What are foot orthotics and orthotic insoles anyway?
Do you really need them? In a nutshell they’re orthopedic devices you use to alter the function of your foot. They’re placed inside your shoe (at least the types we talk about). Here we’re using the terms interchangeably although there are other orthotic devices that are used outside your shoe. You use them to: • modify the biomechanical function of your foot (correcting abnormal or irregular walking patterns) • relieve pressure on certain areas of the foot • provide additional shock absorbency for the foot • reduce or remove some types of foot pain • reduce some types of leg, knee, hip and back pain • improve proper alignment of your feet • improve stability of an unstable joint • reduce some foot stress in overweight people • relieve foot fatigue and discomfort in older folks • help recover from an injury • prevent or slow down existing foot deformities • provide cushioning for arthritic feet where there has been a loss of some of the fatty tissue on the sides of the feet • can provi
