When do I need foot orthotics?
Wearing foot orthotics is useful for a variety of complaints: For example, they can correct foot misalignments, optimise walking behaviour and relieve the musculoskeletal system and joints. They can also help to improve motion sequences, alleviate pain, reduce tension and protect against overloading and injuries.
How do foot orthotics work?
Foot orthotics are customised to the patient's individual needs by orthopaedic shoe technicians. The functionality of these foot orthotics is based on several principles:
- Supporting: Foot orthotics provide support for the arches of the feet to correct or compensate for misalignments. Both the transverse and longitudinal arches can be relieved by means of inserts.
- Cushioning: Foot orthotics can absorb shocks and stresses to relieve the joints and ligaments and reduce pain.
- Redistributing pressure: Redistributing the pressure to certain areas of the foot can be beneficial in the case of deformities or foot malpositions, for example.
- Stabilising: Foot orthotics can improve the stability of the foot, particularly in the case of unstable joints or after injuries.
Do foot orthotics also have an effect on other parts of the body, for example the knees, pelvis and back?
Definitely! Foot orthotics are especially prescribed because of discomfort on the foot (73 percent). The effects of foot misalignment can affect the statics of the entire body. Posture and back problems are often the result. Knee, hip or headaches are also common. Foot orthotics can help to correct the position of the foot, change the body's statics and thus reduce the strain on other parts of the body.
As foot orthotics play an important role for the entire musculoskeletal system and the movement process, 26 per cent of patients who are prescribed foot orthotics are prescribed them for back problems, 24 per cent for knee problems and 20 per cent for hip problems. These percentages not only underline the relevance of foot orthotics for foot deformities, but also their use to relieve deformities of the knee or hip and spine.1
Elaine Ost reports on her experience with foot orthotics and the positive effects on her knee complaints.
How long do I need / should I wear my foot orthotics?
The length of time foot orthotics are worn can vary depending on the symptoms. Your doctor decides on the patient-specific use of the medical aids. Please note that the familiarisation phase for foot orthotics can take up to three weeks. Start by wearing them for hours at a time and then slowly increase the wearing time to the whole day.
How long does it take for foot orthotics to help?
How long it takes for the effects of wearing foot orthotics to become noticeable can vary from person to person and from indication to indication. The most important factor here is what the therapy is aimed at:
Immediate relief:
In many cases, foot orthotics can provide quick comfort and immediate relief.
Long-term effect:
To achieve long-term positive changes, you should wear the foot orthotics regularly. This can take weeks to months, depending on your individual situation. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Are foot orthotics always useful? What to do if pain persists and foot orthotics don't work? Can foot orthotics also harm?
Patients may experience persistent pain despite using foot orthotics. If foot orthotic wearers continue to have foot pain, this must be clarified by a doctor. This also applies to knee pain, back problems and other health restrictions.
Specialists at the medical supply store will also be happy to advise you on the following aspects:
- Check the foot orthotics: Make sure that the foot orthotics have been made correctly and fit well. The foot can change over time, so the foot orthotics should be checked and adjusted occasionally.
- Check your shoes: Not every pair of shoes is suitable for foot orthotics. Make sure that your shoes offer enough space and that the foot orthotics do not cause additional pressure or friction.
- Consultation with your doctor: If you still have pain, please consult your doctor. You may also receive physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles and improve your foot posture.
- Check alternatives: If orthopaedic foot orthotics are not the best solution for you, your doctor can suggest alternative treatment options, such as special orthopaedic shoe models.
How do foot orthotics differ from those you can buy at the drugstore or discount store?
If you want a little more comfort in your shoes, then foot orthotics from the chemist or discount store can be a good alternative. However, they are unsuitable for treating foot misalignments and pain in the feet. To this end, you need foot orthotics, which are prescribed by a doctor after an appropriate diagnosis and customised to your individual needs.
Diagnosis & treatment
FAQ
Diagnosis & therapy
Special exercises for strengthening the muscles and promoting the mobility of the feet
Show source:
1 Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach im Auftrag von eurocom e. V. (2023), Medizinische Hilfsmittel. Wirkungsvolle und etablierte Therapie für mehr Lebensqualität im Alltag. Published online at: Allensbach-Patientenumfrage-2023_web.pdf (eurocom-info.de) (last accessed: 24 October 2023)
