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Can Orthotics Cause Hip Pain?

Learn about the likelihood of your orthotics causing pain in your hips, why this might happen, and when you should be using orthotics for hip pain.

a man in a white shirt and blue and pink suspenders
By Babafemi Adebajo
Joel Taylor
Edited by Joel Taylor

Published December 28, 2021.

Orthotics are designed to relieve pain, not cause them. However, as is often the case, many people complain about pain and trace it to the usage of an orthotic device.

While this is possible, the chances are that the pain results from an incorrect application of the orthotic or improper maintenance. At other times, the pain is because the orthotic was not designed by a professional with the requisite knowledge about body mechanics and positioning.

When Can Pain Occur From Custom Orthotics?

If orthotics are not correctly fitted or have not been adjusted properly (as with over-the-counter orthotics), pain becomes a possibility. The same is true if you have been misdiagnosed or if your orthotics were incorrectly manufactured. However, with custom orthotics from Upstep, pain can become a thing of the past.

Do Orthotics Cause Pain Initially?

In the same way that wearing a new shoe for the first time may cause some discomfort, a new orthotic too can cause some pain. This is why an initial break-in period of two weeks is advised to allow your body to get used to the material. So yes, while orthotics can cause pain initially, they do not have to. However, it's important to remember that new orthotics should never cause more pain than you were experiencing beforehand.

Importance of Custom-Fitted Orthotics

Regular orthotics are pre-designed and available for purchase in stores. While they can bring temporary relief with mild conditions, they can also distort your body alignment, worsening the condition and causing pain.

In their place, custom orthotics are better if you desire to avoid pain. This is because they are designed to fit and take into consideration any prior conditions you may have.

When to Use Orthotics for Hip Pain

It may be necessary to use orthotics for hip joint pain if you have any of the following:

  • Bursitis
  • Sciatica
  • Bunions
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Misaligned kneecaps
  • Flat feet
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Hip injuries

» Get control of your hip pain: Upstep Orthotics collection