Thursday, June 5, 2014

Is Custom-Made Orthotics Right For You

By Marci Glover


Orthotics is a device prescribed by doctors to support and help align misalignment on a certain part of the body. Custom-made orthotics in Toronto CA, for example is a device used to correct anomalies on your feet. A foot orthotic is utilized to support and align issues like flat foot and high arch. It is also used to treat several lower extremity conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, a foot condition common for runners. Orthotics may also improve occupational and athletic performance by realigning the foot and reducing further strain on the feet and lower extremity.

This artificial support is also used to remedy several lower extremity situations such as Plantar Fasciitis for runners. Orthotic can also improve occupational as well as athletic performance by realigning wrong alignment and reducing too much strain on the lower legs and feet.

Running for example becomes popular nowadays, as well as feet-related injuries. This resulted to commercial manufacturing of shoe inserts without further tests and prescriptions from a podiatrist. If you have foot condition and planning to buy one, better think twice. This is something you should watch out, especially when you have similar foot problem because these products might make your injury worse than you expected.

As of today, running becomes a wide hobby for many people, and feet-related injuries are also becoming common. As a result, many commercial companies are manufacturing these piece of equipment without further studies and podiatrists' prescription. Be vigilant about purchasing these products because they might cause more injuries to your feet.

On the other hand, there're shoe inserts that may sometimes be misunderstood with orthotics. Well, they may look the same but they do not actually have the same effects. The equipment is prescribed by a doctor while shoe inserts are widely available in department and retail stores.

There are shoe inserts that can sometimes be misinterpreted with orthotics. Well, they are not the same. Orthotics, custom-made or not, are typically costly than shoe inserts. Shoe inserts can be purchased in any retail store, while orthotic is prescribed by a podiatrist.

Unlike shoe inserts, it is molded to fit each individual foot, so you can be sure that your orthotics fit and do what they're supposed to do. So unless the device has been prescribed and designed for your specific foot's condition, it's not a custom orthotic device, but just a shoe insert. On the other hand, there are still advantages in using shoe inserts. They can provide cushion to your feet, offer comfort, and sustain your arches. However, they don't have the ability to correct you biomechanical foot complications or cure long-standing foot conditions.

Consulting a podiatrist is still the best way to determine what type is right for you. The podiatrist will examine the biomechanics of your lower extremities and infer based on your pain complaints from your feet. Your feet's walking and running condition will also be examined to determine if you need these piece of equipment to treat your feet condition.




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