FAQs

How often will I need to replace my orthotics?

Naturally this will vary, however orthotics should be re-assessed approximately every two years. It is important to remember that your feet change over time, so the prescription in the orthotic may need to be adapted. It is quite probable that they may not need to be altered every time you have them checked, but we would recommend you speak to your practitioner after 2 years, as in some instances they will, i.e. a small child whose feet are growing may need to be checked every 6-12 months.

I have carbon fiber orthotics in my running shoes, are these the best type to have?

Carbon fiber orthotics are very slim and corrective, however they do not provide shock absorption, so sometimes people can find them very hard and uncomfortable to run in. If you have no problems with them, then there is no need to change; otherwise a set of sports specific orthotics, made with a shock absorbing material could be better. Check with your practitioner for further advice.

I recently replaced my running shoes & now my orthotics do not fit. What should I do?

I would advise you see your practitioner who issued your original orthotics. He/she should check to see whether the style of running shoes have altered from your old pair and whether they conflict with the prescription already present within your orthotics. He/she should also check your prescription is correct within the orthotic, particularly if it has been over 2 years since you were first issued with your orthotics.

I had orthotics made some time ago, which helped considerably, but now my shin splints have returned. Why?

There could be a number of reasons for this; your feet may have changed and therefore your orthotic prescription needs reviewing. It could be that your training regime has altered in some way or that your footwear has worn out and needs replacing. To assess this more accurately, you need to return to your practitioner who will re assess your complaint.

My Physiotherapist says my feet pronate, would orthotics help me?

Orthotics can be designed to help people who pronate excessively or at the wrong time of gait. Pronation can have a factor to play in many lower limb conditions, which is why your physiotherapist may suggest Orthotics as part of your treatment. Your physiotherapist should be able to refer you to a Specialist Clinic like 'Precision Feet' for an assessment.

I recently bought a pair of Footbeds, are these the same as orthotics?

No, Footbeds are not the same as orthotics. Footbeds are mainly supplied in retail stores, such as ski shops and are designed to make your feet fit more comfortably in your footwear. They take very little time to make and require no prescription or assessment, which is why anyone can sell them. Footbeds are not designed for correction or control, which is where the difference mainly lies.

I get dreadful pains in my legs when I run, what should I do?

If running results in pain it is always best to stop and go and see a state registered clinician to have your legs assessed. Your first port of call may be to a physiotherapist or GP who can refer you on to a specialist clinic like 'Precision Feet' if they feel this is necessary.

What should I look for when buying a new pair of trainers?

There are so many different trainers available to choose from, so it is always best to buy trainers that are specific for your sporting activity. Trainers should always be of adequate length and width and not permit your foot to move around in them. Most good sports shops should be able to advise you on what style is best for your feet and activity, however if you feel you have a complex foot condition, make an appointment to see a state registered Podiatrist or Orthotist; they are qualified to assess and advise.

Will my orthotics fit in all my footwear?

Not necessarily, it depends on the style of your orthotics. If you have very slim orthotics, then they will fit in more styles of shoes but the thicker, sports style orthotic may only fit in certain shoes with adequate depth. It is also worth noting that footwear can alter the effectiveness of your orthotics, therefore it is very important to wear the correct style of shoes with your orthotics. Your clinician will be able to advise you on this when you first get assessed for these.

My Doctor says that I have very flat feet. Can orthotics help me?

"Flat feet" is a very broad term, however often it means that the inside arch of your foot has dropped and if this is the case, then often this can lead to pain, poor foot function or even poor body posture. Orthotics can help establish good foot function and alignment and will support the arches within your feet, which in turn helps with your posture.

Why pay for custom orthotics, when I can buy them 'off the shelf' in a shop?

'Off the shelf' orthotics sold without a proper assessment are best described as 'do it your self' so avoid these at all cost. Correctly supplied, they can be a good first line treatment to see if they may be beneficial to your present symptoms, however because they are not custom made to fit your foot, the prescription in them may not be accurate for your condition and often the control can be in the wrong place. To get the best results and most effective outcome from orthotics, we would only recommend that a qualified Clinician properly assess you.

I have been told that one of my legs is slightly longer than the other. Can orthotics help me?

Certainly, orthotics may well help, as the feet often change to accommodate for the leg length discrepancy, which in turn may cause symptoms such as back pain, hip, knee or ankle pain. The clinician should do a full assessment of lower limb joint ranges of motion along with a functional gait assessment to determine whether a simple heel lift is enough or whether a combination of orthotics and a heel raise is required.

Read more on Biomechanical Correction: Peter Woodburn