How does a foot orthosis alleviate pain?

A foot orthosis alleviates pain primarily by providing support and cushioning. This is significant because many foot-related issues stem from inadequate support that leads to overuse or strain on the joints, muscles, and tendons. Properly designed orthotics can help distribute forces evenly across the foot, address alignment issues, and offer cushioning that absorbs shock during walking or running. By enhancing stability and minimizing discomfort, foot orthoses can help reduce pain associated with various conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, or diabetic neuropathy.

While some of the other options mention factors that could be relevant in certain contexts—like body weight distribution, which may play a role but is not the primary mechanism of pain relief in orthotics—support and cushioning directly target the pain often experienced in the foot and lower extremities. Hence, the primary function of a foot orthosis rests on its ability to provide those supportive properties, directly contributing to pain alleviation.