If you’re new to the idea of buying or wearing orthotics, it can seem pretty intimidating. Orthotics are essential for those with foot issues such as flat feet, high arches, and weak armpits. There are so many different types of orthoses you can choose from – how do you know which one is right for you?
Fortunately, choosing the right pair of orthotics isn’t as scary as it seems! Luckily for you, we’ve put together some handy tips on choosing the right pair of orthotics for beginners.
What is Orthotic Wear?
Orthotic wear is a type of medical device used to improve the health of the foot. Orthotic devices are a form of footwear that people wear in their shoes to treat issues such as flat feet, diabetic foot, or arthritis.
Certain orthoses are custom-made to treat certain conditions. For instance, a custom foot orthosis might be used to treat flat feet, while a custom ankle orthosis could be used to treat ankle sprains or arthritis.
There are many different types of orthosis. Each type is made for a different condition and features different materials. Some orthoses are made of soft materials, while others are made of hard plastic so they can provide support when worn under shoes.
Some orthoses are designed to help with physical injuries, while others aim to improve foot health. Some orthosis types are designed to correct the alignment of the foot, while others are designed to treat pain.
Know Your Foot Type
If you’re new to orthotics, it’s really important to know what issues and type of feet you have so you can decide which type of orthosis is right for you. While some orthoses are designed to correct issues such as flat feet, you might also have weak arches.
In this case, custom orthoses might be the best option. You should also consider what kind of issues you have. For instance, if you have arthritis, you might need an orthosis that is designed to provide support for your ankle.
Decide What Type of Orthotics You Need
Once you know your foot type and what issues you have, you can start to decide which type of orthosis is right for you. This decision depends on your specific needs. If your foot is flat, you might want to invest in a custom foot orthotics.
These are specially designed to correct the alignment of your foot. They’re commonly made of soft materials, but some can also be made of hard plastic. If you have weak arches, you might want to try out an arch support orthosis.
These are designed to provide extra arch support, which can help to alleviate foot pain. If you’re suffering from arthritis, you might want to try an ankle orthosis. These orthoses are designed to support the ankle and provide relief from arthritis pain.
Get a Trial Pair
If you’re still not sure which orthosis is right for you, you can always try them out in a trial pair. This will allow you to experience the orthosis in your shoes and see if it’s comfortable to walk in. You may notice that the orthosis feels different when worn in shoes compared to when it’s worn on the foot – that’s normal!
The trial pair will allow you to walk in your shoes with the orthosis, so you can use it to see if it’s comfortable for your feet. If you’re not comfortable in your shoes, you can always try a different orthosis! The trial pair can be sent to you for free, so you don’t have to worry about paying for it.
To get your free trial pair, you’ll need to complete an online form and provide some medical information. Your details will be securely held by the foot health team, who will then send you your trial pair.
Learn the Basics of Insoles and Footwear
Once you’ve chosen the correct orthosis for your needs, you’ll need to learn the basics of insoles and footwear. This is important to help you to reap the benefits of your orthosis. Insoles are the part of your orthosis that goes inside your shoe.
They’re made of a variety of materials, and can be soft or hard. Some orthoses are made of soft materials and can be worn with any shoe, while others are made of hard plastic and are only suitable for certain types of shoes.
So, when choosing an orthosis, you should also think about what shoes you’ll be wearing with your orthosis. When it comes to footwear, you’ll want to make sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable. This will allow the orthosis to be supportive, too!
Take a Look at the Top Brands of Orthoses
The Vionic orthotics are highly recommended for those who suffer from foot pain and issues. The Vionic orthotic can be worn with any shoe and is made from soft materials that mold to your feet.
If you want something a little more supportive, you can go for the Vionic X-Series, which has a built-in arch support.
The Sebamed orthotic is another highly recommended brand. The Sebamed provides maximum support, and is made from hard plastic. It’s designed to help with arthritic pain and can be worn with any shoe.
Don’t Forget to Try Out Your Shoes With Your New Orthotics
Now that you’ve chosen your orthosis and found the perfect pair of shoes for them, you’ll want to make sure they’re the perfect fit. If you’ve chosen a custom orthosis, you’ll need to visit your foot health clinic to get it fitted.
This will allow your doctor to see how your foot is positioned in the shoe, and will help to determine if they are fitting correctly. If you’ve chosen a foot orthosis, you’ll also want to try walking in your shoes while wearing the orthosis.
Conclusion
Getting a new pair of orthotics doesn’t have to be hard and can easily help your foot health. With these tips you can find a great pair that fit you easily and you will reap the benefits.
