Do You Need Orthotics? Find Out What Type You Should Wear
Were you aware that many pains throughout your musculoskeletal system can be traced to problems with your feet?
Misaligned feet result in your sinus tarsi (space between two bones in your feet) collapsing, which makes your feet roll inward excessively. This is the reason why you are having chronic pain. But as soon as you resolve the root cause by wearing orthotics, the pain will improve.
Orthotics are custom shoe inserts or a medical device inserted into a shoe used to manage many foot problems, including bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, heel pain, arthritis, etc. However, before you invest in orthotics, you need to know their various types to identify which kind you need. If you’re looking for orthotic shoes in hamilton, check out Feet In Motion. They offer a wide range of foot care services, including wart removal in Mississauga. You can find more info on Feet in Motion when you visit their website now.
Types of Orthotics
Orthotics have three categories: those that are prescribed by doctors to address foot issues and act as protection, those that mainly attempt to optimize foot function, and ones that protect the wearer from potential injuries.
1. Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotics are designed to control the motion of two major foot joints, which lie right under your ankle joint to help ease strains, aches, and pains on your thighs, legs, and lower back. They’re also frequently used as dress shoes. These medical devices are durable, do not change shape, and are difficult to break.
Their most important characteristics are:
- Made of firm materials, including plastic or carbon fiber
- You do not need too much modification to fit your shoe size
- They’re extended from the sole of the heel to the toes or ball of your foot.
2. Semi-rigid Orthotics
These orthotics are usually used by athletes or individuals participating in sports since they are designed to give foot balance for walking. They may not offer you a permanent solution to foot issues but can help support muscles, joints, and joints.
Their advantages include:
- Made of layers of soft materials, reinforced with rigid materials
- Perfect for athletes and sports enthusiasts
3. Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are created to help absorb shock, maximize balance, and take pressure off sore or uncomfortable spots. They’re molded by your foot’s walking action or fashioned over a plaster impression of your feet. They are typically used to manage deformed, arthritic, and diabetic foot issues.
Soft orthotics are:
- Used to absorb shock, increase balance, or release pressure
- Made of soft, compressible materials
- Often recommended along with prescription footwear and might need extra room in your shoes
- Worn against the sole of your foot, extending from heels to toes
4. Orthotics for Children
These medical devices treat children with foot deformities. Many podiatric physicians recommend that children with these kinds of issues be put in orthotics shortly after they begin walking to stabilize their feet. These could be put directly into regular or athletic shoes.
The child’s orthotics are often replaced if their foot has grown two sizes. Since their feet grow and change shape, different types of orthotics may be needed.
5. Other Types of Orthotics
Many other types of orthotics may be utilized as protection for many sports such as skiing, inline skating, and ice skating. They’re also able to treat back problems brought on by foot imbalance.
For more complicated ankle and foot deformities, custom or non-custom bracing is suggested to ease pain and enhance function. It can stabilize your foot and ankle and might include an orthotic-like footplate. In addition, it can fit a standard shoe and may avoid surgery for ankle and foot issues.
Practical Tips for Wearing Orthotics
If you’re advised to wear or are currently wearing orthotics, you may consider these tips:
- Each time you want to buy a new set of shoes, always bring your orthotics.
- Wear shoes, which work well with your orthotics.
- Wear socks or stockings like those you plan on wearing when you buy a new pair of shoes.
- Always contact or follow your physician’s recommendations and return for follow-up if needed.
