What You Need To Know Concerning Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


Nowadays, you can get many medical supplies from the drugstore including eye glasses, flu shots, wart removal and even orthotics. In fact there has been a surge in the number of orthotics stores been opened all over the country. There are convenient but physiotherapist and doctors find over the counter orthotics controversial too.

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 main problem doctors have with non-prescription orthopedic supplies is that there is no chance to deal with the main cause of the matter. It is true that they relieve the symptoms and signs mostly but they is a high probability that they will make the situation worse. At times, the pain may be a manifestation of hip muscle weakness or flexibility issues.

Orthopedic supplies from the drugstore may contain the pain for some period but this will just be masking the bigger issue. Visiting the doctor for screening of muscles is recommended. Imbalances can be easily picked out this way or any other matter which may be causing the pain. Also, the physiotherapist can tell whether there is need for supportive shoes or stretching exercises.

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.




About the Author: