Almost daily you ask me if you should get orthotics for your shoes. You my have foot, knee, or hip issues and have been told that orthotics will resolve them. The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. There are a lot of factors to consider when getting an orthotic.
What Does An Orthotic Do?
An orthotic is a tool that you can put in your shoe to give your foot more support. This may or may not involve arch support. Orthotics can make poor shoes work better. It will help align your foot so that you are less likely to injure yourself. Orthotics also can take pressure off of areas of your foot that are painful.
With all of the stuff that orthotics can do, why would I ever not recommend them?
Orthotics do negative things too.
Orthotics can teach your body that the muscles of the foot or leg don't have to work due to the outside assistance from the orthotic. This can mean that you will have even worse symptoms or pain when you are in shoes, or barefoot, without your orthotics.
Types Of Orthotics
There are two major categories of orthotics; Over the counter and prescription.
Over-the-counter orthotics are available at shoe stores, drug stores, etc. These generally cost less than $30. You can go get them today.
There are many kinds you can get and they will serve different purposes and/or fit into different styles of shoes.
Prescription orthotics cost a lot more money and are made from a casting of your foot. Even if insurance pays for some of it, they often still cost over $100 out of your pocket.
Because they are designed for your feet, you may not be able to wear certain types of shoes with them.
What Is Best For Your Feet?
The best thing that you can do for your feet is to train them. Most foot pain is caused by a muscle imbalance of some sort. Whether it is weakness or tightness or both will need to be addressed. Your foot issues may be caused from anywhere up your body to your knee, hip, or back. An orthotic will struggle to address issues higher up.
Finding the true cause of your foot pain and addressing that is the best thing.
When Should You Use An Orthotic?
I recommend using an orthotic when you can't wait for your pain or other symptoms to heal. I strongly suggest the over-the-counter type due to you only using them temporarily while you address the actual cause of your foot issues.
Due to the, hopefully, short term use of orthotics, I don't see any reason to go all out and get custom orthotics made.
There are exceptions however. Some feet will need orthotics. Most don't, but some do. Those of you that have had multiple, traumatic injuries to your feet may need a longer term solution than an over-the-counter orthotic can provide. Others of you may have skeletal issues with your feet that may not be able to be addressed simply with exercises or stretching. This is very few of you, but not impossible.
Regular Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your feet!
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