Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A Doctors Guide To Buying Over The Counter Orthotics

By Scott Cook


The comfort inside your shoe determines the confidence with which you step. This comfort sometimes ends depending on distance traveled or other intervening factors. At that moment, you are most likely too far from the house to change. You salvation lies in getting over the counter orthotics. OTC soles save you the trouble of having to book an appointment with the physiotherapist and later wait for manufacturers to deliver. The day can now end 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.

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.

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.

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.




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