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About Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


The times we live in currently are very different from the past. Medical care has been brought closer to the people because many supplies which are medically related can be gotten from the local drugstores. They include wart removal, orthotics, flu shots and eye glasses. Physiotherapists and doctors find the sale of over the counter orthotics controversial despite the fact that to many people this is convenient.

Research has shown that knee pain patients rarely check into hospitals for further diagnosis. They go ahead and buy the supplies without getting a prescription. The common ones take the shape of shoes and are worn to provide relief of arch problems. They are meant to offer additional support to legs. The foot problems they alleviate include running or walking incorrectly, uncomfortable shoe use or flat feet.

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.

Even if you succeed in alleviating the pain, it will still come back again because the underlying cause has not been treated. More serious issues will need a thorough examination and a number of tests for accurate diagnosis. In addition, there are times when it is necessary to prescribe shoes which offer more supportive or stretching exercises. This can only happen if one goes to the doctor after experiencing knee pain.

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 you are purchasing orthotics over the counter make sure you choose a type which has been made from strong plastic or the polymers of plastic. These ones are strong and it is difficult for them to lose their functionality. Softer ones go flat with the initial use and they will not help you. There is not any difference between their use and putting on your shoe. You will be wasting your time and money by purchasing them.

If you can, go for one that has the characteristic of both of this orthotic. However, ensure molding takes place well because it will determine their efficiency and effectiveness.




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