When You Might Need a Foot Orthotic

If you suffer from foot pain or other types of discomfort, you might need foot orthotics.

The following conditions are telltale signs you may benefit from orthotics:

Pain in your foot that lasts longer than two weeks.
Pain lasting longer than two weeks could be an indication of an injury. It would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about any ongoing foot issues. Orthotics can help manage pain for a range of different conditions such as metatarsalgia and shin splints.

Heel Pain
Severe pain in the heel is not normal. If you’re experiencing pain, particularly in the morning, it could be the sign of a foot condition, like plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be treated with orthotics, metatarsal pads, stretching, and lifestyle changes.

Over or Underpronation
Our feet naturally have a turn to them. But sometimes, this can be over or under what is normal. When this happens, the conditions are called over-pronated or under-pronated and can cause significant pain and exhaustion. You will need foot orthotics to help with either of these to correct your feet.

Not sure if you suffer from over or underpronation? Try the Wet Test. With wet feet, stand on a piece of newspaper or paper towel and then examine your footprint. A footprint without a c-curve in the arch could signify a pronator, and a prominent c-curve could suggest supination or underpronation.

Knee Pain
Foot orthotics can change the distribution of force through the foot and ankle, resulting in a change in the distribution of force through the knee.

They can act as cushions to reduce the force through the foot and ankle, which can result in a reduction of force through the knee.

Foot orthotics can also change the alignment of the foot and ankle, which can result in a change of alignment at the knee. For example, they can control overpronation (rolling in) of the foot, which can result in patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, or increased pain from some types of osteoarthritis worse. As the foot overpronates, the lower leg and knee internally rotate. Orthotics can help control overpronation of the foot, which in turn, improves the alignment of the knee and thereby reduces knee pain.