Do I Need an Orthotic Custom Insole?

What is an Orthotic Insole?

Orthotics (insoles or arch supports) are devices used to control abnormal foot function. When the foot is not functioning correctly, painful areas result. An orthotics device can relieve that pain by offering support to the ligaments and the bone structures of the feet. Basically, they are padded insoles, shaped to achieve the correct posture and gait.

When appropriately prescribed, orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. They can also increase stability in an unstable joint, prevent a deformed foot from developing additional problems, and improve overall quality of life.

Do I Need an Orthotics Insole?

Choosing to wear orthotics we feel is a bit like choosing to wear glasses. If you had very minor eye problems, perhaps occasionally you couldn’t read very small print, you probably would not bother to wear glasses, but solve the problem in other ways e.g. ringing directory enquires for a number you couldn’t read in a telephone directory. We have many patients who choose to come into the practice for general callous and corn reduction in order to maintain comfortable feet.

If you eyes were a little worse perhaps you couldn’t read restaurant menus, you may decide a pair of off the shelf reading glasses would be sufficient to help you in those situations, we can also provide off the shelf orthotics which will support the foot and for many people improve foot function to the point where they can live pain free. This practice does not sell off the shelf orthotics to children.

However, if your eyesight meant that you were struggling with everyday tasks or your work or leisure activities involved a lot of close work, you would probably go to your optician and have a custom made pair of glasses specifically made for your eye problems.

These would not only improve your sight but help prevent damage in later life. Custom made orthotics work in the same way. The podiatrist will prescribe orthotics specifically for your foot problems.

How Do Orthotics Work?

Your feet are the foundations of your posture and your gait (the way you walk). Just as a car whose wheels are not aligned correctly will have problems with tyres wearing unevenly and be difficult to steer, your feet, if not functioning correctly, will cause excess pressure on soft tissue muscles and joints causing them not to function correctly - resulting in pain.



​Think of the orthotics gently altering the way you walk and providing cushioning for overloaded areas reducing the strain on soft tissues, muscles and joints and therefore reducing pain.

Orthotics and Footwear

Orthotics need to be worn the majority of the time to be effective, therefore footwear needs to be able to accommodate them. A compromise can be made with some orthotics which can be prescribed in a slim fit version but for maximum benefit, a good functional foot shaped shoe with plenty of depth will be required to accommodate a functional orthotic.

​We believe in patients making an informed choice; for some patients such a shoe would not fit in with their lifestyle and therefore orthotics would be an inappropriate choice of treatment.

Please discuss this aspect of treatment with the podiatrist before you chose to purchase any orthotics.