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FAQ

Foot orthotics control motion of the foot. Many foot problems are caused by excessive motion of the foot – either over pronation (rolling excessively inward) or supination (rolling excessively outward). By controlling the excessive motion orthotics can help reduce the pain associated with these conditions.
Orthotics Balance the foot. By supporting the arches and in some cases repositioning parts of the foot, orthotics help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and reduce the stresses placed on the foot during weight bearing activities.
Orthotics can also protect the feet. Some of our patients have medical conditions that can result in foot ulcerations. Orthotics can be made to help protect the feet and help prevent these ulcerations.

Possibly. Orthotics can be transfered from one pair of shoes to another to a limited extent. Shoes usually need to have some sort of closure system (i.e. laces, velcro, or buckle) and a removable insole. Slip-on shoes usually do not work with orthotics. The shoes also need to be large enough to accommodate the foot and the orthotic. Certainly the size of the orthotics will make a difference in the shoe’s ability to accommodate it. Larger orthotics (full length or accommodative) will not fit in as many shoes.

For some people orthotics are a lifelong commitment. For others they are a temporary measure until an acute problem has gone away. Some people wear orthotics only when participating in certain activities. Then length of your orthotic treatment is something that should be determined by your doctor and your comfort level when being without the orthotics.

A Podiatrist is a physician. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) diagnose, treat, operate, and prescribe medicine. They go to podiatric Medical School and are required to have residencies just like Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). A Pedorthist is an allied health professional, not a physician. Pedorthists work with podiatrists and other physicians to help in the treatment of foot problems, but do not diagnose or prescribe any kind of treatment. Pedorthists use footwear, shoe inserts, foot orthotics, and shoe modifications to help in the treatment of foot problems.

Proper care for your orthotics is important. The type of material that the orthotic is made from will dictate the type of care. You should always remove your orthotic from your shoe at the end of the day (or whenever you stop wearing them for the day). This allows both the orthotic and the shoe to dry out if there is any perspiration present. Different materials need to be cleaned and cared for differently. If you have questions regarding care you should consult the person who fit your orthotics.

Orthotics last anywhere from a few months to several years. The lifespan of an orthotic depends on the material used to make it and how active the person wearing the orthotic is.

If you have problems with your orthotics you need to go back to the person who fit you with them, especially if they are new or newer. Adjustments are common on new orthotics and you should not feel discouraged if you need them. If you have had your orthotics for more than a year and they no longer function the way they did originally, you need to have them evaluated by your doctor or pedorthist to see if you need to have them remade.