The Footbionics^® orthotic devices you are wearing have been designed with your feet in mind! Footbionics^® have incorporated some of the latest orthotic design technology to ensure that the product you are using is both comfortable as well as functional. Much of this is based upon modern athletic shoe technology. For wearers of orthotic devices “foot comfort” is critical and is highlighted both in the orthotic design and also the foam materials chosen in their construction. We believe that you should immediately enjoy the feel of Footbionics^® orthoses in your shoes.

 

How does an orthotic work?

An orthotic device is usually used to control abnormal foot motion. However they are often simply used to support the bony structure of your foot. By supporting the foot loads can often be reduced and pain relieved. However there are several recognised ways in which you may benefit from using orthotic devices.

Motion control

The most common use of the orthotic is to control excessive foot pronation. Excessive inward rolling (and arch lowering) of the foot is considered to be a causative factor for many injuries that you may have – particularly overuse injuries or injuries related to repetitive overload. Such injuries that you may have include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, and stress fractures. These are all commonly referred to as overuse injuries. Footbionics^® unique shape provides good motion control with being too aggressive.

Shock absorption

As well as improving foot motion, orthotic devices can also help reduce the peak pressures beneath your feet. By normalising these pressures (or areas of increased load) orthoses can improve shock absorption. Shock absorption has long been seen as a critical element in injury prevention. The foam materials that Footbionics^® are constructed from are excellent in providing shock absorption.

Speed of foot motion

Orthoses can also control the speed (velocity) of your foot and lower limb movement so that motion occurs in a more controlled manner. Imagine if your foot just slapped down rapidly on impact, as opposed to a more gradual or controlled landing. Orthoses can control the speeds of such movements well. Dampening the speeds of these movements will assist in injury reduction. Footbionics^® attempt to control foot velocity by using foams that dampen this movement. Their motion controlling shape also plays a critical role.

Timing of foot motion

Orthoses can also assist in the timing sequences of foot and lower limb motion. If foot motion is not controlled then abnormal foot positioning may cause an unwanted series of events further up the leg. The timing of foot and lower limb movements should be synchronised and occur at the correct time. When these movements occur “out of synch” then problems can occur. By preventing abnormal foot motion, Footbionics^® can improve this foot and limb synchronisation.

Proprioception

Like balance your ability to perceive foot position is critical for any weight bearing activity. Textured insoles rather than smooth insoles have been shown to increase this awareness that can affect balance control. This could have huge implications for injuries such as ankle sprains where balance is critical to avoid this injury. This is one of the reasons why all but one of our Footbionics^® models are manufactured with a textured “polo knit” fabric as found in many athletic shoe sockliners.

So whilst it is thought that primarily the orthotic is used to correct foot position – your Footbionics^® may well be performing in many different yet beneficial ways.