| In general, there are three different types of | | | | semi-rigid) orthotic device. Even though these |
| orthotics to consider when you are thinking of | | | | devices are biomechanically correct, many |
| making a worthwhile investment for the health of | | | | individuals find it very difficult adapting to them. |
| your feet. Each of these types of devices has | | | | 2) Heat-moldable arch supports: Heat-moldable |
| varying characteristics, and are used depending on | | | | arch supports are a cheaper alternative to the |
| your particular situation.: | | | | expensive custom arch supports, which can cost |
| 1) Custom-made (rigid) arch supports: These arch | | | | several hundreds of dollars per pair. They are a |
| support inserts are for individuals with intense | | | | standard, off-the-shelf, pliable apparatus made of |
| biomechanical disorders i.e. more severe than the | | | | medium-firm density E.V.A. material. The |
| common degree of excessive pronation that | | | | apparatus then can be heated to slightly adjust its |
| most of us suffer from. Custom-made, rigid | | | | contour. At times wedges are added for a more |
| orthotics are only available from a podiatrist. For | | | | customized feel. Heat-moldable orthotics cost |
| instance, a minority of people experience | | | | around $100 to $140 and are a lot easier to get |
| ‘supination’, which is the opposite to | | | | used to than custom stiff orthotics. |
| pronation. Their feet roll outwards or 'supinate', | | | | 3) Off-the-shelf Arch Support Insoles: |
| and the arch stays high and stiff when hitting the | | | | Off-the-shelf arch supports are a soft-medium |
| ground. This condition is known as a cavus foot or | | | | density insole, offered at pharmacies, online from |
| high-arched foot, and only affects 5 percent of | | | | specialized websites, and also from some |
| the population. Supinators will require a | | | | physiotherapists and chiropractors. Patients will get |
| custom-made orthotic that fixes this type of | | | | used to these orthotics almost immediately, and |
| issue. Additionally, individuals with very large | | | | the cost varies from $30 to $50 per pair. |
| bunions, foot ulcers, foot deformities or | | | | Research has shown that for 80% of individuals |
| completely flat feet should see a podiatrist. After | | | | suffering from over pronation, an off-the-shelf |
| initial diagnosis of flat feet, or any of the before | | | | orthotic will provide appropriate relief of wear, |
| mentioned conditions, the podiatrist will select the | | | | these types of insoles will mold to the |
| proper custom-made prescription orthotic. After | | | | patient’s foot shape, because of their body |
| that, a plaster cast with a negative impression of | | | | weight and body heat. Most off-the-shelf orthotics |
| the patient's feet is created, and this cast is then | | | | are made of EVA, a supple but firm product that |
| sent to an a special laboratory for manufacturing | | | | holds up the foot without damaging the arches. |
| orthotics. Using this cast, a positive cast is created | | | | Children and the elderly will mainly benefit from a |
| by pouring plaster into the negative mold. The end | | | | softer type of orthotic, since they are less |
| product is an accurate reproduction of the | | | | tolerant of anything hard below their feet. |
| bottom of the foot. From this copy, the orthotic | | | | It is always a smart decision to get the opinion of |
| technician (orthotist) will create a custom orthotic, | | | | a specialist prior to making this type of purchase. |
| including the needed adjustments, as instructed by | | | | You must be sure you are making the best |
| the podiatrist. The end product is a rigid (or | | | | selection for your particular condition. |