A foot orthotic is a device that can be discreetly inserted into the shoe to support, align, prevent, and/or accommodate foot abnormalities and improve how the foot functions.

Used in conjunction with appropriate footwear, custom orthotics can be effective in helping to treat a number of foot and lower limb problems!

If the arch flattens too much, this is known as a planus or flat foot. In such cases, the weight distribution on the foot is too far on the medial/inside. A flat foot is unstable and cannot maintain a proper arch. Over time, the weight of the body on an unstable foot will cause the bones of the foot to become misaligned. This can lead to the development bunions, hammertoes and other foot deformities, as well as knee and lower back pain.
To address this problem, an orthotic with an increased arch will be prescribed to distribute the weight side-to-side. Depending on shape of the foot, the heel of the orthotic can also be slanted to shift the weight more toward the center of the heel.
When the arch does not flatten at all this is known as a cavus or hollow foot. This typically occurs in persons with a high arch. Because the arch does not flatten, it absorbs shock poorly; instead of spreading it throughout the entire foot, the weight of the body falls only on the heel and the bases of the toes. This increases stress on the foot, especially the heel. Furthermore, because the weight is not absorbed well in the foot, it radiates up the leg to other joints. Over time, this can cause pain in the knees, hips and lower back.
To correct this condition, an orthotic is used to bring the ground into even contact with the rest of the foot. This allows the entire foot to support the weight of the body. Extra cushioning can be built into the orthotic so that some of the force does not even reach the foot!