Foot orthoses, or orthotics, are therapeutic devices that are placed inside footwear. They improve the health of feet, knees and hips by effectively supporting and stimulating the sole of your foot; they also can prevent future injuries.

Custom foot orthotics are prescribed to specifically suit your individual problem, foot, activity and type of footwear.

What is over-pronation and how can orthotics help?

Over-pronation is an increasingly common foot complaint, it is caused due to fallen arches or ‘flat feet’ and the condition has varying levels of severity.

There are many reasons people suffer with collapsed arches. The main contributors are age, weight and walking on hard and flat surfaces. Although this condition rarely causes trouble for children and teens, if left untreated over-pronation can become an issue later on. When we over-pronate the natural bio-mechanics of our body is thrown off balance, this leads to foot, knee and back pain, as well as injuries like rolled ankles or heel spurs.

Fortunately, avoiding aches, pains and injuries with this condition is easy by simply investing in a pair of orthotics. The insoles will correct any over-pronation, realigning your feet and legs - improving and restoring correct foot function. Orthotics are the leading, effective and inexpensive solution for over-pronation and the wearer instantly feel the difference.

Are my normal insoles just as good as orthotics?

In short, no. There are many differences between the function of your normal insoles and prescribed orthotics. Normal insoles are there to give you a little comfort, provide medium-level cushioning for the foot and help your shoes fit snugly. Even these perks don’t last as regular insoles quickly compress, stretch and slip around. Insoles are not made to correct any bio-mechanical issues, especially over-pronation. Even big brand sports shoes with ‘arch support’ are incomparable to orthotics.

How does an orthotic work?

There is more than meets the eye with orthotics and they have a whole range of benefits and functions. First of all they help to distribute your body weight evenly over the whole foot, ensuring there are no painful pressure points - especially around the heel. Next, they support the arches for people with over-pronation, realigning the feet ankles and knees. They provide shock absorbency to allow rest for injuries and prevent further damage.

This is all achieved through a carefully molded orthotic that is tailored to your requirements. This is then followed by a fitting, break-in period then readjustment. The orthotics should then be checked every 3 - 6 months in case there is further adjustment required.

If you have had enough of pesky foot troubles or would like to comfortably walk or run without the aches, invest in a pair of quality orthotics. You can get available running, golf, hockey, football, walking, skiing, snow boarding, rugby and cycling cycling orthotics.

About the Author

Whitney Cox is a fitness blogger based in Christchurch, New Zealand. She writes regularly about the benefits of orthotics as a treatment for foot pain.

View the Author's Profile and other articles published in Personal Trainer Today.

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