Orthotics: orthosis 'artificial external device' < Greek orthōsis 'making straight' < orthos 'straight'

Plantar Faciitis

A chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia, four layers of muscles and ligaments that passes from the heel to forefoot. The inflammation is caused by the fascia improperly pulling and tugging- uneven weight distribution.

As shown in this video, the Mayo Clinic recommends an orthotic as part of care for this condition.

Calluses & Corns

Underlying bone problems can cause excessive irritation. Where shoes repeatedly rub, dead skin cells pile up, creating calluses on the bottom of the foot and corns on the toes.

Hammertoes

Produced by a muscle imbalance which causes the end joints of one or more of the smaller toes to bend down, while the closer joints bend up. Another cause may be Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Bunions

Painful when the bursa sac becomes inflamed from irritation caused by spreading of the fore foot, pronation, supination or imbalance. Strong muscles pull weaker complimentary muscles causing misalignment.

Plantar Neuroma

A nerve growth that often accompanies metatarsalgia. It develops when the nerve between two metatarsal heads are pinched and bruised. Symptom: a burning numbness or electric shock sensation in the ball of the foot caused by a dropped metatarsal arch or by tight fitting shoes, repeated impacts or jolts to the forefoot.

Heel Pain

A chronic inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament like structure that passes from the heel to forefoot. The fascia partially pulling away from the heel causes the inflammation. A bony spur-which at times causes pain- can also develop here, caused by excessive heel rotation, excessive heel pounding, longitudinal arch weakness, and/or stretched plantar muscles.