Guide To Custom Shoe Orthotics

By Kathryn Neal


Custom versions of shoe orthotics are tailored to the person who is wearing them. A personalized fitting insures they are for the correct shoe size, foot shape and foot ailment.

A doctor will prescribe orthotics for many different reasons. Among those reasons, issues with flat feet, spurs, plantar fasciitis and chronic pain can be addressed. A person might also be prescribed inserts for certain spinal issues as well since they are sometimes the reason behind foot pain.

Many people attempt to treat these same problems with store bought inserts. These types of inserts are constructed of things like cork, rubber and silicone. They are very reasonably priced as well. In fact, the price is often what draws many people to them. For those that do not have insurance coverage, this can seem like a much better option.

The down side to choosing this option, over a prescription version, is that they do not work as well. The products are created to accommodate the average consumer and often will not fit the foot as well as they should. For a person with legitimate feet problems, this is not helpful. Even though they are cheaper, the added cost of prescription inserts is sometimes the only thing that is going to help.

Another problem with store bought inserts are their tendency to create even more problems, rather than help the one's the wearer is already experiencing. If the wrong type of support is chosen, a whole new set of issues could arise. This is where a doctor is important to the process. A doctor can pinpoint the exact issue that needs addressed and what a set of inserts needs to be able to accomplish in order to help.

A physician or a chiropractor can fit a patient with customized inserts. The feet are measured and images are taken. Those images are then sent to an orthotics lab that will create a set of inserts to specifically address that person's issues. After the lab receives the images, it normally takes about a week for them to be constructed, from start to finish. In rare cases, in might take longer, but they could also be completed in only a few days in some cases as well.

The overall quality of the materials used in custom inserts are easily far superior to those of the other variety. Durable and comfortable materials, such as leather, are often found in customized versions. Materials are uniquely chosen for each prescription so they each set of inserts best meets the needs of that specific patient.

Custom inserts can be constructed to withhold large amounts of weight if needed. Extra support in the heel and arch areas can also be placed. More breathable and comfortable materials make them easier to wear long term as well. All of these different elements make for a far superior treatment option, compared to store bought varieties. This is one instance where cheaper is definitely not better.

For those suffering from chronic ailments of the foot, and in many cases the spine, serious consideration should be given to customized shoe orthotics. A quick visit to a doctor or chiropractor is all it takes to find out if they are something that could help.




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