Thursday 28 April 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.

Finding the right pair is a controversial subject even among doctors and physical therapists. It is a great relief to find the right pair. Unfortunately, the wrong one will only make things worse. With the right information, getting the good pair for you will not be a problem. OTC pairs save you money and the time you would need to make an appointment with the physical therapist.

There are different items that qualify as orthotics. The general definition thus should be any device that is inserted into the shoe to provide proper support. The support may be at the heel, arch or any other part that feels uncomfortable. Having proper support will prevent injuries and long term health issues like back and foot pain. It also enables you to walk comfortably.

The most popular orthotic piece is the insole. Others in this category are inlays, silicon pads and heel cups. The design of insoles is to provide support on areas where it is needed. The insoles available in the market are either made of hard or soft material. Soft materials go flat after exerting pressure. Doctors recommend polymer as the best material for insoles.

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.

There are automated machines that help to make the insoles within minutes. They are placed in public places by different brands. They use thousands of sensors to pick the shape of your foot. They capture the length and type of arch as well as pressure points. They will then generate the perfect insert for your foot type.

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.

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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