Inserts or Orthotics: What’s Right for Me?

It’s easy to write off foot pain as minor, but it can be limiting enough to keep you off your feet or send you to see a specialist. What makes it more complicated is that problems with the anatomy of your feet can throw off your body alignment and contribute to issues like neck and back pain. If foot pain is part of your day, shoe inserts or orthotics may help relieve it and improve your alignment, but the two aren’t the same thing.

The Difference Between Inserts and Orthotics

Here’s an important distinction: shoe inserts are designed to deliver comfort, while orthotics are designed to correct an anatomical problem with your foot or feet. Inserts provide shock absorption, but they don’t fix underlying foot issues like flat arches. They can still be worth it if you’re on your feet all day at work, or if you run long distances and want extra support in your running shoes.

Orthotics, on the other hand, are used to align, improve, or correct the alignment of the lower extremities, adjusting how the elements of your feet and legs work together to make the most of your body mechanics. Because orthotics address structural issues, they need to be fitted by a medical professional, such as a physical therapist or podiatrist. That ensures they target the right problem, and although they cost more upfront, they generally last longer than off-the-shelf products and resolve pain more effectively.

Why Foot Alignment Matters

A number of injuries and problems can stem from poor foot alignment, which is why properly fitted shoes and orthotics play an important role in preventing them.

Signs You May Need Orthotics

• Pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back that might be caused by misalignment at the foot or ankle
• A foot or ankle impairment that could be affecting your alignment
• A recent injury, strain, or surgery to the ankle, forefoot, or toes
• Specific diagnoses such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, arch pain, bunions, or diabetes that has led to foot problems
• Degenerative changes, including aging feet, dropping arches, flat feet, arthritis, or loss of the fat pads in the feet

And, of course, the biggest sign of all is pain. If it’s significant enough to warrant a visit to the doctor or physical therapist, that professional will evaluate your posture, both at rest and in motion, to determine whether orthotics are the right next step.