or·thot·ic
ȯr-ˈthä-tik 
plural orthotics
: orthosis
Doctors made us aware of the scoliosis forming and a need for orthotics that would improve his spine.—
Christie Willhite
Christie Willhite
especially
: a supportive device inserted into a shoe usually to stabilize the foot, correct alignment, or provide cushioning
To better support the arch and absorb shock, specially designed shoe inserts (orthotics) are often recommended. —Food & Fitness Advisor
Food & Fitness Advisor Some patients experience discomfort from the stiffness of many orthotics, but it disappears as the patient's foot adapts to orthotic control and the device settles into the shoe. —James F. Eggold
James F. Eggold … the fabric-covered orthotic provides arch support so you tire less easily. —Maggie Spilner
Maggie Spilner Examples of orthotic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Claire Trageser, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
And Clint builds an orthotic insole into them so the actors can have some protection between them and the terrain.
—Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 17 Jan. 2025
Easy Spirit Romy Sneaker These Easy Spirit sneakers, which come in narrow and wide sizes, feature removable footbeds that can be switched out for orthotics to give your feet extra support.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for orthotic 
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Adjective
Carter uses the results to create custom orthotic insoles.
—Claire Trageser, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
And Clint builds an orthotic insole into them so the actors can have some protection between them and the terrain.
—Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
In other cases, shoe modifications, orthotics, pain medications, joint injections, surgery, or other treatments might be necessary.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 17 Jan. 2025
Easy Spirit Romy Sneaker These Easy Spirit sneakers, which come in narrow and wide sizes, feature removable footbeds that can be switched out for orthotics to give your feet extra support.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for orthotic
Dictionary Entries Near orthotic
Cite this Entry
“Orthotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthotic. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
orthotic
1 of 2 adjective
or·thot·ic
ȯr-ˈthät-ik
: of, relating to, or being an orthosis or orthotic
a thoracolumbar orthotic brace
orthotic devices that restrict movement
orthotic shoe inserts
also
: of or relating to orthotics
orthotic therapy
In the absence of radiculopathies or nerve entrapments, treatment should be directed to mechanical and orthotic correction of postures and locomotion accompanied by methods of pain relief and control. —Laura K. Smith, Neurological Rehabilitation
Laura K. Smith, Neurological Rehabilitation orthotic
2 of 2 noun
: orthosis
Doctors made us aware of the scoliosis forming and a need for orthotics that would improve his spine.—Christie Willhite, Chicago Daily Herald
Christie Willhite, Chicago Daily Herald
especially
: a supportive device inserted into a shoe usually to stabilize the foot, correct alignment, or provide cushioning
In some cases doctors recommend orthotics—custom-made shoe inserts that help redistribute weight and take pressure off the bunion. —Richard Trubo, Harvard Health Medical Letter
Richard Trubo, Harvard Health Medical Letter The most commonly encountered problems with the orthotics themselves were blister formation, edge irritation, heel slippage from the extra bulk in the shoe, and discomfort from the stiffness of the orthotic. —James F. Eggold, The Physician and Sportsmedicine
James F. Eggold, The Physician and Sportsmedicine You might also need orthotics to align your foot properly in your boots and reduce stress on the knee, particularly if your foot pronates (rotates inward). —Mark L. Fuerst, Food & Fitness Advisor
Mark L. Fuerst, Food & Fitness Advisor Love words? Need even more definitions?
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