If you are having trouble walking or find it difficult and painful to participate in specific sports, you might benefit from orthotics for your feet. These are essentially braces that you just put in your shoes in order to support each foot. You should learn a bit about what they do and when you should use them.

There are some symptoms to find that might hint that you need orthotics. For example, if your toes usually are not straight or your feet are generally angled either inward or outward, you might need some assistance to correct these issues. If you notice the soles of your shoes are deteriorating unevenly, with one side lasting longer versus other, you might need further support. Of course, if you might be frequently getting injured or just have pain within your lower back, heels, or knees, you might need some assistance in order to stop the discomfort.

If you cannot see a doctor anytime soon, you can always buy shoe inserts at the store. These may help solve the situation, in which case no further action is required. But if it does not appear to help, you at least should see a doctor to find out when there is a different underlying problem. You can also visit http://www.spinewise.ca/custom-orthopedic-bracing/ to get the better solution for your problem.

In some cases, orthotics act as a temporary solution to a problem that needs more serious therapy. In fact, many doctors suggest patients buy such a device and see how it works ahead of trying out additional treatment alternatives, such as surgery. Since this option is noninvasive and rather cost-effective, you have nothing to lose by trying it out to help reduce the pain you feel whenever you walk or exercise.