Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.

Understanding the problem

A foot orthosis sits inside a shoe to alter pressure, support a painful structure, change motion or make activity more comfortable. The key question is what problem the device is intended to change.

When they may be considered

Persistent foot pain where redistributing load may help
Some heel, forefoot and tendon conditions
Symptomatic flat feet or other mechanical problems
Pressure reduction for selected high-risk feet
Sport or work situations where modifying load improves comfort or function

What is important to understand

An orthotic should have a clear treatment goal.
Not every flat foot, pronated foot or episode of pain requires an orthotic.
Exercise, footwear changes and load management may be equally or more important.
A prefabricated device may be sufficient for many people.

When not to wait
Orthotics are not a substitute for assessment of acute injury, infection, severe swelling, neurological change or unexplained progressive pain.

The Footpath Health approach

Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.

Still not sure what the right next step is?

Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.

Start the Footpath Health assessment →