Knowing the Right Orthotic Insoles to Treat Your Flat Feet

There are 3 different kinds of orthotic insoles to look at when you are about to make a smart investment in your feet. Each of these variants has different characteristics, and are used depending on your particular situation.:

1) Custom-made (rigid) insoles: These orthotic shoe inserts are for patients with intense biomechanical disorders that are more severe than the general degree of over-pronation that most of us experience. Custom-made, rigid orthotic insoles are only available from a foot specialist (podiatrist). For example, some people suffer from ‘supination’, which is the opposite to pronation. Their feet roll to the outside or ’supinate’, and the arch stays high and rigid when touching the ground. This is known as a high-arched foot or cavus foot, and only affects 5 percent of the world’s population. Supinators will call for a custom-made orthotic that deals with this type of problem. Also, people with very large bunions, foot ulcers, foot deformities or totally flat feet should see a foot specialist. After initial diagnosis of flat feet, or any of the above mentioned conditions, the podiatrist will decide on a custom-made prescription orthotic. Then, a negative-impression plaster cast of the person’s foot is prepared, and this cast is then sent to an a specialized orthotic manufacturing lab. Using this cast, a positive cast is made by pouring plaster into the negative mold. The result is an exact reproduction of the bottom of the foot. From this copy, the orthotic technician (orthotist) will produce a custom orthotic, making the necessary adjustments, as instructed by the podiatrist. The result is a rigid (or semi-rigid) orthotic device. Although these devices are biomechanically correct, many individuals find it very difficult getting used to them them.

2) Heat-moldable insoles: Heat-moldable insoles are a less expensive substitute to the costly custom insoles, which can cost up to $600 per pair. They are a standard, prefabricated, pliable device made of medium-firm density E.V.A. material. The device then can be warmed to slightly change its form. Sometimes wedges are added for a more customized product. Heat-moldable arch supports cost around $100 to $140 and are a lot easier to get used to than custom rigid orthotics.

3) Prefabricated Orthotic Shoe Inserts: Prefabricated insoles are a soft-medium density insole, offered at pharmacies, online from specialist websites, and also from some physiotherapists and chiropractors. People will get used to these orthotics almost immediately, and the cost ranges from $30 to $50 per pair. Research shows that for 80% of people afflicted with excess pronation, a pre-made insole will give enough relief of wearing them, these types of orthotics will adapt to the wearer’s foot shape, due to their body weight and body heat. The majority of prefabricated orthotic insoles are made of EVA, a flexible but firm product that holds up the foot without harming the arches. Children and the elderly will in particular benefit from a flexible type of insole, since they aren’t tolerant of anything hard beneath their feet.

It is always a good idea to ask for the advice of a professional prior to making this type of decision. You want to ensure you are making the most appropriate decision for your particular problem.

About the Author

Shoe inserts and insoles are products designed for foot pain relief. At Footminders, these orthotic insoles are made as a result of extensive research for plantar fasciitis treatments. You can find more information and treatment for many types of foot pain at www.footminders.com.

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