In Regard To Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


In the modern world, it is not a must to visit a hospital for medical supplies. You can easily get orthotics, flu shots, wart removal and eye glasses from any drug store. Many pharmacies have opened up orthotic kiosks in many parts of the country. These facilities are convenient but still doctors and physiotherapies raise concerns because of over the counter orthotics.

According to research, many knee pain cases can be easily relieved by purchasing orthotics being sold in kiosks. The common ones are placed into shoes. They are shaped just like a normal shoe to alleviate arch problems and provide extra support. They are mainly sold to those with pain on feet as a result of wearing shoes which are not comfortable, flat feet or suffering from strains.

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.

You are the determinant of the type of orthotics to go for. This can be customized or regular. Few stores deal with the personalized one but you cannot miss a regular one in a large number of drugstores. To note is that the former is very costly and there is no need to strain in getting one if it is beyond your financial capabilities. The other one will still deliver good results if used.

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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