What are the Type of Foot Orthotics and How Do they Help Foot Issues?

By Rehan Iqbal

If you work on your feet for most of the day, a little bit of pain may be normal for you. In fact, experiencing foot pain is a common complaint for many people. It can be caused by many factors, just as there are various ways to resolve the problem.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer at all. One way to deal with any foot issue is with orthotics.

Orthotics are medical devices inserted in footwear to provide additional cushioning and support. They are specifically designed to alleviate foot pain and provide comfort for the wearer.

What is the Purpose of Orthotics?

So what are these devices, and how can they ease the pain you feel when you spend time on your feet?

Foot orthotics are made with different materials and come in various shapes and sizes. They are often customized to meet specific foot issues of an individual.

You are likely familiar with shoe inserts, the most common type of foot orthotics. They can alleviate heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis. They are readily available over the counter from pharmacies and some shoe stores.

Other types of foot orthotics deal with more serious issues, such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Called ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), they help with pain and deformity originating from the feet to the lower extremities.

There are also knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO) designed to treat knee instability. These are also used for multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy complications.

But which type of orthotics would best deal with your specific foot issue? The best way to answer this question is to consult with a podiatrist. They can check your unique foot structure and discuss your symptoms to identify the best orthotics for your situation.

Types of Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics can support, align and improve how the muscles, bones, and joints function. A foot specialist often recommends three main types of foot orthotics:

Rigid Orthotics

Rigid orthotics use materials such as plastic and metal for durability. They provide the support needed to reshape foot deformity and alleviate pain.

Rigid orthotics can treat the following conditions:

Plantar fasciitis - Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue in feet used when walking or moving. It is often caused by standing or walking for extended periods while wearing inappropriate or low-quality footwear.
Achilles tendonitis - Inflammation of the tendon that connects the back of the lower leg to the heel. This causes pain near the bottom of the foot, making it difficult for a person to walk, jump, or climb.
Bunions - These are bony bumps on the joint that forms on the base of the big toe. They emerge when the toes or bones in the front part of the feet are moved to one side, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude.
Flat feet - Also called fallen arches, this condition means that a person did not develop arches in childhood or adolescence. Though not considered serious, it can make running, walking, and standing painful.
High arches - They lead to metatarsalgia, or inflammation of the ball of the foot. The pain can worsen the longer a person walks, stands, or exercises.

Soft Orthotics

Soft orthotics are made with foam or gel, often used for minor foot issues, such as heel pain. They can provide relief and comfort from bunions, plantar fasciitis, and arch pain.

They are also great for the following conditions:

Hammer Toes - This deformity occurs due to muscle, ligament, or tissue imbalance. The tissues cannot hold the toe straight, so it becomes crooked over time. Inappropriate footwear and some underlying conditions can contribute to hammer toes.
Morton’s neuroma - This is caused by the thickening of the tissues around the nerves leading to the toes. It leads to a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the feet.

Semi-rigid Orthotics

Semi-rigid orthotics are the best option for those with foot issues that do not require rigid orthotics, but that soft orthotics cannot resolve. Often made with carbon fiber and softer plastic materials, they can support and stabilize the feet but still provide the needed flexibility.

These foot orthotics are versatile and can be used to treat all kinds of issues, pains, and deformities.

The Bottom Line

Our feet are valuable to our health and give us the mobility we need to function in our daily lives. That’s why we need to feel comfortable no matter what shoes we wear and deal with foot pain immediately.

Whatever your line of work, if you experience soreness or an injury that causes radiating pain from your feet to ankles, you need to see a podiatrist to find the best support for comfort and stability.

Browse our blog to find the right boots for your foot structure and ensure maximum comfort and productivity at work.