What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of orthotic knee joint

24 Mar.,2025

 

Exploring the Benefits of Orthotics for Knee Pain Relief 1

For many people with knee pain, orthotics can provide much-needed relief. This is why exploring the benefits of orthotics for knee pain relief should be considered. (In previous article we consider orthotics for plantar fasciitis you can read here)

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Orthotics are arch supports that change the position of your foot to take strain off other parts of your body.

Learn more about how orthotics can help ease your knee pain and if they're right for you.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are special shoe inserts or custom-fitted arch supports which can help to redistribute weight and reduce stress on your knees. By changing the position of your foot, orthotics can provide a more comfortable alignment. It's important to note that while orthotics may not restore full range of motion, they can provide significant relief from knee pain caused by misalignments in the feet or ankles.

There are many types of orthotics available to choose from and they can offer benefits of for knee pain relief. Over-the-counter orthotics are typically affordable, but may only provide basic pressure relief. Custom orthotics are more expensive, but they're designed specifically to improve your individual biomechanics and gait. They're usually made with soft materials such as foam rubber or leather for added comfort. Properly fitting orthotics can also help reduce wear and tear on the knee joint, which could decrease the risk of developing knee problems in the future.

What are the Best Insoles for Knee Pain

If you're considering orthotics for your knee pain, it's important to get the right type for your specific needs. You should visit a qualified medical professional who can take a look at your gait and assess what type of orthotics would be most beneficial. They may also make recommendations about lifestyle adjustments or exercises you can do to help manage your discomfort. Your doctor may even suggest custom orthotics if they think that would be more appropriate for your condition.

What to Expect from Orthotics

Orthotics are designed to make your gait more efficient, providing a range of benefits. These may include reduced knee pain and joint discomfort, enhanced stability and posture, improved balance, and increased shock absorption while walking or running. Although orthotics cannot cure existing knee problems or prevent them from occurring in the future, they can provide some much-needed relief from the pain of existing conditions.

Tips for Using Orthotics Effectively

To get the maximum benefit from your orthotics, it is important to use them correctly. Make sure that you are wearing shoes that provide enough arch support for the orthotic to work effectively. You may also need to make some adjustments such as adding more cushioning or altering the device to fit your foot better. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your orthotics.

What to Expect at Summit when Exploring the Benefits of Orthotics for Knee Pain Relief

As this article explores, when you are considering orthotics for knee pain relief we assess your gait using force plate analysis.

The RS Footscan is advanced technology in measuring pressure and force distribution accurately at high speed and high resolution.  The data collected is very sensitive to change, providing a clear clinical picture and objective measure of an individual's static standing balance through measurement of the level of postural sway, weight distribution through the feet and location of the centre of gravity.

Furthermore the Footscan system use small sensors that are 5mm x 7mm, these allow accurate analysis of pressure deviations under all the regions of the foot. This is necessary to get a clear picture of foot mechanics.

Your foot is in contact with the ground for about 0.8 of a second when walking and about 0.25 seconds when running.  This is too difficult for even the most experienced practitioner to see with the naked eye.  Therefore as you walk across the RS Scan footscan® pressure plate.  It will scan your foot at 500hz using pressure sensors.  This generates quantifiable static and dynamic measurements providing your physiotherapist  with comprehensive data regarding the pressure distribution of your feet.

The advanced software allows automatic division of the foot into specific regions.  This allows force and pressure distribution within these areas to be analysed and associated with certain foot mechanics and functions.

Force and pressure distribution in all regions of the foot can be analysed in graphical format allowing insight into force and pressure in both localised and general areas under the foot during stance phase and gait.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

At Summit Physio we offer Phits Orthotics. Phits is the world's first high-tech 3D printed insole, specifically designed based on your dynamic gait analysis using Footscan®. Optimal efficiency, superior stability and extreme durability.

Whether you are an elite athlete, recreational walker or factory worker on your feet, Phits will help your feet to adopt the correct foot motion, improve your movement efficiency and minimise your risk of injury.

You can book in at www.summitphysio.co.uk 

Orthotics: Definition, Risks, Benefits, Types & Tips - Cleveland Clinic

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are devices you wear to relieve pain associated with various foot and ankle conditions. They include everything from shoe inserts and ankle braces to custom devices. Your foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) may recommend you try an over-the-counter orthotic device if you have mild symptoms related to your condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, they may prescribe a more advanced option, like custom orthotics. Orthotics can help prevent or delay the need for more invasive treatment, like surgery.

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Other names for orthotics include:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit orthotic knee joint.

  • Ankle foot orthotics.
  • Orthoses.

What foot problems require orthotics?

Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend orthotics for any of the following foot and ankle conditions:

  • Bunions (hallux valgus).
  • Corns and calluses.
  • High arch feet.
  • Flat feet.
  • Foot tendonitis.
  • Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia).
  • Hammertoes.
  • Morton's neuroma.
  • Plantar fasciitis.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee).
  • Sprained ankle.
  • Stiff big toe (hallux rigidus).

What are signs you need orthotics?

