Do I Need Orthotics? Clear Signs to Know

Shoe orthotics are not your average comfort-enhancing insoles. They are medical-grade solutions to support your feet, posture, and alignment. Still, many people ask themselves: How do I know if I need shoe orthotics? Understanding the signs makes knowing when to use orthotics and avoiding long-term discomfort easier. Read on to learn more about these signs and how orthotics work in these issues to prevent further complications. 

Persistent Foot Pain

Feeling pain in your foot early in the morning is a sign you must not ignore. Constant foot pain can be caused by aging, being overweight, experiencing an injury, or dealing with conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet. No matter the cause, these foot conditions create excessive pressure on different areas of your foot. Using orthotics redistributes the pressure throughout the foot, making standing or walking more comfortable and natural. 

Poor Shoe Wear

Have you noticed one side of your shoe wearing down faster, or one heel is more scuffed? These footwear issues can cause gait abnormalities (changes in your walking pattern). Besides changing worn-out footwear, shoe orthotics will keep your gait cycle in check. 

Prolonged Standing

Whether standing on your feet for long work shifts or walking for extended periods, these routines only lead to burning heels and swollen arches. The increased muscle fatigue and swelling restricts the blood flow and can even decrease the elasticity of the tendons and ligaments in your feet. In this scenario, orthotics can promote blood circulation and reduce the stress on the posterior tibial tendon. 

Foot Sprains

If you constantly find walking difficult on rugged terrain or uneven surfaces, it may be a sign of weak ankles and poor foot stability. One major function of Orthotic insoles is to keep the feet stable, support the ankles, and prevent overpronation or oversupination.

Back and Knee Pain

Besides putting unnecessary pressure on the feet, poor foot alignment can also be the culprit for the pain in your lower limb joints. As the feet, knee, and hip joints work in sync with each other, poor alignment of the feet can easily affect the alignment in the knee and back, resulting in pain and discomfort. To understand this concept better, here is an example. Overpronation (inward rolling of feet) puts extra pressure on your lower limb joints at a certain angle, leading to poor alignment. 

The body's pelvic region naturally tries to compensate for this misalignment by tilting, resulting in lower back stress. Practical solutions like orthotics work great at improving posture, eliminating the root cause of joint pain

Diabetes With Foot Complications

People who have diabetes have to keep their blood sugar levels in check. If the blood sugar control is poor, the risk of complications and organ damage increases greatly. One complication related to poor diabetes control is peripheral neuropathy where the nerves in the feet lose their sensation, leaving the feet prone to cuts, pressure sores, blisters, and much more. The correct use of orthotics for diabetic patients reduces friction in the foot joints, distributes weight throughout the foot, and reduces the risk of foot complications like peripheral neuropathy and others.  

Recovery From Surgery

Many lower limb surgeries can affect how you carry your feet. One of the best examples is an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction surgery, which can easily change the gait, creating unnecessary pressure on joints and the feet. The swelling from this gait change further slows down the recovery process. If they notice poor posture, gait, and alignment, podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can recommend orthotics in combination with adequate physical therapy sessions.  

Visiting a Specialist

If you feel constant pain or notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s better to consult a podiatrist (foot specialist) or an orthopedic doctor for better symptom assessment and a treatment plan.

The podiatrist will examine:

• The alignment, arch, and height of your foot.

• Walking or running pattern.

• X-ray scans or use other diagnostic methods for an accurate diagnosis.

Depending on the issue, the podiatrist can suggest orthotics in combination with physical therapy.

Types of Orthotics You Might Need

Breaking in Your Orthotics

Just like your feet need time to adjust to newly bought shoes, it will take some time to adapt to using orthotics. You can start by wearing them one to two hours daily. Increase the time to three to four hours a day on day four. You will adjust to using orthotics full time with your shoes within two weeks. However, if you still feel discomfort or persistent pain, immediately contact your podiatrist to find the possible cause. 

After using orthotics for a few weeks, you should feel less pain and fatigue. You will be visiting the podiatrist after two months for further adjustments. Most orthotics last from a year to up to five years, depending on the material used. Still, you should replace them if you find:

• Cracks, tears, or wear marks

• Flat arch or material compression

• Pain is not resolving or is worsening 

It isn't something you should ignore, whether it’s pain or discomfort, anywhere from your heels to your hips. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse, even if a few of these signs sound like you. It might be time to talk to a podiatrist (foot specialist) and try orthotics. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Orthotics help with bunions?

Custom orthotics can significantly reduce the extra pressure on the big toe joint, slowing down it’s progression and improving treatment results. 

Is a prescription required for orthotic insoles?

Purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics doesn’t require a prescription. However, custom orthotics are only made after adequate assessment and prescription from a healthcare professional. 

Do orthotics benefit children with foot issues?

The early use of orthotics in children can improve problems like flat feet, gait abnormalities, and in-toeing.

Can orthotics be used for different shoes?

Most orthotic insoles slip right into your shoes. However, some custom orthotics may require you to wear a certain type of shoe, like sneakers or dress shoes, for maximum results.