What is the difference between orthotics and arch supports




















This means that the symptoms are likely to persist, or possibly worsen over time if not properly addressed. Orthotics are similar to inserts, but with the important distinction of being custom made.

This of course means that they will be designed to address not only the specific issue that you have, but they will also be designed to fit your feet perfectly, not approximately. This greatly increases their effectiveness in reducing pain and correcting existing problems. Like insoles, orthotics can also be used to cushion your feet and provide arch support, but more successfully. Unlike insoles, orthotics can also be used to correct the way we stand and walk.

Even the slightest deviation in your feet can lead to knock on effects that go right up your body. The shins, knees, and back are just some of the body parts that can be adversely affected by improper posture or gait. Orthotics address this by spreading the pressure evenly around your feet, and making sure that they hit the ground at the right angle, which is why it is so important that these are custom made.

Insoles typically last about 6 months, whereas orthotics can last for up to five years. These lifespans reflect the length of time the products are supposed to be used. Orthotics yield results that are more noticeable and faster than those offered by insoles, so if you have been experiencing pain consistently for a long period of time, you should be looking at orthotics. While insoles are not as effective, they can still provide short term relief, but would generally be more suitable for people who do not experience the pain consistently or regularly.

In fact, insoles can be used as a preventative measure if you engage in any activity that requires you to be on your feet for extended periods of time. The keystones of your foot are equivalent to your rearfoot and forefoot. It correctly realigned your keystones. Furthermore, some professionals believe that your body still compensates, but you compensate more slowly, which is better than compensating quickly.

Now the question is, do you need an arch support or an orthotic? Perhaps you should just leave it alone? How about going the opposite direction and join the trend of running barefoot? As my mom would say, there is a time and a place for everything. But when you do make a decision, it will be informed and the best option for your two standing bridges. We'd be happy to work with you and tell you which is right for you. If you think an arch support will do the job - or you simply want to give one a try as an easy and relatively low cost option, here are the arch supports we recommend.

The flatter your arch is the more likely you'll want firm, but it also means it's more likely that will take some getting used to. In addition, please keep in mind that the more substantial or firm the arch support or orthotic is, the more space it will occupy in your shoe.

So when in doubt opt for Medium Firm or Gentle. Back to Self Care. What is the difference between an Orthotic and an Arch Support?

Essentially, this would mean the feet rolling in, the legs turning in, the pelvis tilting, and the back increasing its lordosis. But before you panic and run screaming for a doctor, keep in mind that whether to address them needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Put another way: are your faults and compensations correlated with problems you are having, or are they the cause? For example, if you wear a size 9. Another consideration with sizing is the overall width of the shoes.

Many shoes have a narrow arch fit which makes orthotics difficult to fit. When the shoe is too narrow in the middle, that shoe is trying to support the arch with the upper of the shoe. Adding an arch support to this shoe will generally cause that shoe to be too tight and make the heel slip.

You want to make sure the heel cup of the orthotics sits flat into the heel cup of the shoe, the arch fits nicely into the middle, and the toe extension fits into the forefoot of the shoes without folding up or pinching. Placement — You always want to place orthotics at the rear of the shoe with the heel cup seated flat on the inside heel of the shoe.

The arch placement should start at the forward portion of your heel and should end just before the joint at your big toe. If the arch support also has metatarsal support, you want the metatarsal pad to sit just behind the bones in the ball of your foot. Correctly placed met pads will usually feel like a small ball in the middle of your foot.

If the met pad is placed correctly and appropriately for your foot, that feeling will diminish over time. Your Arch Type — All feet fall within a range of three arch types. Those are the low arch, normal arch, and high arch foot.

The low arch type is commonly referred to as a flat foot. The high arch type is also referred to as a cavus foot. The lower your arch, the more of your foot will make contact with the ground leaving a fuller imprint. A high arch foot will generally only show the heel and the ball of the foot with no part of the middle of the foot making an imprint.

While the flat foot and the cavus foot are the types of feet that usually feel the most immediate relief from arch supports, the normal foot benefits as well. As we age, our tendons and ligaments begin to wear out and the arches of our feet have to work harder and harder. By wearing good arch support you can keep your feet and body supported which helps prevent many issues. Materials — Arch supports are made in a wide variety of materials. Most are made with a variety of types of plastics ranging from a hard molded support to a soft foam.

