Q: My doctor told me that I need support for my arches because they are "falling". Should I get orthotics and if so, do I need to wear them all the time or just for running?
A: Falling arches is better known as over-pronation or excessive pronation. When you put weight on your foot and the arch flattens to a degree, it is the body's way of absorbing shock and helps your foot adapt to different surfaces. However, if the arch flattens more than normal for it is called excessive pronation.
This can cause your ankle to be out of the normal position and the Achilles tendon to curve instead of being straight. Using an orthotic can help to keep your foot in a neutral position and not put stress on the Achilles tendon or the ankle.
Running places more stress on the foot, ankle and leg than walking. However, over long hours of standing, walking, shopping, and all other daily activities, similar stresses can occur. Therefore, if you need orthotics you should try wearing them all the time and not just while running.
Make sure that any over-the-counter orthotics are thin enough to fit in more than just your running shoes and also firm enough to hold your arches in a position that takes the stress off the ankle and leg. Many over-the-counter orthotics can be enough for helping to correct for overpronation. But if you would need custom orthotics your doctor will have to give you a prescription. So take several shoes to see if the inserts/orthotics will fit in most of your shoes.
Carolyn R. Varndell
Having a strong interest in both medicine and sports Carolyn is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Board Certified Pedorthist.
