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Where Can I Get Orthotics?
If you've recently learned that orthotics can help you with some issues you're dealing with (pain in the foot, posture and mobility problems etc.) but don't know how to go about it, this guide is here to help. In this article, we will provide you with expert advice that will help you know where to get them and from whom to get them. We will also explain some details about the process that will provide greater clarity.
Can’t I Just Get Orthotics Anywhere?
Well, you can actually just get them anywhere, but if your intention is to get orthotics that will help alleviate your pain, then you need to get it from the right source. You should know that getting a badly done orthotic or one that does not fit the need can end up making matters worse.
It is therefore crucial that you get your device from a source that you can trust to get it done properly and to fit your exact needs. This is exactly what this article will be helping you with.
Where Can I Get Orthotics?
We now come to the crux of this article. There are some options available to you when you are looking to get orthotics or insoles for therapeutic purposes.
We will begin with the easiest and most readily available option and then proceed to the most specialized option. To make the decision-making process easier for you, we will include some pros and cons for each option.
Online Providers
The name is pretty self-explanatory. These are providers that you do not need to meet with physically. From the comfort of your home, you can just place an order and have it delivered directly to you.
So how do they determine what you need? That’s the critical question and one which can have a profound impact on the ability of the delivered product to solve the issue for which it was ordered.
In an attempt to fix this issue of fit, some companies now send questionnaires and a foam box to customers who place orders. The customers leave an imprint of their foot (or feet) in the foam box and answer the questions in the questionnaire.
The company then uses these to design and create custom orthotics for them. These can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.
Advantages
Some of the advantages of this option include:
· Convenience
· Affordability
Disadvantages
This option also has some cons that include:
· Absence of proper evaluation
· Little to no follow up
· Increased chance of not getting a good product
Orthotic Retailers
There are physical outlets that retail orthotic products. Many of these are mainly specialty shoe stores. All you need to do is walk into any of them and they will make recommendations based on their assessment of your feet.
What you get from these retailers can be described as semi-custom-made because the products have been premade. All they do is match your needs to something they have that is closest to what you need. Depending on the exact type you get, it can cost you anywhere from $50 to $300.
Advantages
Here are some of the benefits of this option:
· Instant access to the product
· Affordability
· Ideal for mild issues
Disadvantages
Now let’s look at some of the cons:
· No access to professional Podiatrists
· Not suitable for serious issues
Physical Therapy Centers or Orthopedic Clinics
Orthopedic clinics and physical therapy centers offer help with the treatment of various issues that are related to the body's support system. With experience and increased learning, some of them can also offer help when it comes to issues with the biomechanics of the foot.
Given the scope of their area of expertise, they can prescribe the use of orthotics for the treatment or management of some conditions. This will especially be the case when it has to do with recovery from injury, correction of the gait or pain in the joints.
Depending on where you go for this treatment and other factors like insurance, you can spend anywhere from $300 to $800 getting your device from these professionals.
Advantages
Some of the advantages that this option offers include:
· Access to professional assessment
· Need-based prescription
Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages include:
· Level of specialization offered is less than what a Podiatrist will offer
· More expensive than previous options
Podiatrists
This is the gold standard for obtaining the very best orthotics. A podiatrist is a medical professional specialized in the treatment and management of issues related to the foot, ankle and other related structures.
When you visit a podiatrist, you can expect a complete evaluation of the situation (the feet) to determine the root cause of the problem. They are likely to take you through the following:
· Thoroughly examine your feet and ankles
· Carry out a gait analysis by watching you walk
· Take a mold of your feet. Can also be a 3D scan
· Seek to find out any underlying issues
· Recommend the right orthotics where it is required.
From the above, you can already see that this is a more demanding process which is expected to yield a more precise result. This option is therefore best for those with arthritis, severe foot issues, diabetic foot problems or chronic arch, heel or joint pains.
Given how specialized this option is, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to even up to $1000 depending on what you are getting and who you are getting it from.
Advantages
Some of the pros of this option include:
· Access to highly specialized professionals
· Thorough examination for highly personalized solutions
· Good follow-up care
Disadvantages
As with others, this also has a few disadvantages
· Increased cost
· Takes some time to get the orthotics ready
· May not be covered by your insurer
The above are the four major places and ways to get orthotics.
Tips for Choosing the Right Source
We’ve taken some time above to look at where you can get your orthotics. We’ve also provided some hints regarding cost and effectiveness.
To round off this article, we will focus on some important factors that you should consider when choosing where or from whom to get your orthotics.
Determine Your Need
While you may not be a professional, you can at least describe what you are feeling and how it’s affecting you. With this in mind, use the following tips as a guide:
1. Go for a Podiatrist if you…
· Are diabetic
· Have arthritis
· Suffer from severe pains
2. Orthopedic Clinics and Physical Therapy Centers can Help if..
· Your issue is that you’re just recovering from an injury
3. A Specialty Shoe Store May Suffice if…
· You just want better support for sports or other activities
· You have mild aches and discomforts that you need help with
4. Online Suppliers May be All You Need if….
· You want a custom product but can’t spare the time to try any of the other options
· You do not want to spend so much on the product
· Your situation is not so serious
Important Final Thoughts
Regardless of the option you decide to go for, you should bear in mind that getting the wrong orthotics can worsen the situation you were trying to correct in the first place. So even after you have gotten your device, note the following:
· Pay close attention to the effect of the new device on your feet
· You may need to properly break them in. Start by using them for an hour or two every day
· As you increase your usage, watch for increased relief or discomfort or pain
· Your body is your best ally here so listen to it
It is possible that what you get may not be providing the solution that you require. This is why follow-up care is an important factor to consider especially for more serious cases. If you think the situation is getting more severe even after getting your orthotics, then your options may have narrowed down to just one – seeing a Podiatrist.
For most folks, especially those with mild issues, you can get orthotics that will give you the relief and support you need from the options we’ve listed above. Just ensure that you are getting it from reliable providers.
