If you suffer from foot problems such as flat feet, high arches, fallen arches and other structural defects, you know how hard it is to get around with your daily activities. These problems can cause pain and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with walking, running or performing any other kind of physical activity that makes moving around almost impossible. The good news is there is a solution to all these problems called orthotic-friendly footwear. Orthotic-friendly shoes help to correct structural defects and make it easier to walk or run.
Different Types of Orthotics for Different Conditions
Orthotics are a kind of brace, often made of plastic and worn on the feet or hands, to support various parts of the body. The idea is to reduce pain and disability by realigning joints or supporting weakened muscles or tendons.
Unsurprisingly, there are many different kinds of orthotics. Each is meant for a specific problem, and which one you need depends on what’s wrong with your joints or muscles. To understand how orthotics work, it’s helpful to know what they’re supposed to do. The main purpose is usually to allow a joint to move more fully than it otherwise would.
Specific orthotic devices are also available for people who have undergone ankle surgery or who desire to obtain extra arch support. The type of device needed will depend on what your specific foot problem is. An orthotic is a device that is custom made to fit your feet specifically. They are moulded to fit the contours of your feet and may include additional padding, heel lifts or wedges, or other types of corrective elements.
That said, you need to pick men’s or women’s orthotic friend shoes that fit your feet well and are comfortable so that you can walk in them with less effort and without pain. Your feet are very sensitive to uneven ground, but when you wear the orthotics well, you will be able to walk with comfort on difficult terrain even for a long time without feeling tired.
Who Should Consider Using Orthotics?
A lot of people have feet that aren’t quite right for running, maybe because their arches are too high or their toes are too long, or because they have a bone spur on one heel or some other kind of structural problem. For most people with these kinds of feet, running is painful only if they push themselves really hard. And if you’re not training for a race, there’s no reason to push yourself, so you’ll never experience the pain.
Although orthotics are primarily used for people who have special needs, such as those who have a foot or back problem or a specific impairment, many people use them for general health and comfort. The great majority of people out there would benefit from orthotics, and they are designed for people who use their feet and legs a lot – runners, hikers, dancers, basketball players and so on. Orthotics can also help people with a range of problems, including pronation (flat feet), heel pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendonitis and shin splints.
If you walk barefoot or in thin-soled shoes, or if you walk on hard surfaces such as concrete instead of grass or dirt, then the special support orthotics provide will be a welcome relief. Orthotics can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with many common foot problems by providing support and shock absorption. Benefits include reduced pain, improved balance and stability, increased comfort, better posture and reduced fatigue.
Buying Good Shoes Is a Must When You Wear Orthotics
Your orthotics won’t work if you wear the wrong shoes. If you are suffering from foot problems and need to wear special kinds of shoes, you have to look for a pair that will complement your orthotics, and protect your feet. There are many men’s and women’s orthotic friendly shoes available, including walking shoes, hiking boots, most athletic shoes and clogs. Most sandals, mules and flip-flops don’t work because they don’t have enough support.
The first thing to pay attention to is a heel counter, which prevents your heels from rolling away from the shoes when wearing orthotics. A rigid one does this by applying force to your foot, holding it in place. More flexible ones do not apply force; it only prevents things from pushing the heel out from under your foot. This means that, if you opt to use orthotics regularly, you are better off choosing shoes with minimal torsion and twist. They can reduce muscle fatigue and intense pain experienced in your feet, ankles and legs.
The sole can be flat or it can be raised in the front and back (or both) to give you more traction on slippery surfaces. Some men’s and women’s orthotic friendly shoes are made with a removable insole, which makes it easier to replace worn-out insoles or replace them with an orthotic device if needed. Check out how much arch support there is by pressing on the shoe’s insole with your thumb. A firm and dense midsole promotes the absorption of shocks and allows you to have a good posture.
Orthotics take up a lot of space, so one of the features to look for in an orthotic-friendly shoe is adequate room for the foot and/or toes to move around without getting jammed up by the shoe’s edges or laces. Shoes that are too narrow will press against your foot and cause discomfort while walking or running. It’s OK if your heel or ankle rubs against the back of the shoe because your foot will naturally move forward in the shoe with each step.
For people who have trouble walking, shoes with a low heel are the best option. That’s because they’re more stable and can protect your feet better. If you wear orthotics regularly, look for shoes with a heel that is as small as possible, and be aware that heels that are too high may cause you discomfort and pain.
Most athletic and walking shoes work well with orthotics. Some high-heeled shoes are designed to work with orthotics, but it’s best to select a more supportive shoe style instead of relying on just orthotics for high heels. You should feel comfortable in whatever you choose.
Additional Tips
Before you go shopping for your shoes, it is important to know the kind of orthotic and what works for you. You should also try on several pairs of shoes before buying them so that you can make sure they fit correctly and comfortably. Do not go by the size of the shoe; try it on first before buying it. You may also consider finding an orthotist who has experience in making sure that people get the proper care for their feet.
Since the shoes you wear can affect the health of your feet, you must take the time to look for good ones. If you opt for a cheaper pair, your feet might not be getting the proper comfort and benefits orthotics usually provide.
There may be a longer adjustment period while your body adapts to something that used to be there but isn’t anymore. You may not be able to stand or walk without them, but at first, they’ll feel uncomfortable because they’re not what your feet are used to. That’s just how it goes, and it can take weeks or months depending on how bad the problem is. You shouldn’t expect your body to get used to the orthotics right away; don’t quit using them prematurely because you think they aren’t doing any good. Just use them for as long as the orthotist told you to, then reassess the situation.
To Sum Up
The bottom line is that if your posture is not what it used to be, it might be time to get fitted for orthotics. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and they can make a world of difference when it comes to your overall comfort, gait, and posture. It took me several years before I tried orthotics, and my life is infinitely better as a result.
