How Do Foot Orthotics Work?

By : Philip Spark

How Do Foot Orthotics Work?

This debate rages among the Podiatrists and Biomechanists who treat foot conditions with in
shoe foot orthotics. It is very difficult to get many to agree as to how they work. Most of the old
theories that have been offered in the past are now considered myths. For example:
•Orthotics do not bring the ground up to the foot
•Orthotics do not change the pattern of rear foot and mid-foot motion
•Prescription and fitting of custom orthosis is not an exact science.
When a contoured insole is placed into a shoe then the foot will be forced to change the
way it works, just as different footwear and different surfaces we walk on will also cause
the foot to change.
In clinical practice we find that introducing small changes to the way a foot functions will bring
about changes in the foot. These changes can be in the form of stretching and
strengthening exercises, change to footwear or placing orthosis into the shoes. The decision for
the practitioner and indeed the consumer is to determine if custom orthosis or over the counter
orthosis would be the best option to treat the condition. Orthosis generally work well when pain in
the foot is linked to weight bearing activity that is the more time spent on the feet brings an
increase in pain or pain occurs on weight bearing after rest. If the answer to these questions is
yes then a change to the foot posture might be necessary to bring about relief.
The things to consider as a consumer is: Do I want to consult a professional or try to treat this
myself?
If consulting a professional then a collaborative decision would be made as to the best outcome
based on the clinician’s advice. Many practitioners use over the counter orthosis as a first
choice when treating foot pain due to the cheaper cost, effectiveness and desire to introduce
small changes to the foot without using a custom device. Many practitioners are using
prefabricated devices such as Formthotics, Vasilyi and a new comer to the market Podlink
Orthotics. If the practitioner advises a custom device is the best option then they will take a 3
dimensional cast of the foot as this is regarded as the most thorough and accurate method of
taking an impression of the foot by most leading clinicians.
Points to keep in mind when purchasing if treating the foot complaint with an over the
counter device.
•Will these orthosis fit easily into my shoe?
•Will I have to adjust or cut and trim it myself?
•What is the cost?
•How long will it last
•Is it made from a material that my foot will like?
•Is it easy to clean?
•Most importantly, will it work?
The things we do know about the foot are if a person’s pain in the foot is irritated by walking then
it is most likely to be an alignment problem of the foot. Treating this alignment problem by
supporting the arch of the foot will reduce the stresses on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and
bones of the foot which so often will bring about a relief in pain for the person.