There are hundreds of types of varieties used in the manufacture of arch supports. Two of the most popular used materials are EVA and Polyurethane. These are the same types of materials you will find in many running shoe midsoles. The reason why they are commonly used is that they have really good shock absorption and rebound properties.

Both of these make for an instant comfort factor. Orthotics made from firmer plastic materials are usually used in the manufacturing of custom-molded orthotics. These orthotics are usually made to correct a foot condition and have maximum support. This is why the firm plastics need to be custom-molded for the individual by a specialist. Footbed Type — There are two main types of arch support footbeds.

A full length is designed to replace an existing insole in a pair of shoes. Plantar Fasciitis — This is one of the most common foot issues people deal with. Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia of the foot. This can be caused by wearing poorly fitted shoes, shoes that are too worn, overuse, flattening feet, trauma, and numerous other reasons.

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain when you first wake up in the morning or after being seated for a long period then standing up. While the pain is most common in the morning or after being seated, the inflammation is usually irritated because you are not supporting the arch of the foot. This is why arch supports are one of the best possible options for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

By supporting the foot all day, you can help the inflammation heal. This is why so many sufferers of Plantar Fasciitis find relief by using orthotics. Arch Pain — If you are experiencing arch pain, it may be time to start wearing arch supports.

Arch pain can be due to underlying problems, or from excessive activity. Arch supports will benefit your feet and whole body, in the long run. We sincerely recommend wearing arch supports as the first sign of arch pain.

Over-Pronation — Overpronation is when your ankles tend to roll inward while walking. If you notice this or have been diagnosed with overpronation, an insert orthotic will help to keep your ankle and body aligned properly.

Supination — Supination is the motion of your foot rolling outward when you walk. If you supinate when walking, orthotics will help to keep your feet and body aligned. Standing For Long Periods — If you have an occupation where you are on your feet all the time, you should consider wearing orthotics in your shoes at all times. Wearing insoles will help prevent the occurrence of a more serious foot problem later on.

Heel Spurs — A heel spur feels like a hard rock in your heel. If you suffer or are at risk of getting a heel spur an orthotic will help to alleviate the pain that comes with a heel spur. Orthotics help to evenly distribute pressure and doing this will also help to lower your risk of the heel spur getting larger and more painful. The effect Arthritis can have on the body and the feet can vary widely from person to person. Some people with Arthritis have no problems with pain in their feet, knees, hips, or back while others have extreme issues which require a high level of care.

Metatarsalgia is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. It is commonly associated with sports and active activities that involve running and jumping.

There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose. Arch supports can be modified with a met-pad that will help to even further reduce the pressure. Some arch supports come with a built-in met-pad, for those who prefer the option to remove as needed, a modification might be the best solution.

Lucky Feet shoes offer modifications in-store for arch supports and footwear. Having someone fit you to the orthotic that will fit your needs will help to keep your body happy and healthy!

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Heat Moldable — Heat moldable arch supports mold to the foot using heat. These are made from materials designed to withstand heat and contour the foot. In addition to support, these additions provide warmth. Memory Foam — Memory foam orthotics are thick and full length.

Usually, they will fit best into a shoe with a removable insole. High Heel — Many times high heels and dress shoes can cause pain. Dress arch supports are specifically made for high heels. It is still just as important to support the arch in heels. Ask your local Lucky Feet Shoes fit expert about the best options for your fancier favorites. Kids Insoles — It is common for children to experience foot pain.

Recognizing foot problems early on can prevent even more painful foot problems down the line. Arch supports are not only for adults.

Children experiencing supination, foot pain, and over-pronation will benefit from wearing arch supports. Sandals and other footwear — Want to wear sandals but need support?

Some arch supports and orthotics are thin enough to be worn in sandals. Another option would be to find a sandal with built-in arch support such as Aetrex or Sovella. Frequently Asked Questions Why is arch support important? Arch support is crucial to keeping your feet, knees, hips, back, and body in proper alignment. Lack of proper orthotics can increase your chances of getting a serious foot condition.

How do I know what arch support is right for my shoes?



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