Orthotics are a fantastic help when treating pain in your feet and lower legs. But did you know that orthotics are not the full solution?
The effectiveness of your orthotics can be largely influenced by the footwear you choose to wear. Here is why that is…
What Are Orthotics Designed To Do?
Orthotics are designed to help you recover from an injury, the symptoms of an illness, or an ongoing medical concern. They help to relieve pressure from the injured area and alter the way that your foot functions so that there is a minimal amount of strain. They also help to support the damaged bone, muscle, or tissues.
Because of the important role they play in recovery, any old orthotic won’t work. Each needs to be specifically fitted for your individual situation. There are many available on the market, some even with additions or modifications. The characteristics of your foot, the injury you have and the symptoms you are facing all need to be taken into consideration so that you can recover in the shortest time possible.
Your podiatrist will be able to prescribe you with an effective orthotic. But that is not the end of the story. Your orthotics then need to go into a pair of ‘sensible shoes’.
You don’t have to purchase a specific pair of shoes to wear orthotics. Simply bring the ones you usually wear into your podiatry appointment and your podiatrist can ensure your orthotics comfortably fit the width of your existing shoes. They can also assess the way you walk and stand so that your orthotics are performing in the way that they should.
How Can My Shoes Affect My Orthotics?
If you place your orthotics into a shoe that hasn’t been checked by your podiatrist then there is every chance it won’t sit properly. That means that your orthotics might not function as they are meant to. They may not relieve the pressure, or support the desired area in the right way.
The following could happen…
Your foot may move from side to side due to lack of support and aggravate your injury
You might experience discomfort from your foot sitting too high in your shoe
Your foot might end up sitting in a position that is counterproductive to your recovery
In short, your shoes can alter the way that your orthotics work. This can mean less support for the injured area, more strain and a longer recovery time.
What Is The Solution?
The solution is a simple one, take the shoes that you regularly wear along with you to your podiatry appointment. Also, if you buy any new shoes, have them checked out too.
Different styles of shoes have different cushioning and support areas, so they can cause your orthotics to perform differently. Letting your podiatrist check how your feet and legs are positioned in each pair of shoes can really affect your recovery. It can also prevent the need to put up with pain and discomfort.
If in doubt, get your podiatrist to check!