Custom-Made Orthotics Vs. Shoe Inserts

By Marci Glover


Some people are born with high arch or no arch at all, also called flat footed. Custom-made orthotics is an equipment used to correct imbalance or misalignment like high arch and flat footedness in Toronto CA. It is a device prescribed by a podiatrist, doctors specializing on feet. A foot orthotic is used to support and realign foot disparity and poor foot alignments. Among the foot conditions treated using these piece of equipment is the Plantar Fasciitis or flat footedness. Using orthotics can also improve athletic, occupational performance and posture by realigning the foot and reducing the strain on the feet and lower part of the body.

These piece of equipment is a device prescribed by podiatrist and is not available for purchase on retail stores like shoe inserts. Shoe inserts, on the other hand are generally manufactured with cushion properties. Since they are not prescribed, they cannot be called orthotics at all. Using these shoe inserts can cause further injuries in case it's not properly tested and fit on your 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, feet-related injuries are becoming rampant as running becomes popular as a hobby and fitness activity for many people. This called for a commercial need to manufacture shoe inserts, claiming to improve foot conditions. However, these products are not prescribed and without further testing your feet and the support you need, they are not safe. So if you feel like you have foot condition that needs to be treated, do not settle for a shoe insert. Consult a podiatrist to determine the treatment you need.

Podiatrists advise the use of these artificial support to remedy foot problems like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and ankle, foot, and heel pain. Clinical research result indicates podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotic decrease foot pain and improve function. The equipment should be compatible with your shoes. So as much as possible, bring your shoes when choosing them. As you try them on, they should fit with the contours of your shoes so you will be able to walk and run with ease.

Shoe inserts are widely manufactured while the orthodotic that is tailor made is molded to fit each individual foot, depending on someone's foot condition or injury. Advertisements might tell you the same effects but as long as it is not prescribed, it is not orthotics.

On the other hand, shoe inserts also have advantages. They can make your feet feel comfortable by providing cushion and support to you arches. But they do not have the chance to assist you rectify your foot problems or treat your long-standing foot conditions.

For best results, consult a podiatrist to determine your feet condition and what type of custom made orthotic is appropriate for you. The podiatrist will examine your running, walking and standing condition and will further determine what treatment is right for you.




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