Thursday, April 28, 2016

A Doctors Advice On Buying Over The Counter Orthotics

By Scott Cook


Comfortable shoes inspire a confident walk. In some cases, a shoe is comfortable at the beginning but begins to itch after several kilometers or when walking on certain terrains. Unfortunately by then you have walked too far away from your house that you cannot return to change. To wind up your day in comfort you will require over the counter orthotics. They do not need appointments with physiotherapists or waiting period for manufacturers to deliver.

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.

Different devices can be termed as orthotics. The definition covers any item that is used inside the shoe with the aim of providing necessary support. The support is on different parts of your feet including the arch, heel, toes or any area experiencing discomfort. With proper support you will avoid injuries and bruises. Over the long term, it helps to prevent back pain and a crooked walking style.

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.

The choice of polymer is because it functions like hard plastic. Its firmness ensures that your foot is supported at the crucial points. There are molds or plates that combine the advantage of OTC and customized insoles. They provide you with the luxury of making an insole of your desired shape using heat treatment. The only disadvantage you will have to deal with is the danger of losing the mold if the imprint is not right during the first trial.

There are machines available in public spaces that are used to instantly manufacture desired insoles. The automated machines are loaded with sensors to capture the design of your sole. It creates an impression using your pressure points, length of foot and arch design. It then generates the insole that fits your foot within minutes.

Customized insoles are more expensive that OTC. They also offer a better deal in terms of durability because they can serve you for over a year depending on intensity of use. OTC insoles only last for six months. With OTC insoles, you require a new design with every shoe you purchase and depending on the activity you are engaged in.

Pricing of orthotics is determined by the brand, design, material and size. OTC might serve your short term desire but compromise your long term health. It is advisable that you consult a physiotherapist for a long term solution. Keep away from delicate materials that are destroyed by a little pressure. It is a waste of time and will affect your health in the long run.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment