Who needs orthotics?

Just about anyone who feels they need some type of additional support for walking or running is a good candidate for orthotics. Orthotics are especially good for people who want to relieve or prevent common foot problems that are known to cause pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Even those without pain can often benefit from orthotics, however. Here is a look at common symptoms that indicate a need for orthotics due to misalignment of the feet:

• Bunions
• Abnormal shoe wear (for example, if one side of your shoe wears down quicker than the other)
• Chronic heel, knee, or lower back pain
• Flat feet
• Shin splints
• Frequent ankle sprains
• Gait abnormalities (when your feet point inward or outward when walking)

If you feel discomfort when you walk, you should seek help from a foot specialist. They may be able to help you decide which orthotics device would be best for you. Remember, the longer you leave a problem untreated, the more likely the condition will worsen.

Treatment

The immediate goal of treatment is pain relief. Because symptoms generally worsen with activity, the main treatment is rest, which helps to relieve pressure on the heel bone, decreasing swelling and reducing pain.

A specialist may also recommend:

• Foot and leg exercises to stretch and strengthen the leg muscles and tendons
• The application of ice (wrapped in a towel, not applied directly to the skin) to the injured heel for 20 minutes two or three times per day.
• The use of an elastic wrap or compression stocking
• Medicines such as ibuprofen

In very severe cases, the doctor might recommend that the child wear a cast for anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks to immobilise the foot so that it can heal.