Orthotics – what is all the fuss about?
If you have ever suffered from a foot injury or chronic foot pain, you will know the trials and challenges of finding a pair of insoles that are comfortable and supportive with the added bonus of fitting into multiple pairs of shoes. In the media, pharmacies, shoe shops and even now cruise ships pre-made orthotics are being sold in large quantities. Through clever marketing campaigns people will often be misguided into believing a pre-made device is of high quality if it is expensive. This is not the case unfortunately, the quality of the device comes from the way it is prescribed, designed and manufactured. This should only be carried out by trained health professionals.
This article will shed light on the pros and cons associated with both options, we hope this will help guide your decision regarding whether an off the shelf device will address your foot pain appropriately.
Pre-Made Shelf Orthotics
Advantages:
- Low cost
- No wait time in dispensing orthotics
- Multiple options available
- Soft and comfortable
Disadvantages:
- Not designed for your foot type or foot pathology
- Thick and bulky
- Difficult to fit into footwear
- Low durability – 6 months
Custom-Made Orthotics
Advantages:
- Biomechanically designed and engineered for your foot type
- Durability – last up to 10 years
- Modifiable depending on foot type
- Fit into most pairs of shoes
- Comfortable and contour to your arch profile
- Claimable on private health insurance
Disadvantages:
- Cost – $200+
- Delay in dispensing to patient
Take home message
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. However, it is always recommended if you have pain in your legs or feet that it is best to have an examination with a podiatrist. Pain is your body’s way of informing you of injury or disease, pain should never be ignored. If left untreated can lead to other compensation patterns elsewhere in the body e.g. hips, back and knees.
Visit our Bespoke Orthotics page for more information.
Our podiatrists are on hand to answer any questions regarding orthotics and provide you with information to help guide you in successfully treating foot and leg pain.
To book an appointment with one of our podiatrists please book online via our website www.enablepodiatry.com.au or call our office on 0435 722 565.