Signs that you may need orthotics include:

  • You have foot pain and swelling during and after everyday usual activities, like walking and standing.
  • You have sharp heel pain, especially first thing in the morning, which may indicate plantar fasciitis.
  • You have flat feet or high arches that cause foot pain or inward rolling of your foot (overpronation).
  • You have balance issues or falls due to collapsed arches.
  • The wear and tear on your shoes is uneven.
  • You've had a recent lower leg injury that affects the way you walk (gait abnormalities).
  • You have foot complications from diabetes.

What does an orthotic do?

Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend orthotic devices for several reasons. Orthotics:

  • Align and support your feet and ankles.
  • Prevent and treat foot deformities.
  • Improve the overall functioning of your foot and ankle.

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For example, you can insert an arch support on the inside of your shoe to help support a flat foot. Supporting flat feet can help prevent foot tendonitis. Or you may use a heel cushion to help absorb the impact and relieve stress when you walk on your heel.

What are the different types of orthotics?

Orthotics range from simple inserts you can buy at your local drugstore to custom-made devices that a podiatrist creates especially for your foot.

  • Foot pads: Foot pads are small cushions you place at the bottom of your shoe to make a barrier between your foot and your shoe. They come in many different shapes and sizes, including bunion pads, circle or 'doughnut' pads and metatarsal pads.
  • Heel liners: Heel liners, or heel inserts, provide extra support by cushioning your heel. Also called heel pads or heel cups, you can use them for age-related thinning of your heels' natural fat pads. They can also increase the heel height of the shoe to aid in the reduction of pain in the arch, Achilles tendon or plantar fascia.
  • Arch supports: Arch supports provide support for your foot's natural arch. They typically have a 'bumped-up' look to them and can help people with flat feet or high arches.
  • Insoles: You slip insoles, or shoe inserts, into your shoes to provide extra support and cushioning. They're made in a variety of materials, including foam, plastic and gel, and create a solid foundation for your feet to stand on. Insoles may be soft or firm and come in different shapes and sizes.
  • Ankle braces: You put on ankle braces before you put your foot in a shoe. Providers recommend ankle braces for a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including tendonitis.

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are specially made devices that your provider designs to cushion and support your feet. You can get some custom orthotics as full-shoe inserts. Others are available that support just your heels.

Your provider will craft a pair of prescription orthotics that precisely match the contours of your feet. They'll design them to work with the way your feet and ankles move. To construct your custom orthotics, your provider will either make a plaster mold of your feet, have you step in a foam box that takes an impression of your foot or use a computerized foot analysis to create a 3D image of them.

There are two main kinds of custom orthotics:

  • Functional: Functional orthotics are made of a semi-rigid material like graphite, carbon fiber or plastic. They help reduce pain and discomfort by controlling the way your foot moves. You may also use this type of orthotic to treat injuries like shin splints.
  • Accommodative: Accommodative orthotics are made of flexible, soft materials. This lets them mold to the shape of your feet and provide support and cushioning. This type of orthotic is helpful for treating health conditions like diabetes-related foot ulcers.

Custom orthotics are more expensive than shoe inserts you can buy at the store. But they last much longer and provide better cushioning and support for your feet.

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What are the potential benefits of orthotics?

Foot and ankle specialists use orthotics to help reduce the symptoms that a number of different health conditions can cause. Orthotics can help align and support your feet and ankles. They can also help prevent and treat foot deformities and other conditions involving your feet. Many people say that orthotics help improve the overall functioning of their feet and ankles.

Do orthotics really help flat feet?

Research on the effectiveness of orthotics for the treatment of flat feet in adults shows that there's a lack of evidence in the available studies. None of the studies that researchers examined showed a clear indication that orthoses work for flat feet. But studies indicate that the use of inserts doesn't cause any harm either.

How long do I have to wear orthotics?

Orthotics creates a change in the biomechanics of your feet. Your healthcare provider will recommend that you give it some time to allow your feet to adjust to this change. It can take up to one month for your feet to adjust to your orthotics.

Orthotics don't treat your foot or ankle condition but rather, manage your symptoms. If you find orthotics that work for you, your provider will likely recommend that you use them permanently. If you stop using them, your foot or ankle symptoms may return or get worse.

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How long do orthotics last?

Prescription orthotics can last for years, but this varies based on several factors, including:

  • Material: The type of material your orthotics are constructed from will affect their durability. If your orthotics are made of a rigid material like plastic, they may last longer.
  • Activities: If you participate in high-impact activities like running, your custom orthotics may break down quicker and you may need to replace them more frequently.
  • Weight: If you've experienced significant weight loss or weight gain, you may need to replace your orthotics sooner rather than later.
  • Care: If you properly care for your orthotics, they can last longer. Make sure to clean them often and avoid extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If you want some extra support or cushioning for your feet, you may want to try a store-bought shoe insert. These over-the-counter options work well for minor pain and swelling due to mild conditions. Purchase one with a firm arch that doesn't easily give.

But if you're experiencing severe pain or discomfort, you should see a foot and ankle specialist. A podiatrist will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles. They'll diagnose any conditions you may have and prescribe treatment, which may include the use of a custom orthotic.

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