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Re: Biomechanics in lay terms: Biomechanics is the science of how the foot functions. There are two categories of orhtotics. One is called functional orthotics. Such a device fits under the foot and is generally a rigid material. It allows the joints of the foot to undergo a certain range of motion during the walking cycle but not beyond certain limits. Excessive range of motion of certain joints (subtalar and midtarsal) are believed to result in foot deformity such as bunions, hammertoes and depressed metatarsals. That is why one so often finds flat feet (fallen arches) correlating with these deformities. A flat foot is a flexible foot and adapts well to uneven, natural terrain but causes problems when placed in an artificial hard and flat 20th century environment. An orthotic is an attempt to adapt a flat foot to this environment. The second type of orthotic is an accommodative orthotic (sometimes called arch supports). Such a device is ususually made of soft materials and is built up in certain areas. Such a device is designed to insulate specific, painful areas of the foot from weightbearing to reduce pain. It accomplishes this by being built up in areas around the painful spot . It makes the surroundiing painfree area carry extra weight and insulates the painful area from weightbearing. One cannot treat metabolic or systemic problems with foot orthotics - only local mechanical problems. hope this is helpful, Tom