Foot orthotics are a commonly used intervention for a wide range of foot and leg dysfunctional problems. They are designed and helpful to fix alignment and biomechanical problems. All the research evidence is they are likely to be quite effective and also the patient satisfaction type evidence demonstrates that they are well accepted by those that rely on them. That will not imply that they do not have problems. They actually do have problems. They are able to only be used in footwear that has the space for the orthotics to fit into. This implies that they are unable to be used in certain varieties of sports footwear and some footwear used in specific occupations. Also, in some climates closed in shoes are not very popular due to the temperatures. Some individuals just have a philosophical objection to foot supports as they look at them as being unnatural and as crutches that ought to not be used.
Although foot supports are pretty straight forward and will readily be designed to work in the short to medium term you can find options if patients desire to follow that alternative. Exercise therapy is one option and muscle strength might be increased and used as an alternative. However, this could take a few months to work and it will be a good option to use foot orthotics to begin with as they are able help get some improvement practically immediately. If shoes are the challenge and it is not possible for monetary, occupational, sporting or chosen lifestyle reasons to alter the footwear, then there are options such as the Archie Flip Flops which come from Australia and have a reasonable amount of arch support built in. There are other types of footwear such as these that do have arch support integrated, though the amount can be quite smaller compared to the Archies and may not necessarily be as useful. As always it is best to speak to your podiatrist about what they believe is the better alternative for you.