How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics?
Orthotics is also known as inserts, foot beds, and insoles. The truth is that many people do not have the perfect feet. This is why orthopedic shoes are beneficial for just about everyone. But, orthotics might be more important for some people in comparison to others. This post takes a close look at the top signs that reveal that one requires orthotics. Let’s take a look at the situations where you need to get orthotics.
Stand for Longer than 5 Hours a Day
One of the biggest signs that you need to get orthotics is when you have to stand for more than 5 hours a day. Since standing on your feet for a long time causes plantar fasciitis, it is important for you to protect your feet. It is a ligament which extends to the toes from the heel. By wearing orthotics, you get to relieve yourself from the stress of standing throughout the day.
Have Worn Out Shoes
Another sign that you need orthotics is if you have worn out shoes. Take a close look at your shoes. Even though most of our soles can get worn out with time, wearing the tread of the shoes on one side and not the other means that your foot is rolling inwards. Therefore, you have to start wearing orthotics to help foot pronation.
High Arch or No Arch
In addition to the above, anyone who has a very low arch or a high arch should opt for orthotics as regular shoes would not provide your feet with the support they require. Orthotics helps support your feet unlike regular shoes.
Severe Pain in the Heel or Foot
An obvious sign that you need orthotics is if you experience severe pain in the heel or foot. It is quite common for people to treat foot pain as normal. They simply blame their shoes for the pain. However, if you experience foot or heel pain when you get up, it means that you have plantar fasciitis and require orthotics.
Injured Lower Limb
Finally, if you have injured your lower limb, it means that you should consider wearing orthotics. An ankle, leg, knee, or hip injury would affect the pressure you place on the feet. It would affect how you walk. Hence, you would need to turn to orthotics to correct your walk.
Who Should You See to Get Orthotics?
If you think that you require orthotics, it is best that you pay your primary care physician a visit. The primary care physician would determine whether you actually require orthotics or not. They might also refer you to a podiatrist if needed. If you experience considerable foot pain, it is crucial that you visit a podiatrist immediately rather than waiting around.
Once you have finished reading this post, you will have better knowledge about when you require orthotics. It is important that you take care of your feet and avoid letting the pain increase.