| Why Arch Support? | History of Orthotics | What are Orthotics? | Quantifying Orthotics | Rigid Orthotics |
| PCO Orthotics | Semi rigid Orthotics | Soft Orthotics | Kids Orthotics | Other Types |
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to correct
an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. Orthotics are not truly or solely “arch
supports,” although some people use those words to describe them, and they perhaps
can best be understood with those words in mind. They perform functions that make
standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient, by altering slightly the
angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.
Doctors of podiatric medicine prescribe Orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot
problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery; their use is a
highly successful, practical treatment form.
Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. All are concerned
with improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot
deformity and pain.
Foot Orthotics fall into four broad categories: those that change bone structure
development in the arch, those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that
are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and
protection.
The Postural Control Orthotics is the only Orthotics that changes the development of the arch.