Orthotics Annual Assessment 

Blog Post: The Importance of Orthotics Assessment Every Year

Orthotics, often seen as a niche in the realm of healthcare, plays an essential role in maintaining our overall well-being. From children to seniors, orthotics support and correct foot, ankle, and lower limb alignment, contributing significantly to how we move and walk. While some people may wear orthotic devices due to an existing medical condition, others may not even realize the impact that foot imbalances are having on their body. That's why a yearly orthotics assessment is not just important, but vital to your health.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are custom-designed devices made to support, align, or improve the function of your feet. They can come in the form of insoles, braces, or shoe inserts. Orthotics help alleviate pain, correct imbalances, improve posture, and prevent long-term damage to joints and muscles. For individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, or foot deformities, orthotics offer relief and a better quality of life. However, their benefits aren’t just for people with medical diagnoses. Anyone who stands, walks, or moves throughout the day can benefit from well-designed orthotics.

Why Should You Have an Annual Orthotics Assessment?

Even if you have a pair of orthotics that were prescribed to you years ago, it's important to remember that your body is constantly changing. Here are some reasons why having an orthotics assessment once a year is crucial:

1. Foot Health Changes Over Time

Your feet undergo natural changes throughout life, from the arches flattening with age to changes in walking patterns or weight gain. Injuries, lifestyle shifts, or changes in activity level can also impact the way you move. An assessment helps catch any emerging foot problems and ensures your orthotics are providing the right support for your current needs.

2. Increased Comfort and Pain Relief

If you’ve been using the same pair of orthotics for several years, they may no longer offer the same level of comfort or support. Wear and tear can reduce their effectiveness, and changes in your gait or posture may require adjustments. A yearly checkup allows your orthotics to be re-evaluated, making sure they continue to alleviate pain, reduce fatigue, and prevent new injuries.

3. Prevent Future Injuries

Many people don’t realize that improperly aligned feet or imbalanced posture can lead to chronic pain in the knees, hips, and even the lower back. Orthotics assessment not only looks at the immediate foot health but also prevents long-term damage. Regular assessments ensure that any changes in posture or movement are addressed before they lead to more severe issues, like joint degeneration or chronic pain.

4. Tailored Recommendations

The way your feet move impacts your entire body. Footwear choices, standing positions, and activity levels can all influence how your orthotics should be customized. A professional assessment involves checking for abnormalities in your gait, arch height, and any discomfort you may experience while walking. With this information, you can get orthotics that are perfectly tailored to your needs.

5. Improvement in Overall Function

Good orthotics can enhance your athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and make everyday movements like walking, standing, and running more efficient. An annual orthotics assessment ensures your devices are helping you achieve optimal function by aligning your body’s biomechanics, improving posture, and enabling better movement.

When Should You Schedule Your Orthotics Assessment?

While it’s recommended to schedule an assessment annually, certain symptoms or changes in lifestyle may necessitate more frequent evaluations. If you experience:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain

• Swelling or tenderness in the feet

• Changes in walking style (limping, uneven steps)

• Increased discomfort in your existing orthotics

• A recent injury or surgery

In these cases, a timely orthotics assessment could help prevent further complications and allow for quick intervention.

Final Thoughts

Orthotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what worked for you in the past might not work as effectively today. Just like regular check-ups with a doctor or dentist, a yearly orthotics assessment ensures that you continue to receive the benefits of proper support and alignment. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone with chronic pain, prioritizing foot health will undoubtedly lead to a healthier and more active lifestyle.

If it’s been more than a year since your last orthotics assessment, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Your feet—and your body—will thank you!