Why do podiatrists sell arch support orthotics if they are not effective?

Nobody said that arch supports are not effective.

On the contrary, arch support are quite effective at doing what they are intended to do – immobilize the foot at mid stance (both heel and toes on the ground).

Arch support orthotics attempt to control hyperpronation by restricting the motion of the foot. They are partially successful in doing so, but fail as the foot moves toward toe-off. For many people, especially with foot pain, this is an improvement although it may only be so temporarily. Combined with a rigid shoe, an arch support can immobilize the foot completely.

The real question is: Why would you want to partially or completely immobilize the foot?

Immobilizing any part of the body is after all something most frequently done temporarily to aid the healing process after an injury or surgery.

Even though podiatrist know that arch supports immobilize the feet, they choose to think of arch supports as promoting better biomechanical operation of the feet through preventing excessive pronation during mid stance. Correcting for hyperpronation without arch supports, in their minds, simply does not work.

[bctt tweet=”An arch is essential for the coordination between the legs, hips and lumbar spine.” username=”posture_pro”]

Podiatrists adhere to an old, never confirmed theory (Root’s biomechanics) that the foot operates best in a position called subtalar neutral, and this is what they are trying to achieve by using heel shims and arch supports.

The role of arch support is to move bony parts of the foot. Podiatrists do not incorporate the patient’s proprioceptive and postural response to the orthotics in their evaluation. For example it is not uncommon to see someone who is bowlegged with arch support. For a biomechanical point of view it makes no sense.

Is the arch supposed to collapse?

A flat foot is physiological up to the age of 2-3 years old. If normal stages of neurological development occurred (Babinski), then you should have a well formed arch.

The Babinski is important in preparing the feet for walking and influences the ability of not only the feet to move but also the maturity of coordination between the legs, hips and lumbar spine; therefore it is important for the development of muscle tone for the lower part of the body.

[bctt tweet=”An arch is important for the development of the body’s ability to have well-coordinated movement.” username=”posture_pro”]

An arch is important for the development of the body’s ability to have well-coordinated movement, especially through the hips and core. When we have the ability to move rhythmically and smoothly we have more resources for the higher levels of the brain to work efficiently.

In conclusion, after wearing arch supports for an extended period of time, you may find yourself unable to walk without them, walk barefoot or with shoes without arch support.