Why do podiatrists recommend orthotics?

Asked by: Mrs. Lauretta Trantow  |  Last update: November 18, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort experienced by older adults, who may have developed arthritis in their feet. Orthotics may also be prescribed for children who have a foot deformity.

Do I need orthotics from a podiatrist?

If you're experiencing foot pain or swelling during or after simple everyday activities (standing, walking around), it's time to see a podiatrist. You don't need to live with unnecessary foot pain, and orthotics for feet might solve the problem.

What are signs you need orthotics?

You may need shoe orthotics if you have high arches, flat feet, or conditions such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if prescription or over-the-counter orthotics are right for you.

Are orthotics really necessary?

I recommend a foot orthotic if muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or bones are not in an optimal functional position and are causing pain, discomfort, and fatigue.

What conditions can orthotics help?

Orthotics can help correct deformities in the feet, help with foot and ankle function, support the ankle, and reduce the risk of injuries. Medical conditions that orthotics can be prescribed for include back pain, arthritis, flat feet, hammer toes, heel spurs, bunions, plantar fasciitis and high arches.

Orthotics for Flat Feet with Seattle Podiatrist Dr. Larry Huppin

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How many hours should you wear orthotics?

Wear your ICON ORTHOTICS a total of 2 - 4 hours today, and increase the time you wear them by 1 – 2 hours a day. It usually takes one to two weeks to become completely used to wearing your orthotics but this time can differ from person to person. Most people can wear the orthotics full time in 3-5 days.

What foot conditions are treated with orthotics?

Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome and recurrent stress fractures.

What is the controversy with orthotics?

Do Orthotics Actually Help? Some people oppose the use of orthotics, saying that insoles do not actually do anything to help alignment or gait. They argue that purchasing orthotics is just throwing away good money on something that cannot help.

Can I ever stop wearing orthotics?

The good news is if you hate wearing orthotics you can absolutely stop wearing them and still experience no discomfort. However, before you get started, you must know what your foot posture is like without orthotics. It is important that you don't stop wearing them abruptly.

Should I wear my orthotics around the house?

It is more important to wear your insoles when your feet will be working hard, standing for long periods, or exercising. It is less important to wear them when you are sitting for an extended time, like at your desk or in front of the TV.

Do you need to wear orthotics for life time?

Sometimes, but by no means always. Some people do have foot types that place so much stress on tissue that they will always need orthotics. So for those people the answer is yes. Common foot types that may need orthotics long term are those with either very flat arches or very high arches.

Do orthotics correct your feet?

But they're not custom-made for your feet. They can provide arch support or extra cushioning on the heel, around the toes, or for your entire foot. Inserts might make your shoes more comfortable but aren't designed to correct foot problems.

How often should you get orthotics?

While a typical custom orthotic might last around 2-3 years on average, not every case is a typical one. Some people need theirs replaced every year, while others can get 5 years or more (occasionally much more) of use out of theirs.

Do you need new shoes for orthotics?

In most cases, when you receive your custom foot orthotics, you will have them fit into whichever shoes you wear most frequently, or the shoes recommended by your Pedorthist.

Do orthotics hurt your feet at first?

Because orthotics are custom made to fit individual foot health and gait requirements, it's not unusual to need some adjustments during the break-in period. However, if your orthotic device is causing foot discomfort after two weeks, or has increased your pain levels, contact your certified Pedorthist.

Why do my feet still hurt with custom orthotics?

If you are still feeling pain or discomfort after 2-3 weeks, visit your podiatrist to adjust your orthotics. If you have generic store-bought variations, perhaps consider visiting a podiatrist for a complete gait analysis and some custom-made orthotics. Take proper care of your orthotics.

What are the side effects of custom orthotics?

Why You May Feel Pain and Discomfort After Wearing Orthotics
  • Improper footwear. Wearing orthotic insoles with improper footwear can do more harm than good. ...
  • Poorly designed (or fitted) orthotics. ...
  • Not breaking in your orthotic properly. ...
  • Increased soreness. ...
  • Altered mechanics. ...
  • Compensatory injuries. ...
  • Loss of sensation. ...
  • Too Stiff.

Are custom orthotics better than off the shelf?

Due to the advanced material, custom-made orthotics will last longer than off-the-shelf products and provide support for a few years instead of weeks.

What percentage of people wear orthotics?

The Prevalence Of Foot Orthotic Use Rises As Patients Age, With 76% Of 55–64-Year-Old Are Using Foot Orthotics And 88% Of 85–94-Year-Old Population Are Using Them. The study also suggests that more women (83%) than men (70%) use foot orthotics, and people with a diagnosis of diabetes are more likely to use them (86%).

Why are orthotics so uncomfortable?

Your orthotics were not properly fitted or designed, or are worn out. Improper design or fit is one of the top reasons for foot pain from orthotics. If you have an improperly fitting foot orthosis, it is often because you have chosen an off-the-shelf solution that does not fit your specific foot shape correctly.

Why are custom orthotics better than over the counter?

With every foot being different, over the counter orthotics companies produce orthotics to fit the general public. They tend to evenly distribute the stress on the foot while custom made foot orthotics work to reduce the overall fatigue placed on the foot.

What is the lifespan of foot orthotics?

Typically, orthotics will last anywhere from one to five years.

Should you wear socks with orthotics?

If you wear an orthosis or brace on your feet, ankles or knees, you need to wear some sort of sock underneath it. The sock protects your skin, keeps your skin dry and helps prevent blisters or sores.

What are the two types of orthotics?

Wearing orthotics may help to restore ankle function, in addition to correcting foot deformities, such as flat feet. Many patients who have bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or diabetes may benefit from wearing orthotics as part of their treatment plan. There are two types of orthotics, rigid and accommodative.