Do Orthotics Really Help?
Are there really any beneifts to placing an orthotic in your shoe? This is an extremely debatable topic but we have seen the literature as well as a high percentage of anecdotal evidence steer us away from their use. In my practice, very rarely do I use orthotics for runners. Even patients presenting with plantar fasciitis typically aren’t being prescribed orthotics. Using orthotics for plantar fasciitis is really just a simple way for a practitioner to “try” something to relieve the pain. In fact, we are all taught that you need to find a biomechanical abnormality to implement an orthotic device and not just use the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis as a reason. Many will argue that biomechinal abnormalities exist in all of us and there are benefits to correcting them. This is really a misnomer. We all have variants of foot types and over time experts on biomechacis have taken these variants and small differences in foot types and classified them as “abnormal”. Orthotics were then prescribed to “correct” these abnormal biomechanics with the goal of fixing an injury or ailment.
The question is, does it really make a difference? The short answer is probably not. While some may see benefits from wearing them, the reality is they’re most likely just changing the way you walk enough to allow your body to fix itself. More often than not, removing the orthotics after wearing them for a short period of time could fix your problem and you would not be married to these uncomfortable pieces of plastic as they have become known.
True abnormalities may respond to an orthotics device, especially those that cross the ankle joint and really have a tremendous effect on controlling the subtalar joint (joint immediately below the ankle which is part of the motion involved with pronation). These abnormalities are rare and require more attention then an over-the-coutner orthotic device.
Do orthotics, those inserts that athletes and others slip in their shoes, prevent injuries and improve alignment?
Source: Do Orthotics Really Help?
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About The Author
Dr. Nick Campitelli
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes. Having treated runners with all types of injuries through conservative measures with orthotics and shoe gear changes to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Campitelli has brought what works best and is most current to his practice as well as the Akron and Cleveland running communities.
Hi Nick ,
With regard to the foot print in the sand (above ) by what mechanisms does the unshod foot grip the ground below the foot during toe off ?. My own inexpert belief is that grip is not gained by curling the toes and griping the sand as fingers would grip a branch but rather that the toes remain straight and gravity acting in conjunction with certain anatomical features of the toes and forefoot provides grip at minimal energy cost .
I can’t find much on this topic on the internet and wondered if you were aware of any articles on the subject .
Kind regards
Gerry
Hi Nick
One further comment related to the footprint in the sand shown above . Wouldn’t it be interesting to compare the feet of two groups of professional athletes competing in essentially the same sport but were one group competes whilst wearing shoes on an indoor surface and the other competes and trains whilst barefoot on sand ? Such a comparison might be made in the sport of volleyball which is played both indoors and on the beach . Ultrasound might be used to produce the study results .
Of particular interest might be the comparative development of the intrinsic muscles of the foot between the two groups . A radiographic analysis of the metatarsal bones of the two groups might also be of interest .
Any thoughts ?
Kind regards
Gerry
I think orthotics are a great idea, and can really help with your overall health. Since we spend so much time on our feet, if we don’t have the proper support, it could harm the rest of our physical being as well. Talking with a doctor to see what you can do to help you feet should be the next step to a new you.
I think orthotics can do a lot for you if they are designed correctly. Making sure you are working with the right podiatrist can help you make sure that you are helping your feet rather than hurting them. Orthotics can help you get the spring back in your step, and if you are running a lot, you should really look into them.