When your arch is at optimum, it ensures that your feet will be comfortable when you are wearing shoes. Individuals with flat feet will find that walking normally can be painful over time since their feet are not getting the right support when they are in shoes. On the other hand, you could have injured your feet or have developed an issue that is causing your feet to not be supported correctly when you are in shoes. Whatever the reason, it is essential to know that you need these inserts so that you can remedy the problem as soon as possible. Read on for a few symptoms that will help you discern if you need orthotic inserts.

Your wet footprints appear uneven

This is one of the first signs of your feet not receiving insufficient support. When you step on the floor with wet feet, there are a few things to look for in the subsequent print to determine if your feet are in need of these inserts. First, check if the print of the arch has a distinct shape. Secondly, check the sole and the top of the print, as this should have a distinctive ball at the bottom and each toe at the top. Lastly, check if the middle of the print has a distinctly curved arch. If the print does not have a curved arch, it is likely that your feet supinate, whereas if the arched curve is separated from the entire print, then your feet overpronate.

Your feet are painful and swollen

When your arches fall, it will manifest as a dull ache in your foot. Moreover, you could develop other forms of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis because your feet are not getting the support they need. Heel pain that goes away may not be a cause for concern for you. Nonetheless, if the pain does not abate and is accompanied by swelling, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

You have an uneven gait

Your gait develops over time hand in hand with your posture. Hence, you may not even know what your gait is. However, if you start to be questioned about how your walk has changed, it could be a sign that you need orthotic inserts. If one or both of your feet are not receiving the support they need when you walk, they will start to hit the ground in an awkward manner. Try to walk in front of a mirror to see if you have started to walk differently and see a podiatrist to determine if orthotic inserts are for you.