Did you ever have foot pain, back discomfort, or knee issues? There’s a good chance that someone recommended you orthotics. Othotics is touted as an all-in-one solution for everything from poor posture to plantar fasciitis.
But, is it really the go-to remedy with actual research backing it up, or is it all just hocus pocus? In this blog post, we will reveal what orthotics are & how they work. And of course, we will also reveal the reality of orthotics effectiveness based on actual science.
So, if you are wondering if orthotics are really worth the price tag, stay tuned as we will tell you everything you need to know about orthotics.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts that make them easy to use in everyday life. They are used to relieve pain in foot, ankle, & back. They also help correct posture and fix a number of musculoskeletal conditions.
From feet to everything upward (knees, hips, and even the lower back), orthotics are claimed to be the ultimate solution.
Orthotics are divided into two categories:
- Over-the-counter – The OTC orthotics are recommended for mild symptoms.
- Custom – The custom orthotics are prescribed by healthcare professionals like podiatrists. These are recommended if the symptoms are more serious.
They are also categorized based on their rigidity:
- Soft orthotics – They offer more cushioning, which makes them ideal for people with arthritis, diabetes, and those who need extra support.
- Rigid orthotics – These are designed to control motion and are made of hard materials. These orthotics are prescribed for pain in the legs, thighs, or lower back.
How Orthotics Are Supposed to Work?
Biomechanics is the science of how your body moves and bears weight. Orthotics is all about improving these biomechanics!
Even something a little off in the way you walk, stand, or run can disturb the entire alignment of your body. Orthotics aim to help these issues by offering support, stability, and pressure redistribution.
Here’s how they help in simple terms:
- Support the arch.
- Absorb the shock.
- Distribute the pressure evenly.
- Correct foot alignment
All of these allow the orthotics to reduce or even prevent the pain from the first place. This is achieved by taking the pressure off the sore points and controlling the abnormal motion.
For example, someone with plantar fasciitis can benefit from heel cushioning and arch support.
Orthotics: Do They Really Work?
Now, here’s the big question: Do orthotics work, or is it all just a hoax?
According to a professor of biomechanics (Benno Nigg):
Orthotics actually work and lead to fantastic effects on the patients. However, they don’t know the exact science behind how they work.
Another study from 2016 also reveals that all types of orthotics help reduce pain. They also improve functions in patients dealing with acute plantar fasciitis.
Similarly, a study from 2023 showed orthotics have an astonishing success rate of 89% when it comes to reducing the pain of plantar fascia degeneration.
Just like that, there are tons of scientific studies and research papers that highlight the effectiveness of orthotics! Also, real user reviews of orthotic insoles revealed that their pain and balance issues were fixed!
So, both the short and the long answer is Yes! Orthotics are highly effective in relieving pain & solving a number of health issues.
Orthotics Can Help With These Foot Problems
Here’s a list of some foot problems for which Orthotics can be used:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Foot tendonitis
- Flat feet
- Morton’s neuroma
- Stiff big toe
- High arch feet
- Forefoot pain
And much more…
10 Signs You Need Orthotics
Now that the orthotics’ effectiveness is established, here’s the next question… How can you know if you really need Orthotics or not?
Let’s look at the 10 telltale signs that you need orthotics in your life (or shoes):
- You get foot pain from everyday activities.
- You experience sharp heel pain as you wake up in the morning.
- You have high arches or flat feet.
- You have developed foot complications due to diabetes.
- You recently had a lower leg injury.
- Your shoes have uneven wear and tear.
- You have trouble balancing yourself.
- You get frequent ankle sprains.
- You have chronic lower back pain.
- You are a runner with recent injuries.
Does any of that ring a bell? Then, it’s a sign that you need to reap the benefits of orthotics and get rid of your issues.
Conclusion
Whether we look at the reviews or the scientific studies, everything points to one thing… Orthotics does wonders for those who are dealing with pain, imbalance, and a number of other musculoskeletal conditions.
So, here’s the conclusion: Orthotics are super effective & 100% backed by science.