Orthotics are individually made shoe inserts which help people overcome feet issues. These shoe inserts are not just heel pads you can buy at most athletic stores; they are special orthopaedic instruments, prescribed by a doctor.
Orthotics can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address the patient’s posture and many ailments, such as foot, leg, or back pain.
Different types of orthotics are used for different patients of the Health Tourism Lithuania and allow them to avoid more invasive procedures, such as surgery. Here’s how.
Sport Orthotics
Athletes use orthotics to reduce the risk of injury, protect their feet, and even improve performance. These orthopaedic devices properly align one’s foot with the ankle, giving support, which is essential to people who frequently take part in sports.
Orthotics can help absorb shock, reduce fatigue, and improve comfort. With constant support and alignment throughout a training session, you will experience less fatigue and prevent injuries that occur from overpronation or underpronation.
Soft Orthotics
Those who suffer from calluses and pain, for example, diabetic patients, find soft inserts helpful. Made from soft compression materials, they provide cushioning to take the pressure off the sore spots. Such spots are common to people with conditions as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers.
Hard Orthotics
To maintain the correct arching position of the foot, reduce pain, and help distribute the load evenly, patients use hard orthotics. Made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber, they are suitable for walking shoes with closed toes and low heels.
This kind of orthotic is designed to ease foot aches and strains as well as pain in the legs, thighs, or lower back. People who have issues with their feet, may suffer from all of these pains.
Orthotics for Children
A doctor can prescribe orthotics for children in their foot formation period.
Children do not usually need custom-made orthotics until about the age of six. Nonetheless, if a child isn’t developing a normal arch by then, or if toe-in persists, orthotics may be needed. These shoe inserts help ensure healthy feet development and treat issues like excess pronation at an early stage, preventing them from getting worse.
Orthotics are particularly useful when the child is involved in athletic activities. In these cases, custom-made support of the feet arches can significantly improve gait and running performance.
