Orthotics can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address various symptoms, usually having to do with pain and discomfort of the feet and legs. Some of the goals a doctor may have for orthotic treatment include:

Correcting foot deformities
Helping the foot or ankle function better
Providing support to the ankle
Reducing the risks for further injuries

Orthotics are more than just a heel pad or shoe insert you can buy at most athletic stores. They’re highly customized shoe insoles made for your feet. Our podiatrist will recommend orthotics if an off-the-shelf device or other treatments, such as exercises at home or resting, haven’t proven effective.

Our podiatrist specialises in conditions of the foot & ankle. If you’re experiencing significant foot & ankle pain, we’ll first ask about your symptoms. Questions may include when you first noticed the symptoms, what makes them worse, and what makes them better.

Our podiatrist will then conduct a physical exam of your feet & ankles. We’ll look for deformities and areas that are especially painful.

We may also recommend imaging of your feet, such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI. This can help us identify areas of damage, or injury, and if there are any underlying issues.

Our podiatrist will take all of these diagnostic methods into account when making treatment recommendations, including to potentially prescribe orthotics.

Our Podiatrists may prescribe orthotics to treat a number of medical conditions. Examples include:

Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause discomfort in the feet and poor positioning that orthotics may help to correct.

Back pain. Sometimes poor positioning of the feet, such as arches that roll inward, or lack of cushioning can cause pain that orthotics can lessen.

Bunions. Bunions are painful bumps that can develop at the base of the big toe and cause foot deformities. Orthotics with a wide toe box can help to reduce pressure on the big toe.

Bursitis. Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the heels and toes can cause bursitis pain and discomfort. Orthotics with heel and arch support can help to reduce bursitis discomfort.

Diabetes. Sometimes, a person with diabetes can lose sensation in their feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. When this occurs, orthotics can help to reduce excess stress and pressure that can lead to foot ulcers by prescribing Accomodative orthotics.

Flat feet. Flat feet can cause foot, ankle, and back pain. Orthotics can help to support the feet and promote proper foot positioning.

Hammer toes. Hammer toes often occur as a side effect of bunions on the big toe. They cause second-toe pain and deformities on the ball of the foot. Orthotics can provide additional support to the feet and reduce the likelihood that hammer toes will worsen.

Heel spurs. Heel spurs are conditions where excess bone grows on the back or bottom of the heel. Orthotics can offload pressure to the spur, support the foot and reduce inflammation.

High arches. Very high arches can stress muscles in the feet and lead to a number of conditions, such as shin splints, knee pain, and Plantar Fasciitis. Orthotics can help to stablise the ankle and prevent a person’s feet from rolling excessively inward or outward.

Injuries. People who’ve experienced trauma to their feet and ankles may require extra support during the healing process with orthotics.

Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Doctors may sometimes recommend orthotics to support the heel and foot.

In-toeing or Out-toeing. This is a common observation among growing kids. Our podiatrist will determine if there are deformities that will require referral to orthopedic specialist. In most instances, it is a common problem that might not require surgical intervention and could be managed using corrective orthotics to improve gait.

We may also prescribe custom orthotics for people who have positional concerns with their feet or legs. This can include those with underdeveloped leg and foot muscles.

Orthotics are often one part of a treatment regimen for many foot and ankle concerns. For example, we may prescribe orthotics in conjunction with treatments such as activities modification, changing to a more supportive shoes as well as physical therapy exercises.

Our podiatrists may also recommend Extracoporeal Shockwave Treatment, to reduce pain and inflammation.

Podiatrists often recommend orthotics in conjunction with these treatments because orthotics can correct feet that aren’t ideally positioned. For example, when feet overpronate, they roll slightly inward or downward. This is usually the case for those with very flat feet. Wearing orthotics can help provide additional arch support to try and prevent this.

Orthotics may also provide additional support and cushioning in key areas of the feet, such as the heel or ball of the foot. Because orthotics are custom-made, the person making them will consider the individual’s footwear needs.

Ideally, orthotics and other treatments can help a person avoid more invasive treatments, such as surgery.

Orthotics can be customized in a variety of materials. A podiatrist will prescribe an orthotic material based on what condition and symptoms a person has.

The orthotic types can range in materials from rigid Functional type — usually made from materials such as carbon fiber or polypropylene — to an Accommodative one, which is very flexible and cushioning using a higher density EVA material.

Some orthotics are full-shoe inserts similar to the insoles present in many athletic shoes. Others are a smaller heel insert that fits into the back cup of the shoe.

Ankle-foot orthotics are another option that has not only a shoe insert, but also an upright portion that extends from the heel upward and around the calf.

Podiatrists may recommend using orthotics in conjunction with braces, other shoe inserts, or taping, such as kinesiology taping.

Orthotics don’t universally help all people with conditions that affect the foot and ankle. There are many complex considerations surrounding the effectiveness of orthotics, including:

The training and experience of the person making the orthotic

The podiatrist’s prescription

The shoe in which a person wears them

How often a person wears them

There are studies that support the use of orthotics for treating foot and ankle problems. However, many of them stress that the orthotic must be well-fitting and worn correctly.

Orthotics CAN BE a part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help those who have foot and ankle concerns. They aren’t for everyone, and may create an expense for those without symptoms.

At Care Podiatry, when our podiatrists recommend orthotics, we will answer questions about what kind of results you can expect from routine wear.