A Doctors Guide To Buying Over The Counter Orthotics

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By Scott Cook


A comfortable shoe gives you the confidence to walk anywhere you wish. However, the discomfort might develop after a considerable distance and when you are far away from the house. Since you cannot change the shoe, your next best option is to get over the counter orthotics. You do not need an appointment with the physician to have them fitted. This will allow you to complete your day in comfort.

There is no agreement among doctors and physiotherapists on the best design for all. You will be lucky if you get the right pair for your foot. However, things get worse if you land the wrong one. All you require to get a perfect sole is the right information. This allows you to make the right choice in an instance at the counter and get back to work without making trips to doctors.

The word orthotics is used in reference to a number of devices. The common feature between all these devices is that they support your feet to ensure comfort. They are therefore used on different parts including your toes, arch, heels and any other area prone to discomfort. This support helps you to avoid bruises and injuries. The support also gives you a good walking style that will not affect your back in the long term.

An insole is the most common orthotic device. Others include heel cups, silicone pads and inlays. The common insoles are designed to provide support to the foot where it is most needed. They come in categories of soft and hard materials. The soft type goes flat immediately you exert pressure on it. The recommended material is polymer.

Polymer has admirable characteristics that make it the best material for insoles. It acts like hard plastic that provides the firmness needed to support your feet. Apart from ready made insoles, there are plates or molds that are treated with heat to produce your desired insole design. They offer combined advantages of OTC and customized insoles. You have to be cautious during molding because a single mistake with the imprint renders the mold useless.

Technology has also made it possible to get instantly manufactured insoles. This is through automated machines with sensors that capture the shape of your sole. As you step on the pad, it also captures pressure points, arch design and length of your foot. It then instantly generates an insert customized for your foot.

The price of OTC orthotics is cheap compared to customized ones. However, the lifespan of the insoles are not impressive. An OTC insole will last for about six months after which it loses its effectiveness. Customized ones last up to a year. You might also need different soles for different shoe designs.

The price of OTC orthotic depends on factors such as the material, brand, size and design. While it is convenient to acquire a piece over the short term, you might need to consult a physiotherapist for a long term solution. To avoid compromising the health of your frame, find a pair that fits you perfectly. Avoid the delicate materials that lose shape immediately you exert pressure.




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