Orthotic devices-choosing the right orthotic device

An orthotic or orthopedic device is a specially designed shoe complement to treat or adjust the various biomechanical foot disorders that are a cause of severe foot and heel pain. The orthodic devices may be in the form of cushioned heel cups, heel pads, shoe inserts or shoe insoles.

One of the main functions of these orthotic devices is to align or support the foot or the ankle. They can be used to prevent, correct or accommodate deformities of the foot and thereby increase the comfort level of the patient and provide relief.

For example, an ankle foot brace can substantially reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in the heel or the ankle. Heel pain, like pain in any other part of the foot, can severely impair movement due to the discomfort caused when even placing the heel on the ground. An increased heel support or a flare can ease the ankle sprains. Heel cushions act as shock absorbers against the impact of the thud while walking.

NEVER SUFFER FROM FOOT PAIN AGAIN ! Try Walkfit Orthotics from Phase 4, proven orthodic devices that have been the solution to foot problems for millions of users. Orthotic shoe insoles available for only !.Get several foot care products for FREE along with your order.

It goes without saying that you have to go by the advice of your podiatric specialist regarding the kind of orthotic device that your foot needs. Once you receive his prescription, you have two options for buying the orthotic device. The simpler and inexpensive option, which works well for most general cases of foot pain, is to buy an off-the-shelf device which is generally available from the chemists' shops or at retail stores.

The other course is to get the device custom made for your individual requirement. For this, the manufacturer takes an impression of your foot, which is called a cast. The impression in the cast duplicates the maladjustments in the foot. Orthotic specialists then correct this misalignment with compensation and stabilization techniques.

Knowledge, they say, is power. As a well-informed person you must be aware of the relationship of your body weight to your foot problem. You must, therefore, ensure that the density, softness and thickness of the padding used to cushion your foot should conform to your body weight. The density of the padding can be low, medium, or high.

It is important to understand the role of each orthotic device or its placement in the shoe in alleviating the foot pain. For example a wedge installed into the inner side of the sole can help a flat foot and reduce the risk of tendonitis. Sometimes a simple alteration in the shoe does the trick and you do not need any wedge at all.

The style of the orthotic device must match the style, contours or the arch length of the shoe. While a full length orthotic device is suitable for sport shoes, ¾ length suits the regular shoes and thin orthotics are good for high heeled fashion shoes. The orthotic device works better if it is inserted in a sneaker.

Sometimes the insertion of an orthotic under the heel or the rear side of the foot may transfer the weight of the foot towards the toes, causing new problems. For this the shoe front should be broad and spacious enough to accommodate the weight transfer.

Before buying any orthotic, walk around the shoe store for sometime to ensure that there is no pinch, irritation or discomfort after the device has been inserted.