All About Customized 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 one major problem with using store bought, versus prescription, inserts is the minimal help they often provide. Store bought inserts are created to fit a generalized population so they often don't fit as well as they should. Real foot ailments do not benefit from this. While the cost may be much less, the usefulness is no where near what prescription inserts are.

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.

Either a doctor or a chiropractic specialist can help with an orthotic fitting. They will take measurements and pictures of the feet and those this information will be sent to a lab that creates the inserts. The lab will then begin creating a pair of orthotics that tailor to that person's specific problems. This entire process usually takes about a week, but the time frame can vary.

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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