About Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


The times we live in currently are very different from the past. Medical care has been brought closer to the people because many supplies which are medically related can be gotten from the local drugstores. They include wart removal, orthotics, flu shots and eye glasses. Physiotherapists and doctors find the sale of over the counter orthotics controversial despite the fact that to many people this is convenient.

According to research, many knee pain cases can be easily relieved by purchasing orthotics being sold in kiosks. The common ones are placed into shoes. They are shaped just like a normal shoe to alleviate arch problems and provide extra support. They are mainly sold to those with pain on feet as a result of wearing shoes which are not comfortable, flat feet or suffering from strains.

Nonetheless, there is danger in self-diagnosis. It is hard for a person who has not received training in orthopedic problems management to correctly identify the problem cause. A pair of orthotics is not the solution to every pain experienced on the limbs. In fact, the apparatus can even worsen the problem. At times, the genesis of problem s is faulty hip muscle flexibility or weakness. The foot bears all this weight and it will surely have issues.

Even if you succeed in alleviating the pain, it will still come back again because the underlying cause has not been treated. More serious issues will need a thorough examination and a number of tests for accurate diagnosis. In addition, there are times when it is necessary to prescribe shoes which offer more supportive or stretching exercises. This can only happen if one goes to the doctor after experiencing knee pain.

You can buy a customized orthotic or a regular one. However, note that the first option costs a fortune. The regular ones can be found in almost all drugstores but only a few make customized ones. Nonetheless, do not worry if you cannot afford the personalized one. You will still do fine even with regular orthotics.

Some medical insurers cover for orthotics but reimbursements are mainly done if you have purchased one which is custom made. There is such a big difference in the prices because of the personalization and the quality of materials used to make them. They should last for a period of three years at the very least but those bought over the counter degrade by six months.

If you are purchasing orthotics over the counter make sure you choose a type which has been made from strong plastic or the polymers of plastic. These ones are strong and it is difficult for them to lose their functionality. Softer ones go flat with the initial use and they will not help you. There is not any difference between their use and putting on your shoe. You will be wasting your time and money by purchasing them.

Another alternative is using a blend of the two kinds of orthotic. The problem with this kind is that the effectiveness will depend on the molding process. A true custom shoe insert takes the shape of your foot into consideration.




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