Monday 25 April 2016

A Professional 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.

Finding the right pair is a controversial subject even among doctors and physical therapists. It is a great relief to find the right pair. Unfortunately, the wrong one will only make things worse. With the right information, getting the good pair for you will not be a problem. OTC pairs save you money and the time you would need to make an appointment with the physical therapist.

There are different items that qualify as orthotics. The general definition thus should be any device that is inserted into the shoe to provide proper support. The support may be at the heel, arch or any other part that feels uncomfortable. Having proper support will prevent injuries and long term health issues like back and foot pain. It also enables you to walk comfortably.

The most popular orthotic piece is the insole. Others in this category are inlays, silicon pads and heel cups. The design of insoles is to provide support on areas where it is needed. The insoles available in the market are either made of hard or soft material. Soft materials go flat after exerting pressure. Doctors recommend polymer as the best material for insoles.

Polymer has admirable characteristics that make it the best material for insoles. It acts like hard plastic that provides the firmness needed to support your feet. Apart from ready made insoles, there are plates or molds that are treated with heat to produce your desired insole design. They offer combined advantages of OTC and customized insoles. You have to be cautious during molding because a single mistake with the imprint renders the mold useless.

There are automated machines that help to make the insoles within minutes. They are placed in public places by different brands. They use thousands of sensors to pick the shape of your foot. They capture the length and type of arch as well as pressure points. They will then generate the perfect insert for your foot type.

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.

The price of OTC orthotic depends on factors such as the material, brand, size and design. While it is convenient to acquire a piece over the short term, you might need to consult a physiotherapist for a long term solution. To avoid compromising the health of your frame, find a pair that fits you perfectly. Avoid the delicate materials that lose shape immediately you exert pressure.




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