Orthotics

Orthotics are special wearable medical devices primarily used to treat foot and ankle issues. They’re often offered as an alternative to surgery as well as post-surgery. They can also be used as a means to alleviate chronic pain in the affected areas. Orthotics comprise a whole range of different devices including:

•         Shoe inserts
•         Foot pads
•         Ankle braces
•         Orthotic boots

There’s a range of orthotic products including off-the-shelf and customized, treating a wide variety of ankle, leg, and knee pains, ranging in price from as cheap as $10 to as much as $800 for custom-made varieties.

Types of orthotics

Here, we will take a look at some of the most common kinds of orthotics, how they are used and what they are designed to treat:

•         Foot pads are some of the cheapest and smallest of devices used in orthotics. They can be worn on the bottom of the foot directly or inside a shoe to improve comfort and alleviate strain and might be used to treat pain caused by high-impact sports or arthritis. There are different shapes, designed to alleviate pressure in certain areas and cushion sore spots like calluses.
•         Shoe inserts are the most common orthotic, and what most tend to think of when they hear the term. Also known as inlays, insoles, arch support and they like, they are exclusively worn inside of shoes. They can be used to treat arthritis, sports injuries, and much more. They vary between soft, firm, and flexible, and there are specialized inserts used to treat foot pain related to diabetes symptoms as well as others that are molded directly to the shape of the foot to support the whole. Custom foot inserts can also be made by orthotists and prosthetists and used to correct and prevent foot abnormalities.
•         Ankle braces are worn beneath the shoe and used to alleviate strain and prevent movement in the ankles. This can help lessen pain and damage to the ankle caused by issues like arthritis and tendinitis. Like other orthotics, they can be off-the-shelf or custom made.

Choosing orthotics

Finding the right orthotic device suited to your needs is best one with the help of an orthotist, prosthetist or pedorthotist. Which device works for you and whether you would benefit best from off-the-shelf or custom made depends on the severity, location, and the cause of your pain. The shoes you wear are also a factor, as a practitioner will likely want to see the shoes and have them involved in the fitting process.

What can you expect from orthotics?

Orthotics also require some time to adjust to them, especially foot pads and shoe inserts. They often need to be “broken in” and the wearer needs time to become accustomed to them. If they cause pain or pressure after a while of wearing them, however, it’s wise to have your practitioner make the necessary adjustments to them.

The effectiveness of orthotics depends on a lot of different factors. They are best chosen to meet a specific aim, such as alleviating or changing the pressure on a part of the foot or of preventing and controlling the motion of the ankle. They have been highly effective in preventing and alleviating pain for many users, especially those who can’t or wish not to go into surgery.