Orthotics are devices that provide physical support for the arches of the feet, which can be found in sporting goods and shoe stores or prescribed by a podiatrist. They can help prevent further injury and repair damage caused by stressed joints, damaged muscles, or tight feet. People can also use shoe inserts or taping to create arch support, but it is important to get properly fitted orthotics to avoid harm.
The orthotic is a physical support for the arches of the feet, provided with the use of a medical device. Devices that create arch support can be found in some sporting goods and shoe stores and can also be supplied by a podiatrist or similar professional who works with the feet. When corrective devices are prescribed and customized, they may be known as orthotics, referring to the profession that involves correcting physical problems that lead to pain, poor athletic performance, and other problems.
There is some controversy about the role of the natural arches found in the feet in walking and other forms of movement. People can function very well with unusually low or high arches, with problems that seem to arise when joints in the feet are stressed, muscles are damaged from overextension, or when the feet are noticeably tight. In these cases, wearing orthotics can help the foot rebuild its natural strength in the arches of the feet, preventing further injury and possibly repairing the damage.
People can provide support for their arches in a number of ways. Sometimes it is done with the help of shoe inserts designed to support fallen arches. Shoe inserts come in a range of styles and designs, and people who need support should be careful about using products designed for that purpose, rather than general purpose shock absorbing inserts or inserts designed for other functions. Good support inserts are stiff enough, to hold the arches up, with some give so the arch can move up and down naturally as the person moves.
Taping or strapping can also be used to create arch support. This type of support is worn continuously and changed every few days or more often as needed. People with severely fallen or painful arches may benefit from this type of arch support because it supports their arches while they’re barefoot and sleeping, as well as when they’re wearing shoes.
People experiencing pain in their legs and feet might consider meeting with an orthotics consultant to talk about the problem and get advice. The consultant can recommend the use of orthotic shoes or orthotic inserts to address specific problems with feet and legs, and can help steer consumers away from products they don’t need to use. Getting properly fitted orthotics is also important, as a poorly fitting orthotic or any other type of orthotic device can do more harm than good.
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