Articles Re: Foot Orthotics, Arch Supports, Footbeds, Shoe Inserts and Orthotic Insoles.

Arch Supports/Foot Orthotics: Over The Counter or Custom?
Arch Supports or orthotics are being used more and more commonly to treat a variety of conditions, including heel spurs, overpronation, metatarsalgia, and for plantar fasciitis treatment.There are two main kinds of arch supports. 1) Over the counter footbeds. (Also known as off-the-shelf arch supports or foot orthotics) 2) Custom-made shoe inserts. (Also called custom arch supports or custom foot orthotics)

Overpronation: Arch Supports (Footbeds) Required?
The term overpronation is used to describe an excess amount of pronation and is usually treated with arch supports, otherwise known as footbeds. Pronation is the movement of the foot that includes an inward rolling motion that causes flattening of the arch of the foot and often causes foot arch pain. Foot orthotics (arch supports) control the position of the foot and work towards correcting the overpronation issue.

Arch Supports (Foot Orthotics) and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar Fasciitis is caused due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a thick band of tissue that extends from the heels, through the arches, to the base of the toes. It acts as a support platform for your arches. The most effective solution for treatment of problems like plantar fasciitis is to focus on the cause of the problem. To do this, arch supports, also known as foot orthotics, are often worn to correct the abnormal foot mechanics. MacKenzie Orthotics has designed shoe inserts to specifically help with plantar fasciitis pain. 

Can Arch Supports/Foot Orthotics Help Relieve my Metatarsalgia Pain?
Metatarsalgia involves a sharp, dull or burning pain around the forefoot, or ball of foot. It is particularly common among women who wear high heeled and pointed toed shoes, or with individuals who wear work boots all day. Arch supports or foot orthotics designed for metatarsalgia will work to minimize the stress on the metatarsal bones and metatarso-phalangeal joints, or the joints at the base of the toes (at the ball of the foot).

Bunions and Arch Supports / Shoe Inserts
Bunions are one of the most common forefoot deformities and can be very painful. They are often conservatively treated with arch supports, also known as shoe inserts. Arch supports/foot orthotics distribute your weight more evenly throughout your foot, taking away some of the added pressure from bunions and correct any biomechanical issues causing the bunions.

Sore Feet: When Should I Use Arch Supports / Footbeds?
"When our feet hurt, we hurt all over." I believe Socrates had it right with this one! It is suggested we walk around 10,000 steps a day. That’s a lot of pressure on our feet! Many problems stem from an alignment problem in the feet that may be helped by the use of arch supports (footbeds). Arch supports, or Foot Orthotics, work to adjust poor mechanics, distribute the weight of your body more evenly throughout your feet, provide shock absorption and comfort.

Can Arch Supports / Orthotics help Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon (heel cord) connects the calf muscle to the heel of the foot. When the tendon is over-stretched, over-worked, or injured it becomes inflamed and the resulting painful condition is known as Achilles tendonitis (heel cord tendonitis). Arch supports, or foot orthotics, will support the arch and keep your foot aligned correctly to avoid unnecessary Achilles strain. 

Arch Supports are also known as foot orthotics, shoe inserts, shoe insoles, footbeds, orthotic insoles, foot orthotic insoles, orthotic inserts, foot orthotic inserts, and foot orthoses.

Roderick MacKenzie, BScPT, C.Ped.(C), Founder and Owner of MacKenzie Orthotics, is a member in good standing of: