Orthotics are devices you can wear in your shoes to reduce symptoms related to many different foot and ankle conditions. Depending on your condition, your podiatrist may recommend a custom device. While these prescription options are more expensive them store-bought kinds, they provide better cushioning and support for your foot.
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Orthotics are devices you wear to relieve pain associated with various foot and ankle conditions. They include everything from shoe inserts and ankle braces to custom devices. Your foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) may recommend you try an over-the-counter orthotic device if you have mild symptoms related to your condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, they may prescribe a more advanced option, like custom orthotics. Orthotics can help prevent or delay the need for more invasive treatment, like surgery.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Other names for orthotics include:
Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend orthotics for any of the following foot and ankle conditions:
Signs that you may need orthotics include:
Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend orthotic devices for several reasons. Orthotics:
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For example, you can insert an arch support on the inside of your shoe to help support a flat foot. Supporting flat feet can help prevent foot tendonitis. Or you may use a heel cushion to help absorb the impact and relieve stress when you walk on your heel.
Orthotics range from simple inserts you can buy at your local drugstore to custom-made devices that a podiatrist creates especially for your foot.
Custom orthotics are specially made devices that your provider designs to cushion and support your feet. You can get some custom orthotics as full-shoe inserts. Others are available that support just your heels.
Your provider will craft a pair of prescription orthotics that precisely match the contours of your feet. They’ll design them to work with the way your feet and ankles move. To construct your custom orthotics, your provider will either make a plaster mold of your feet, have you step in a foam box that takes an impression of your foot or use a computerized foot analysis to create a 3D image of them.
There are two main kinds of custom orthotics:
Custom orthotics are more expensive than shoe inserts you can buy at the store. But they last much longer and provide better cushioning and support for your feet.
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Foot and ankle specialists use orthotics to help reduce the symptoms that a number of different health conditions can cause. Orthotics can help align and support your feet and ankles. They can also help prevent and treat foot deformities and other conditions involving your feet. Many people say that orthotics help improve the overall functioning of their feet and ankles.
Research on the effectiveness of orthotics for the treatment of flat feet in adults shows that there’s a lack of evidence in the available studies. None of the studies that researchers examined showed a clear indication that orthoses work for flat feet. But studies indicate that the use of inserts doesn’t cause any harm either.
Orthotics creates a change in the biomechanics of your feet. Your healthcare provider will recommend that you give it some time to allow your feet to adjust to this change. It can take up to one month for your feet to adjust to your orthotics.
Orthotics don’t treat your foot or ankle condition but rather, manage your symptoms. If you find orthotics that work for you, your provider will likely recommend that you use them permanently. If you stop using them, your foot or ankle symptoms may return or get worse.
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Prescription orthotics can last for years, but this varies based on several factors, including:
If you want some extra support or cushioning for your feet, you may want to try a store-bought shoe insert. These over-the-counter options work well for minor pain and swelling due to mild conditions. Purchase one with a firm arch that doesn’t easily give.
But if you’re experiencing severe pain or discomfort, you should see a foot and ankle specialist. A podiatrist will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles. They’ll diagnose any conditions you may have and prescribe treatment, which may include the use of a custom orthotic.
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A note from Cleveland Clinic
Do you have an annoying pain in your foot that’s been bugging you for a while? A store-bought orthotic device may help with your pain and discomfort. But if your pain is severe or nagging, it may be time to see a foot and ankle specialist. A podiatrist can take a look at your foot and see what’s been going on. They may recommend a custom orthotic to help permanently get you back on your feet — literally.
Last reviewed on 08/26/2024.
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