Sunday, October 7, 2012

Beneficial Reasons To Purchase Orthotics

By Doris Rivas


The feet and ankles must bear the weight of entire human being, plus function at a movement mechanism. This alone can create painful problems. But, there are also other types of functional issues which may limit a person's movement abilities. Orthotics can help to correct problems that cause pain and create greater and easier mobility.

When you are considering orthotics, you are usually considering the inserts that you put into your shoes to help provide support and correct abnormal movements. You have the choice of buying over-the-counter brands or consulting your physician so that he or she can write you a prescription. Both varieties are made of sturdy and lightweight material that will support your body weight while stabilizing your movement to reduce pain.

Reasons for which a person might seek to buy this type of insert vary widely. Issues such as shin splints, gait abnormalities, differing shoe wear between the left and right ones, or bunions are highly common. Others include back pain, flat feet, high rate of ankle sprains or chronic foot pain. Each of these are worthy of seeking relief.

The type of pain that you are experiencing and the wear on your shoes will help you and your doctor identify the underlying problem that is causing the pain. This will help determine the type of orthotic that you need. After determining both, you can then seek to correct the actions that cause the pain.

The various types of inserts that are on the market today usually fall into one of two categories. The functional version is made to help with foot pronation and shock absorption. Foot pronation is the way in which the foot moves and flattens on a surface while take a step. Accommodative versions are more rigid and meant to stabilize a particular area. Braces, gait plates, splints and casts comprise this latter type. There are a few types which combine the benefits of both of these versions.

There are many different type of materials that are used to make inserts and braces. Inserts for the shoe are typically made of silicon or foam. In some cases, they may also be made of plastic. Braces, on the other hand, are largely made of plastic, metal or carbon fiber.

Over-the-counter versions come in many available brands. An individual should be careful when self-diagnosing and purchasing these versions however, as they are generally not as long-lasting as prescription varieties. It can be much more beneficial to consult a physician prior to purchasing either type. This is largely because a person may not always accurately self-diagnose his problem.

Issues with the functions of the foot or ankle can lead to severe pain that may extend to other areas of the body and limit mobility. Orthotics can help to rectify these issues. By purchasing inserts or braces, a person can help to relieve the pain that foot or ankle motion causes and help him to increase his overall ability to move with greater ease.




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