Knowing the Right Orthotics to Treat Your Flat Feet

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Knowing the Right Orthotics to Treat Your Flat Feet

Posted On : May-07-2009 | seen (1124) times | Article Word Count : 534 |

These arch support insoles are for individuals with intense biomechanical disorders that are more severe than the common degree of overpronation that many of us suffer from. Custom-made, rigid orthotic inserts can only be created by a podiatrist. For instance, some people deal with ‘supination’, which is the opposite to pronation. Their feet roll outwards or 'supinate', and the arch remains high and stiff when touching the ground.

In general, there are 3 different kinds of orthotic inserts to consider when you are thinking of making a crucial decision for your feet. Each of these variants has varying characteristics, and are used depending on your particular situation.:

1) Custom (rigid) orthotics: These arch support insoles are for individuals with intense biomechanical disorders that are more severe than the common degree of overpronation that many of us suffer from. Custom-made, rigid orthotic inserts can only be created by a podiatrist. For instance, some people deal with ‘supination’, which is the opposite to pronation. Their feet roll outwards or 'supinate', and the arch remains high and stiff when touching the ground. This condition is called a cavus foot or high-arched foot, and only affects 5 percent of the population. Supinators will require a custom-made orthotic that fixes this type of issue. Additionally, people with very large bunions, foot ulcers, foot deformities or entirely fallen arches must see a foot specialist. After preliminary diagnosis of flat feet, or any of the before mentioned ailments, the podiatrist will determine the right custom-made prescription orthotic. Subsequently, a plaster cast with a negative impression of the person’s feet is created, and this cast is then delivered to an a special laboratory for manufacturing orthotics. Using this cast, a positive cast is made by pouring plaster into the negative mold. The end product is a precise duplicate of the bottom of the foot. From this model, the orthotic technician (orthotist) will create a custom-made orthotic, providing the appropriate adjustments, as requested by the podiatrist. The end product is a rigid (or semi-rigid) orthotic device. Although these devices are biomechanically correct, many individuals find it extremely hard getting used to them them.

2) Heat-moldable orthotics: Heat-moldable orthotics are a less expensive option to the expensive custom-made orthotics, which usually cost $300 - $600 per pair. They are a standard, off-the-shelf, flexible product made of medium-firm density E.V.A. material. The product then can be heated up to slightly alter its shape. At times wedges are added for a more customized product. Heat-moldable arch supports cost around $100 to $140 and are much easier to get used to than custom-made rigid orthotics.

3) Pre-made Orthotics: Pre-made orthotics are a soft-medium density insole, offered at drug stores, online from specialist websites, and also from some physiotherapists and chiropractors. Patients will get used to these orthotics almost immediately, and the cost varies from $30 to $50 per pair. Research proves that for 80 percent of people suffering from over-pronation, an off-the-shelf arch support will offer adequate correction of wearing them, these types of orthotics will customize to the patient’s foot shape, because of their body weight and body heat. Most prefabricated orthotic inserts are made of EVA, a supple but firm substance that holds up the foot without harming the arches. Children and the elderly will mainly benefit from a softer type of orthotic, since they are less tolerant of anything rigid below the foot.

It is always a intelligent choice to get the guidance of a professional prior to making this type of decision. You must make sure you are making the most appropriate selection for your particular disorder.

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<h1>Knowing the Right Orthotics to Treat Your Flat Feet</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Fred Solomon.aspx'>Fred Solomon</a> In general, there are 3 different kinds of orthotic inserts to consider when you are thinking of making a crucial decision for your feet. Each of these variants has varying characteristics, and are used depending on your particular situation.:

1) Custom (rigid) orthotics: These arch support insoles are for individuals with intense biomechanical disorders that are more severe than the common degree of overpronation that many of us suffer from. Custom-made, rigid orthotic inserts can only be created by a podiatrist. For instance, some people deal with ‘supination’, which is the opposite to pronation. Their feet roll outwards or 'supinate', and the arch remains high and stiff when touching the ground. This condition is called a cavus foot or high-arched foot, and only affects 5 percent of the population. Supinators will require a custom-made orthotic that fixes this type of issue. Additionally, people with very large bunions, foot ulcers, foot deformities or entirely fallen arches must see a foot specialist. After preliminary diagnosis of flat feet, or any of the before mentioned ailments, the podiatrist will determine the right custom-made prescription orthotic. Subsequently, a plaster cast with a negative impression of the person’s feet is created, and this cast is then delivered to an a special laboratory for manufacturing orthotics. Using this cast, a positive cast is made by pouring plaster into the negative mold. The end product is a precise duplicate of the bottom of the foot. From this model, the orthotic technician (orthotist) will create a custom-made orthotic, providing the appropriate adjustments, as requested by the podiatrist. The end product is a rigid (or semi-rigid) orthotic device. Although these devices are biomechanically correct, many individuals find it extremely hard getting used to them them.

2) Heat-moldable orthotics: Heat-moldable orthotics are a less expensive option to the expensive custom-made orthotics, which usually cost $300 - $600 per pair. They are a standard, off-the-shelf, flexible product made of medium-firm density E.V.A. material. The product then can be heated up to slightly alter its shape. At times wedges are added for a more customized product. Heat-moldable arch supports cost around $100 to $140 and are much easier to get used to than custom-made rigid orthotics.

3) Pre-made Orthotics: Pre-made orthotics are a soft-medium density insole, offered at drug stores, online from specialist websites, and also from some physiotherapists and chiropractors. Patients will get used to these orthotics almost immediately, and the cost varies from $30 to $50 per pair. Research proves that for 80 percent of people suffering from over-pronation, an off-the-shelf arch support will offer adequate correction of wearing them, these types of orthotics will customize to the patient’s foot shape, because of their body weight and body heat. Most prefabricated orthotic inserts are made of EVA, a supple but firm substance that holds up the foot without harming the arches. Children and the elderly will mainly benefit from a softer type of orthotic, since they are less tolerant of anything rigid below the foot.

It is always a intelligent choice to get the guidance of a professional prior to making this type of decision. You must make sure you are making the most appropriate selection for your particular disorder.About the Author: Fred Salomon and the foot care research team at <a rel="nofollow" href=http://www.footminders.com/>Footminders</a> have designed orthotic insoles for healing common conditions causing <a rel="nofollow" href=http http://www.footminders.com/foot-pain-symptoms-causes-and-solutions.html>foot pain</a>. You can find more information and treatment for many types of foot pain at www.footminders.com. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Knowing-the-Right-Orthotics-to-Treat-Your-Flat-Feet_650.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Knowing the Right Orthotics to Treat Your Flat Feet_650.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Knowing the Right Orthotics to Treat Your Flat Feet_650.aspx

Author Resource :
Fred Salomon and the foot care research team at Footminders have designed orthotic insoles for healing common conditions causing foot pain. You can find more information and treatment for many types of foot pain at www.footminders.com.

Keywords : foot pain, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, orthotics, orthotic, flat feet, pronation, arch supports, insole, foot health, shoe ,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness

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