Should You Wear Orthotics If You Work At A Desk?

If you work at a desk and have a sedentary role, you can still experience body pain caused by sitting in the same position throughout the day. As a result, you may wonder if it's a good idea to wear orthotics in spite of your job.

The truth is that orthotics may be a good idea. In fact, they could be the key to preventing pain in the first place.

Look at Your Orthotic Options

There are a few different types of orthotics, but the most common are arch supports. If you have low arches or flat feet, wearing arch supports can help to distribute your weight more evenly. This can relieve pressure on your feet and ankles and prevent pain.

Even if you sit all day, these orthotics are useful. If you have a sedentary job, you likely don't move around much while sitting. This can cause your muscles to tighten and your joints to ache. Wearing arch supports still helps stretch out the muscles.

Orthotics are about much more than your feet. You can also find orthotics options that support your back, neck, and shoulders. If you experience pain in any of these areas, it may be worth looking into these other options.

Orthotics Prevent Injury for Sedentary Workers

When you have a sedentary job, there's always the risk of developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI). This is an injury that's caused by repetitive motions. Common examples of RSI include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

While you might not think that sitting at a desk all day could lead to an RSI, the reality is that it's one of the most common causes. Poor posture and not taking enough breaks can contribute to the development of an RSI.

You can support your muscles with orthotic items, like devices for your shoes or orthosis splints for carpal tunnel. This helps to take the strain off of your muscles, tendons, and ligaments›—even if you're sitting. As a result, you're less likely to experience pain.

Orthotics Are Great If You Have Health Issues

If you have some health issues, like diabetes, you may want to wear orthotics even if you have a desk job. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which means you may not feel pain as well as other people. Wearing arch supports can help prevent foot injuries that could result from this lack of sensation.

Talk to Your Doctor About Orthotics

If you're not sure if orthotics are right for you, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. They can assess your needs and your job. You may be surprised to see how much of a difference orthotics can make in your occupation.