer from pain under the ball of the foot (Metatarsalgia) and/or aching legs. . Common symptoms occurring from wearing high heels are pain in the back of the legs (and long term: shortening of the calf muscles!), ball of foot pain, pain under the arch and the heel. Orthotics are specifically designed to reduce discomfort associated with high heeled shoes and sandals.
Can you wear the orthotics during all daily activities?
- People who stand or walk all day
- If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then orthotics can reduce the pain associated with your condition
- For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet
What specific conditions may be helped?
Below is a list of all the conditions that orthotics can help.
Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain,
Heel Pain, Pronation, Top of the foot pain, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain, Toe Pain
Imbalance in your feet can alter the bony structure of your feet and lower legs, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems and foot and leg pain.
Do I require a doctor's prescription to order custom orthotics?
No. Orthotics are available in foot care stores and via internet sites. Custom orthotics are orthotics that are especially moulded to your feet. These need to be made by a podiatrist and will be very expensive.
Why do I need orthotics?
The pronated foot in which the heel bone angles inward and the arch tends to collapse. Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (over pronation). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.
This article relates to the following products - Heel Lift, Gel Heel Cushion, Spur Pads, Heel Cups, Max Foot Support, Arch Cushions, ¾ Length Gel Cushion Sole, Full Length Cushion In-Sole, Gel Metatarsal Pad.
