Info about Orthotics
Benefits of Orthotic Inserts
Many People have foot pain associated with arthritis, and they usually benefit from orthotic shoe inserts. Orthotics sciences creates foot appliances such as: shoe inserts, shoes, and arch supports to aid in the correction or prevention of deformities that may interfere with a person’s normal everyday movement. Orthotics also helps with aligning the foot which helps with the body’s overall body movement. There are many different foot problems such as: Plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), heel spurs, heel pain, hammer toes, crooked toes, corns, calluses, bunions, or arch strain and pain.
A good athletic shoe normally provides you with enough support when running or walking; however, this is not true for somebody that is prone to foot problems or that has arthritis. This is because a good athletic shoe provides you with ample motion control and cushioning, but they do not provide enough shock absorption or heel or arch support. To get the support and shock absorption that a person with heel and foot pain or arthritis needs to buy a well made pair of shoes and replace the original insole with an insole prescribed by their orthopedic doctor.
There are several different types of insoles that come in many different sizes and can be used in several different styles of shoes, but not all insoles are orthotic insoles. If the word orthotic is not written anywhere on the package the insoles are not orthotic and do not provide adequate support for people with foot problems or arthritis.
Orthotic insoles are made to mold themselves to the foot as you are wearing them. There are different types of insoles such as: functional orthotics, supportive orthotics, and weight dispersive orthotics.
Functional orthotics are used to correct problems with the arch of the foot including supination and over-pronation. Supination is common for people that have very high arches, and over-pronation is common for people that have flat feet. Both of these problems can cause plantar fasciitis, heel pain. This can also cause problems in the back, hips, and legs because it can cause a lot of strain on the muscles and joints throughout these areas. Supportive orthotics are also used to correct problems in the arch of the foot and provide the proper amount of support.
Weight dispersive orthotic are used to help with inflamed toes or sores, collapsed tarsal bones, metatarsal heads, or sesamoid bones, which are bones embedded in a tendon. This type of orthotics help to relieve the pressure and pain associated with these problems by providing the proper support and padding to the foot.
There are two different ways you can purchase orthotic inserts. You can buy ready-made orthotic inserts in most local drug stores, super markets, and pharmacies. When you are looking for this kind of orthotic insole some brand names that are highly recommended are Footlevelers, Spenco Insoles, but the most popular is Dr. Scholls. These orthotic insoles are very beneficial, but custom orthotics are the best.
Custom made orthotics are provide more support and relief because everybody’s feet are not shaped the same, and they are custom made to fit your individual foot and to treat the specific problem you are having. This type of insole is prescribed by a doctor, usually a podiatrist, but the actual insole is made by a specialist in an orthotic lab. These types of orthotics are very helpful, but the only disadvantage is that they can sometimes be very expensive. Whether you decide on a ready-made or custom made orthotic insert, you should always let a doctor diagnose the foot pain you are having.