Orthotics
Taking care of your feet
Orthotics
Our feet were designed for walking on uneven ground of varying densities (grass, mud etc.).
It is rare for anyone to have perfect foot function and walking on hard flat surfaces aggravates any abnormal function. Increased levels of activity or reduced function with age can all contribute to the onset of symptoms. The average person takes 5,000 to 18,000 steps per day (2,500-9,000 per foot). It only takes a small level of stress, repeated thousands of times a day, to either cause or aggravate injury.
Orthoses (insoles) are inserts prescribed and fitted by podiatrist, that you put in your shoes to either help to redistribute and cushion pressure (accommodative orthotics) or control / improve the way your foot and leg function (functional orthotics).
They can also influence the alignment of your knees, hips and lower back and so can be used to treat foot, knee, and hip or back pain. If you have been recommended any other form of treatment, for example, physiotherapy, then it is important that you continue with both.