Why You Should Always Get Custom-Fitted Orthotics
Posted on: 7 August 2018
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If you've been struggling with foot pain and general mobility, you may have decided to try some inserts, as somebody told you that these would significantly help in your situation. As you search, you may have been looking around your local store and have seen some over-the-counter inserts that promise to work wonders. However, before you choose this option, you need to understand the limitations of these inserts and how, in certain circumstances, they could be detrimental. Why should you consider getting custom orthotics made specially for you, instead?
Generic
Remember, any 'solutions' that you pick up at a general store will be very generic. They are manufactured for the mass market and cannot possibly fit every person perfectly. You will wear a number of different types of shoe during the course of a given week, and your orthotic inserts should be designed with this in mind. If you pick something up at the store, you may have to alter the product so that it will fit your needs, or in some circumstances it might be simply too tight.
Specifics
While you know you have a problem, do you know exactly what this entails? In other words, does it affect your arch, heel, toes or a combination of all? When you get a customised orthotic insert, it will be designed to address all of these issues at the same time, so it will provide support or reinforcement when necessary.
Circulation
You need to be particularly careful if you are unlucky to suffer from a significant illness, such as diabetes. As you may know, this can affect circulation in the feet and have a negative effect on nerves and blood vessel structure. In this case you should definitely get custom-fitted orthotics instead, as they can help to improve the circulation.
Athletic
On the other hand, you may be very active and take part in some form of athletic competition. In this case you're putting even more strain on your feet and are having to deal with associated pain. If you don't have the right amount of balance when you train or perform, you cannot expect to get a good result, and you may also be inflicting extra damage to your body. You need to pursue proper balance to give you the right amount of agility, and custom orthotic inserts are definitely recommended in your case.
Doing It the Right Way
As you can see, there's a lot at stake, and this is not a good time for you to take shortcuts. Have a word with your podiatrist so they can design a solution to help you.