Wednesday, October 14, 2015

About Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


The times we live in currently are very different from the past. Medical care has been brought closer to the people because many supplies which are medically related can be gotten from the local drugstores. They include wart removal, orthotics, flu shots and eye glasses. Physiotherapists and doctors find the sale of over the counter orthotics controversial despite the fact that to many people this is convenient.

From several research studies, it is clear that limb pain is mostly treated using non-prescription medication. Also, this works most of the time compared to not going for this option. Shoe inserts take after a normal shoe. They are very effective for providing additional support to limbs and also relieving problems at the arches. The kind of pain relieved by this equipment includes flat feet, incorrect walking and running and also use of ill-fitting shoes.

The issue with self-prescription is that the real issue will not be dealt with. Many people tend to focus on relieving the pain but not the underlying cause. Also, physical therapists report that these orthopedic supplies will worsen the problems most of the time because of wrong usage. Things like core weakness and improper hip muscle flexibility cannot be solved fully by such things. The foot pain is just one symptom amongst many in this kind of conditions.

Over the counter orthopedic supplies only makes the pain go away but the problem will still persist. However, you need a specialist to perform tests and examinations in order to come up with an accurate diagnosis. Muscle imbalances may manifest like foot pain but this can only be known after performing screening of the entire body. Stretch exercises or extra supportive shoes may have to be ordered at the end.

In the event that the doctor decides that you need orthotics, you can either get custom-made ones or cheaper ones. The second option is available in many drugstores. The difference between this two is the pricing. The custom made orthopedic equipment is very expensive compared to the regular ones. However, even the regular one does a good job. Do not strain your financial capability to get the custom ones if you cannot afford them.

Some medical insurers cover for orthotics but reimbursements are mainly done if you have purchased one which is custom made. There is such a big difference in the prices because of the personalization and the quality of materials used to make them. They should last for a period of three years at the very least but those bought over the counter degrade by six months.

If it is a must you self-prescribe choose equipment which has been made from plastic polymers or hard plastic. It is not easy for them to flatten out and they will provide support for long. Softer materials go flat very fast and using them is no different from wearing only your shoe.

Another alternative is using a blend of the two kinds of orthotic. The problem with this kind is that the effectiveness will depend on the molding process. A true custom shoe insert takes the shape of your foot into consideration.




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