An individual\’s weight is carried entirely on his or her feet. For this reason, foot pain is often a sign of an underlying health condition. Additionally, those who suffer from pain in their feet frequently experience pain in other areas, such as their back, knees or hips. This is often due to the patients inadvertently changing their gait to try to alleviate their foot pain. However, this action often agitates other parts of the body. In such cases, prescription orthotics are often recommended by a foot specialist.
Such devices come in various types and some are available without a prescription. However in many cases the person requires a special prescription from a doctor or foot specialist. When such devices are necessary, a mold of the patient\’s foot is taken before the prescription is written. This ensures that the most appropriate orthopedic appliances are obtained.
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.
They are also designed to assist one to maintain a normal gait, and help him or her to walk better. If an individual has fallen arches, inserts can be designed to help the patient avoid pronation. These often feature heel cups that act as a shock absorber for the patient\’s heels. Advancements in technology have also led to the use of products that are made from gel.
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.
One should also understand that prescription orthotics must be broken in and this may take a little time. Most laboratories state that users should wear their new device for only one hour a day in the beginning, followed by 2 hours the next day, and 3 the next. This pattern should be adhered to until the person has worn the device for full 8 hours. Those experiencing pain in their feet that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days should schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatrist.
Quicksilvers Lab Custom Orthotics is a top provider of prescription orthotics. Contact them today for more information! (http://www.qslabcustomorthotics.com)
Understanding the Purpose of Prescription Orthotics
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