Due to the fact that one's feet carry his or her entire weight, it is this part of the body that is often the first to indicate that an underlying medical condition may exist. In addition, foot pain frequently leads to discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the knees, back or hips. This is often due to the patient subconsciously changing his or her gait to try to alleviate the foot pain. Unfortunately, this can agitate other parts of his or her body. In such cases, a doctor or podiatrist may recommend prescription orthotics.
They come in a variety of types, and although some can be obtained over-the-counter, many times an individual needs a custom-made prescription from his or her podiatrist. If this is the case, an impression of the patient's foot is typically obtained before the prescription is written. This is to ensure that the proper orthopedic appliances are recommended.
Many devices of this type are designed in an orthotic laboratory and are often created for the purpose of correcting foot imbalances. They may also include heel cushioning or arch supports. Most products of this kind are made from leather, rubber or composite material that fits into the patient's shoe.
The objective of such devices is to help patients maintain a normal gait, and subsequently walk better. If the patient has arches that have fallen, inserts can be created to assist him or her to avoid pronation. Such products typically include cups designed to absorb shock in the person's heel area.
As previously mentioned, once such products are prescribed, an impression of the person's soles are obtained and sent to an orthotic laboratory where customized devices can be created. The cost of these devices will vary depending on the laboratory where they were made. In most cases, however, health insurance will cover the cost of prescription orthotics if they are being sought based on a podiatrist's recommendation.
While it is possible to obtain such products over-the-counter, this option is not suitable for everyone. This is due to the fact that store-bought orthotics are not customized to the specifications of a podiatrist. For this reason, those experiencing serious foot problems should be evaluated by a podiatrist rather than try to select their own orthotic appliances.
It is also important to understand that prescription orthotics require a breaking-in period. Most laboratories recommend that patients wear their new appliance for one hour a day initially, two hours the next day, followed by three hours the third day. It is recommended that one continue this pattern until he or she has reached a full eight hour day using the new device. Anyone experiencing foot pain that lasts longer than several days should seek the advice of a qualified podiatrist.
They come in a variety of types, and although some can be obtained over-the-counter, many times an individual needs a custom-made prescription from his or her podiatrist. If this is the case, an impression of the patient's foot is typically obtained before the prescription is written. This is to ensure that the proper orthopedic appliances are recommended.
Many devices of this type are designed in an orthotic laboratory and are often created for the purpose of correcting foot imbalances. They may also include heel cushioning or arch supports. Most products of this kind are made from leather, rubber or composite material that fits into the patient's shoe.
The objective of such devices is to help patients maintain a normal gait, and subsequently walk better. If the patient has arches that have fallen, inserts can be created to assist him or her to avoid pronation. Such products typically include cups designed to absorb shock in the person's heel area.
As previously mentioned, once such products are prescribed, an impression of the person's soles are obtained and sent to an orthotic laboratory where customized devices can be created. The cost of these devices will vary depending on the laboratory where they were made. In most cases, however, health insurance will cover the cost of prescription orthotics if they are being sought based on a podiatrist's recommendation.
While it is possible to obtain such products over-the-counter, this option is not suitable for everyone. This is due to the fact that store-bought orthotics are not customized to the specifications of a podiatrist. For this reason, those experiencing serious foot problems should be evaluated by a podiatrist rather than try to select their own orthotic appliances.
It is also important to understand that prescription orthotics require a breaking-in period. Most laboratories recommend that patients wear their new appliance for one hour a day initially, two hours the next day, followed by three hours the third day. It is recommended that one continue this pattern until he or she has reached a full eight hour day using the new device. Anyone experiencing foot pain that lasts longer than several days should seek the advice of a qualified podiatrist.
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Quicksilvers Lab Custom Orthotics is a top provider of prescription orthotics. Contact them today for more information! (http://www.qslabcustomorthotics.com)
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