Have you been experiencing foot pain or other issues with your feet recently and you’re not too sure what is going on? Maybe you have come across orthotics online and now you’re wondering if you might need them as well? Take a look at our top 5 signs that you might need to visit a podiatrist soon to have your feet checked out.
Table of Contents
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are specially designed insoles that are inserted into your shoes to help treat and correct any abnormal movement of your feet. They can be made from different materials with different variations and features that improve the function of the foot and relieve symptoms.
Orthotics can be used to help treat a number of foot conditions, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Flat feet or high arches and associated problems with these foot postures
- Sever’s Disease
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
How do I know if I need orthotics?
If you suspect that you may need orthotics but you’re not too sure what the signs to look out for are, we can help. Here are some of the signs you may need orthotics:
1. You’re experiencing foot pain
Foot pain after you have been going about your normal daily activities such as walking or sports isn’t normal. You may likely have some undiagnosed issues with your feet, so you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist and get the issues sorted.
2. You feel unstable on your feet
Unstable walking is an issue that can be caused by a foot type that moves excessively either in (pronation) or out (supination). For example, a flatter foot posture may have extremely flexible joints and a higher-arched foot type may be susceptible to a recurrent ankle sprain. This instability can be controlled with the use of orthotics that help provide support where it is needed.
3. Your shoes are wearing unevenly
Are your shoes ending up with tread marks that are uneven on either the inner or outer edges? This is a sign that your foot is rolling inward or outward as you walk. Orthotics can help to redistribute pressure and prevent the uneven wearing of your shoe tread.
4. You're experiencing heel pain first step in the morning
This pain is not normal and should be assessed by a podiatrist This pain can be a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists are experts in dealing with this condition and will tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
5. You’ve had a previous injury
Previous injuries can affect the way you walk in not only the short-term but also in the long-term. Whether you injured your feet directly or the injury is causing you to overcompensate and put undue stress and pain on areas of your body that weren’t initially impacted by the injury, orthotics can help.
Orthotics can be very beneficial if you’re experiencing issues with your feet such as excessive pain, uneven tread or you’ve been injured in the past. They can help you walk better and live more pain-free. If you’re experiencing foot issues and you think that you might need to see a specialist, give us a call today or look out for our Orthotics FAQ on the website for further information. Our experts will be able to assess your feet and help you decide whether you need orthotics.
Author
Cable Mills
Cable Mills is the Senior Podiatrist at Swan Podiatry and Orthotics in Darwin.
He studied Podiatry at Charles Stuart University and has worked in busy podiatry practices in Darwin and Melbourne since graduating in 2011. He has a passion for sport and biomechanics and finds it rewarding to be able to make a difference to people’s lives.
Cable opened the first practice of Swan Podiatry and Orthotics at the beginning of 2016. His areas of expertise are sports injuries, orthotic therapy, general treatment, nail surgery, fracture management and diabetic care.
