Custom Orthotics for Knee, Hip & Back Pain: Do They Work?

Everyday activities such as standing, walking and climbing stairs can put stress on the knees, hips and back. And if you regularly undergo additional exercise, this stress can increase. So it becomes essential to ensure that your joints are properly supported in order to maximise movement and avoid injury.

A simple yet effective solution, custom orthotics help to support your feet and place your joints in the right position. When your body is better aligned, you may experience reduced pain, discomfort, and improved function.

But do they really work?

Here’s everything you need to know.

The Link Between Feet and Body Pain

Unbeknown to some, your feet are connected to every part of your body. They serve as the foundation for your balance, posture and overall well being. We’ve all experienced an injury or discomfort within our feet, even if it’s just a case of stubbing your toe.

And with that comes the change in your weight distribution, your posture and your alignment. Whenever you have a foot problem, whether temporary or chronic, your body overcompensates. And it’s this imbalance and poor posture that can lead to pain in areas such as your ankles, legs and hips.

From health conditions to injuries, there are a number of reasons why your body may be misaligned and overcompensating. Your feet are full of bones, muscles and tendons that are connected to the rest of your body. So it’s not uncommon for pain in your feet to travel into your legs, especially if you are dealing with untreated injuries or health conditions.

How Orthotics Function

Orthotics are intended to support, align and cushion your foot and are commonly designed with your symptoms and health conditions in mind.

Support

Orthotics ensure that your foot is properly supported to reduce the strain on your tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones.

Align

They work to align your foot correctly to reduce abnormal movement such as overpronation or underpronation.

Cushion

They give an extra layer of protection that cushions your foot, absorbs shock and alleviates pressure on areas that are causing you discomfort or sensitivity.

Conditions Addressed by Orthotics

Orthotics can be used to treat a variety of conditions that extend beyond the feet. The extra support and alignment that orthotics give can improve symptoms elsewhere in the body, even if you don’t feel pain or discomfort in your feet at all.

Conditions that can be addressed by orthotics include:

Plantar fasciitis
Bunions
High arches
Underpronation and overpronation
Arthritis
Diabetes
Ankle, knee and back pain
Sports related injuries

… and more. Orthotics aren’t just used for worse case scenario, they can be utilised to prevent existing conditions from being triggered and new conditions from arising in order to give you the best quality of life possible.

Types of Orthotics

Orthotics range from simple shoe inserts to fully custom-made devices that are tailored to your needs. Here are some of the types that you may find beneficial, depending on your condition:

Custom-made orthotics

These are specially made orthotics that are designed to cushion and support your feet. A podiatrist or other healthcare professional will obtain a mould of your feet and then create orthotics that works perfectly with the way that your foot moves for optimal support.

Arch supports

Most commonly used for those with flat feet or high arches, these orthotics work to support your foot’s natural arch.

Heel liners

If you are in need of extra support in the heel area, heel liners may be recommended. They offer support and cushioning if your natural heel pads are thinning, and can also be used to increase the height of your shoe to alleviate your symptoms.

Insoles

Insoles come in a variety of materials including foam, plastic and gel to provide an additional layer of support and cushioning for your feet. These can commonly be bought in stores and don’t require specialist help.

Effectiveness and Evidence

With countless studies proving orthotics to be effective for all ages, many agree that custom orthotics have a significant impact on their pain levels. The best way to ensure that your results are optimal is to seek the advice of a qualified podiatrist or other healthcare professional and follow their treatment plan closely.

Regardless of whether your daily activity level is high or low, it is always essential to ensure that your body is properly supported. Custom orthotics may help alleviate pain, discomfort and alignment issues, and may contribute to injury prevention and other health conditions from arising in the first place.

Durability and Maintenance

Prescription orthotics can last for years with proper care. Their longevity is dependent on a number of factors including:

Material: If they are constructed with a more rigid material, they could last longer
Activity level: If you are using your orthotics for a higher intensity exercise such as running, they could wear quicker than during low impact exercises
Care: If you ensure proper care of your orthotics by cleaning regularly and avoiding extreme temperatures, they are likely to last longer

The Role of a Podiatrist

A podiatrist plays a pivotal role in your healthcare journey. If you are looking to achieve optimal results then seeking their help is a must. They will work to diagnose and treat any health conditions without causing your condition to worsen.

Firstly, you will undergo an initial assessment that could consist of a biomechanical examination, visual examination, gait analysis, running assessment and more. Then they will create a tailored treatment plan that will help to alleviate your symptoms, improving your balance, your posture and your foot’s alignment. This could consist of orthotics as a standalone treatment, or a combination of approaches that will work together to treat your condition.

Want to find out more about orthotics? Speak to the experts at Optimise Health. Get started today by booking your consultation online or getting in touch with our friendly team. We look forward to hearing from you soon.