Q: Areorthotics just for sore arches or can they help other problems?

A: Flat feet benefit from having a strong arch support to hold up their arches, thus taking pressure and stress off the ligaments and bone structure of the feet. High-arched feet absorb shock poorly and often develop thinning of the fat pad at the balls of the feet. Orthotics with thick cushioning and special “metatarsal” pads shift pressure from the balls of the feet to just behind the balls of the feet, relieving painful pressure. This kind of orthotic can also help relieve pressure on a Morton’s neuroma at the ball of the foot. Leg length differences can often be addressed with orthotics by adding a heel lift to the orthotic on the short side.