Orthotics are customized insoles worn in any type of shoe that can correct the way a person walks. Orthotics are designed to restore your natural foot function. Orthotics can strengthen the feet and ankles, evenly distribute weight, relieve imbalances and reduce foot pain.

Many biomechanical complaints from walking, such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by improper foot movement. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their natural position, thereby restoring proper foot movement. This can stop problems and pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, narrow heels, high-arch insteps and pronation. In turn, this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.

You may want to consider using orthotics if you have any of the symptoms listed below:

your ankle drops down when you are walking and/or you frequently sprain your ankle;

you have a history of chronic heel, knee or lower back pain;

when you walk your feet point inward or excessively outward

one side of the sole of your shoe wears out faster than the other;

the muscles in your shins hurt;

your toes tend to curl and are not straight;

your feet hurt when you walk or run.

There are several types of Orthotics grouped into four broad categories:

Functional orthotics incorporate special wedges to adjust the heel or forefoot, correcting defects in the arch that cause poor shock absorption, such as excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) or supination (an arch that is too high).

Weight-dispersive or accommodative orthotics typically feature padding designed to relieve pain caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads. Other accommodative orthotics are designed to treat pain and pressure on the sesamoid bones, collapsed tarsal bones, sore and chronically inflamed toes.

Supportive orthotics are arch supports usually prescribed to treat problems of the plantar arch.

Soft support insoles are also available that help the muscles in your feet redevelop by using progressively firmer foot strengthening inserts, fitting snugly into the insole arches. By stimulating an area that isn't normally exercised, the arches can slowly return to their proper support height. See Barefoot Science.com.
These shoe inserts are a valuable rehabilitative tool - they are a safe, effective and an inexpensive alternative to conventional treatment.

Orthotics or Soft Supports can be the best protection you can buy against developing possible foot and back ailments. Arch supports and insoles increase comfort, reduce fatigue, and give you a competitive edge.

Insurance companies know the value of orthotics and that, if foot problems are left untreated, they can lead to short term or even long term disability claims. Therefore, most medical insurance plans cover the costs to purchase them.

It is well documented that insoles or arch supports provide you with more efficient support for running or walking which will, in turn, protect you against injury. Your posture and an over all feeling of wellness and good balance will result almost immediately once you start using orthotics.

Any form of foot misalignment indicates that you can benefit from wearing orthotics.