Foot orthotics are commonly used to deal with a variety of foot conditions from overpronation and collapsed arches to plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain. The scientific evidence shows that they usually are pretty good at helping many of the disorders as long as they are indicated for that problem, Foot orthotics usually get used to support the foot, when support of the foot might have absolutely nothing to do with the problem that the individual may have. This can lead to them being misused and unnecessarily blamed for treatment failures. Another problem is that there are many different types of foot orthoses and also within each kind of foot orthotic, there is an practically infinite variance in the design features which can be incorporated into them.

If even one of those design features is not right for the person, then the likelihood of that foot orthotic doing any good is probably reduced. For this reason the option of the different designs is actually based upon the experience and expertise of the podiatrist. The medical professional will select the design features needed for the individual and if the device needs to be custom made for the individual or if a mass produced more affordable foot orthotic can be used. In relation to custom made orthoses, the medical professional needs to take a plaster cast or optical scan of the foot held in specific positions for the foot orthotic to be made on. When it comes to the style of the device different elements are considered. For example, if the patient has posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, then something like a Cluffy wedge type foot orthotic is needed. The Cluffy wedge has special modifications to deal with the variety of issues that occur in that condition. When the concern is related to deficiencies in impact absorption, then the orthotic has to be made to cater to that. The range of choices is endless and depends upon the condition present and the experience of the treating podiatrist.