The Hidden Downsides of Custom Orthotics & How to Improve Foot Mechanics Naturally
Custom orthotics are often marketed as the perfect solution for foot pain, flat feet, or gait problems. While they can offer short-term relief in certain cases, long-term reliance on orthotics can sometimes create new problems — especially if the root cause of poor foot mechanics isn’t addressed. At Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, our chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists work together to improve foot function naturally, so your body moves better from the ground up.
The Potential Negative Effects of Custom Orthotics
1. Muscle Weakness
When orthotics do the work of stabilizing your foot, your own muscles and ligaments may become less active over time. This can weaken the foot’s natural arch-supporting structures, leading to dependency on the device.
2. Altered Natural Movement
Orthotics can change how your foot strikes the ground. In some cases, this can shift stress to the knees, hips, or lower back — creating pain in entirely new areas.
3. False Sense of Security
Because orthotics can mask symptoms, underlying biomechanical problems may go unaddressed. Without correcting the actual cause, pain often returns once the orthotics are removed.
4. Increased Cost Without Lasting Benefit
Replacing custom orthotics every 1–2 years can become expensive, especially if the underlying issue could have been resolved through targeted treatment and exercise.
The Benefits of Addressing Foot Mechanics Properly
Instead of relying on passive support, improving how your feet function can have lasting benefits for your entire body:
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Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments for the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine can restore proper joint mobility and alignment, reducing stress on surrounding muscles and ligaments. -
Massage Therapy
Targeted massage can release tight calf, foot, and leg muscles, improve circulation, and restore flexibility for better movement patterns. -
Physiotherapy
Customized exercise programs strengthen weak muscles, improve balance, and retrain the way you walk and stand to promote long-term stability.
Research supports a hands-on, movement-based approach:
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A systematic review in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that stretching and strengthening exercises offer more lasting relief for plantar fasciitis than passive supports like orthotics.
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In Manual Therapy, researchers showed that soft tissue and joint mobilization effectively improve mobility and reduce injury in the lower limb—targeting root causes rather than just masking symptoms.
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The British Journal of Sports Medicine emphasizes how motor control and rehab exercises help restore natural foot function and dynamic alignment, surpassing what orthotics can achieve alone.
Why a Team Approach Works Best
At Remedy Wellness Centre, our practitioners work together to find and fix the cause of your foot mechanics issues. We don’t just treat symptoms — we assess your gait, posture, and overall alignment to create a plan that helps you move comfortably and confidently without long-term reliance on orthotics.
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