Basic Information About Customized Shoe Orthotics

By Kathryn Neal


Custom shoe orthotics are inserts that are placed in shoes that are made specifically for that person. They are personally fitted to the wearer's shoe size, shape of their foot and any foot problems they are dealing with.

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.

Store bought inserts often create more problems than they correct as well. People mistakenly buy orthotics for the wrong issues and in turn it creates even more pain and discomfort than they were experiencing before. This is one of the biggest reasons why seeing a physician for these types of problems is important. A physician can quickly uncover the problem and will know exactly what kind of inserts the patient needs to use.

Both physicians and chiropractors will be able to fit someone for custom orthotics. They will take measurements of both feet and snap some pictures as well. This information will then be sent to a special lab that creates inserts. Once the lab has the person's information they can begin making a set of inserts that specifically meets their needs. This process typically takes about a week, but can be finished in as little as a few days or take up to several weeks in some cases.

The biggest difference between custom and store bought shoe inserts are their construction. Customized varieties are made with a variety of materials, unlike their store bought counterparts. This is because the material that will best suit the person's issues are chosen so that the inserts are most effect for treatment.

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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