What You Need To Know Concerning Over The Counter Orthotics

By Della Monroe


In the modern world, it is not a must to visit a hospital for medical supplies. You can easily get orthotics, flu shots, wart removal and eye glasses from any drug store. Many pharmacies have opened up orthotic kiosks in many parts of the country. These facilities are convenient but still doctors and physiotherapies raise concerns because of over the counter orthotics.

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 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.

In the event that the doctor decides that you need orthotics, you can either get custom-made ones or cheaper ones. The second option is available in many drugstores. The difference between this two is the pricing. The custom made orthopedic equipment is very expensive compared to the regular ones. However, even the regular one does a good job. Do not strain your financial capability to get the custom ones if you cannot afford them.

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.

There is also a blend of the custom shoe inserts and also the custom one. However, it will only work if the molding comes out well. Heating should be done for at least two minutes to allow for proper molding. This is superior to the regular one because it has some aspects of both the two types.




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