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An orthotic is a medical oriented shoe insert that is prescribed by a podiatrist. It is used to heal joint pain, leg pain, lower back ache and overall health issues that are caused through gait abnormality. Orthotics for shoes help in aligning all these body parts correctly. It also helps to overcome wrong posture that leads to health issues. They come in different types and choosing the right ones for your shoes is very crucial, as a wrong selection can cause more problem than before.
Purpose of Orthotics
Originally designed to provide comfort to your feet. Orthotics for shoes are shoe inserts or insoles that are inserted inside your normal shoe. These shoe inserts are intended to give your feet comfort when your foot strikes against the ground.
They are also used to support your feet and body by supporting and healing gait abnormality. Gait abnormality is a condition in which you’re not able to walk properly or are having problem while making movement.
How to Test Orthotics?
Once you have discovered the purpose of purchasing orthotics for your shoes, you can easily identify which is the right one for you. While testing them, you must bend the insert and try rolling it. If you can bend them easily, it is designed for comfort and not support. However, if the orthotics do not bend easily, you must understand it’s for support purpose and not comfort. So, the choice depends on your personal requirements and purpose.
Do I Need Orthotics?
Are you suffering from feet ache or joint pain regularly? Do you have any gait abnormality? Well, if you have any of these body issues, you might definitely want to get orthotics for your shoes. But before doing so, it is important that you visit a podiatrist and discuss your condition with them. While using the right orthotics can help you tremendously, not choosing one or choosing the wrong one could cause even more trouble and pain.
Difference Between Inserts and Orthotics
Inserts
Inserts are shoe inserts that are found in every shoes store. These inserts are made up of plastic, gel or foam materials, and they are good for normal ordinary use. They can be used by all, as they are not medically prescribed. They are designed to make your feet comfortable and can provide support too, but they cannot help you in overcoming feet aches or gait abnormality.
Orthotics
Like discussed earlier, orthotics for shoes are medically approved and prescribed. It is not just designed to provide comfort and support for your feet but can also heal bio-mechanic problems in your feet and body. They can also help in recovering from foot pain that is caused by various diseases or medical conditions.
How to Use Orthotics for Shoes?
The orthotics that you choose for your shoes must fit inside your shoe perfectly. Properly contoured orthotics can provide you with the right comfort and support. Your orthotics can fit you just right if they’re prescribed and custom designed by your podiatrist. So, it's better to discuss that option with your specialist.
Cost
Since orthotics are medically approved and prescribed by a podiatrist, they can definitely cost you more money than inserts. Orthotics are expensive but are made from high quality products and have a long lifespan compared to inserts. Thus, getting the right customized orthotics can be a blessing in disguise. Even though it may cost you a lot, it will definitely be the right investment to make for your overall quality of life.
Finally, orthotics for shoes are not just ordinary inserts or insoles but are medically prescribed and approved inserts that are used for healing and improving body pain and structure. Choose them wisely and you will soon realize what you were missing all these days.