When it comes to relieving foot, hip, knee, or lower back pain, few tools are as effective and versatile as orthotics. Whether you’re an athlete, someone who stands all day at work, or someone dealing with chronic pain, orthotics can play an important role in realigning your body and improving your comfort levels. In many cases, custom-built orthotics are prescribed by chiropractors to help correct structural imbalances and relieve pain from the ground up.
However, not all orthotics are equal. To ensure you’re choosing the right solution for your needs, it’s crucial that you understand the three main types of orthotics and how each type is designed for different conditions, lifestyles, and required levels of support. Here, we’ll break down the primary categories of each orthotic, how they work, and who benefits the most from each type.
The Importance of Orthotics
Your feet are the foundation of your body. When your feet are not perfectly aligned with your body, every joint above them, from your ankles to your cervical spine, can be affected. Slight deviations in your gait or improper arch support can create a rippling effect of issues that cause chronic pain, poor posture, or injury over time.
Orthotics are specialized inserts placed inside your shoes to support, align, and improve your foot’s function. These customized inserts help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, correcting abnormal walking patterns and reducing strain on your joints and soft tissues. Whether orthotics are off the shelf or custom-made by a licensed chiropractor, they can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing discomfort and enhancing overall mobility.
The Three Main Types of Orthotics
Orthotics typically fall into one of three categories: functional, accommodative, and therapeutic. Each type serves a distinct purpose and is suited to support different foot issues and treatment goals. Choosing the right orthotic for your needs can be tricky, especially if you require a combination of each type to meet your needs.
Functional Orthotics
Functional orthotics are designed to correct abnormal foot mechanics and enhance overall posture and movement patterns. These orthotics are especially beneficial for individuals who experience overpronation or supination (where the feet roll inward or outward), plantar fasciitis, flat feet or high arches, or pain in the knees, hips, or lower back due to structural misalignment. These orthotics are usually made from semi-rigid materials like plastic, graphite, or carbon fiber and work by stabilizing the foot and ankle during movement.
By guiding the feet into a more anatomically correct position, they help restore natural alignment throughout the body, support the arch, and limit excessive motion. These are an excellent choice for athletes, runners, or anyone struggling with pain related to poor foot biomechanics.
Accommodative Orthotics
Accommodative orthotics are designed to cushion and alleviate pressure on sensitive or vulnerable areas of the feet. They are ideal for individuals dealing with diabetes-related foot concerns, arthritis, heel spurs, corns, calluses, bunions, or conditions like tendonitis. These orthotics are made from soft, shock-absorbing materials such as foam or gel, and unlike functional orthotics, their primary goal is comfort rather than biomechanical correction.
Orthotics redistribute body weight to relieve stress on pressure points, which can be particularly important for patients with diabetic neuropathy, helping to prevent ulcers and skin breakdown. Likewise, people with arthritis may find that the additional cushioning helps reduce pain during daily activities. These orthotics are beneficial for older adults, individuals with chronic foot sensitivity, or those with structural foot deformities.
Therapeutic Orthotics
Therapeutic orthotics, sometimes called pediatric or post-surgical orthotics, are designed to support the rehabilitation and development of foot structure and function. They are commonly prescribed for children with developmental issues such as intoeing or flat feet, as well as for individuals recovering from surgery or injury. Therapeutic orthotics are also beneficial for managing ankle instability or neuromuscular conditions that affect balance and mobility.
Depending on the condition, these orthotics may vary in material and rigidity, ranging from soft inserts to more complex designs like ankle-foot orthotics, which extend above the ankle to stabilize weakened joints. In children, they can promote healthy foot development, while in adults, they help restore stability and strength during recovery. These orthotics are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals navigating rehabilitation or requiring long-term structural support.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Orthotics
While over-the-counter orthotics can provide temporary relief or general support, custom orthotics are molded to fit the exact shape of your feet. They’re typically prescribed by a chiropractor, podiatrist, or physical therapist after a detailed evaluation that includes gait analysis, posture assessment, and sometimes digital imaging.
Benefits of custom orthotics include:
- Improved comfort and fit
- Targeted relief for specific pain points or conditions
- Longer lifespan compared to retail options
- Greater effectiveness in correcting biomechanical issues
Chiropractors at Governor’s Park Chiropractic often recommend custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive care plan, especially for patients with chronic pain, recurring injuries, or structural imbalances that require long-term correction.
How Orthotics Fit Into Whole-Body Wellness
Misalignment in the arches or ankles can lead to a chain reaction of issues in the knees, hips, spine, and even shoulders. That’s why chiropractors often work with orthotics — to help patients maintain correct posture from the foundation up.
When paired with regular chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or strength training, orthotics can enhance your overall musculoskeletal health. They reduce compensatory stress, improve balance, and allow other treatments to be more effective and longer-lasting.
Setting yourself up with a solid foundation can help alleviate problems before they begin to worsen—even if you aren’t experiencing immediate pain. By correcting alignment issues and utilizing orthotics not only as needed but also as a preventative, you increase your chances of achieving full-body wellness.
You might benefit from custom orthotics if you:
- Experience frequent foot, knee, or back pain
- Stand for long hours at work
- Have noticeably flat or high arches
- Deal with repetitive stress injuries or posture issues
- Have a history of foot surgeries or chronic conditions like diabetes
A professional evaluation is the best way to determine which type of orthotic is right for you. At Governor’s Park Chiropractic, we take a personalized approach by evaluating your movement, lifestyle, and health goals before recommending a specific orthotic strategy.
Get the Support You Deserve with Governor’s Park Chiropractic
Whether you’re dealing with daily foot pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to move with greater ease, orthotics can significantly improve your health and quality of life. At Governor’s Park Chiropractic, we specialize in helping patients find the right support through custom orthotic solutions and holistic care.
Ready to take the next step toward better alignment and comfort? Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Denver, Wheat Ridge, or Lone Tree. Our team of experienced providers will help assess your needs and guide you toward lasting relief.
Governor's Park Chiropractic is the Colorado chiropractor team dedicated to helping individuals get out of pain and achieve better health. Offering a range of services and treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient.