Oct 18, 2015

What You Need To Know Concerning Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


In the modern world, it is not a must to visit a hospital for medical supplies. You can easily get orthotics, flu shots, wart removal and eye glasses from any drug store. Many pharmacies have opened up orthotic kiosks in many parts of the country. These facilities are convenient but still doctors and physiotherapies raise concerns because of over the counter orthotics.

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.

Over the counter orthopedic supplies only makes the pain go away but the problem will still persist. However, you need a specialist to perform tests and examinations in order to come up with an accurate diagnosis. Muscle imbalances may manifest like foot pain but this can only be known after performing screening of the entire body. Stretch exercises or extra supportive shoes may have to be ordered at the end.

In the event that the doctor decides that you need orthotics, you can either get custom-made ones or cheaper ones. The second option is available in many drugstores. The difference between this two is the pricing. The custom made orthopedic equipment is very expensive compared to the regular ones. However, even the regular one does a good job. Do not strain your financial capability to get the custom ones if you cannot afford them.

The good news is that some insurance companies cover against such expenses. However, you will only get your money back if you have bought a personalized orthotic. The pricing difference comes about because of material quality and other characteristic taken into account when making this kind of shoe insert. Also, they last for a longer duration compared to regular ones.

If it is a must you self-prescribe choose equipment which has been made from plastic polymers or hard plastic. It is not easy for them to flatten out and they will provide support for long. Softer materials go flat very fast and using them is no different from wearing only your shoe.

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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