If an orthotic has been recommended for you or someone around you, you may be wondering whether they are important or not. This device offers certain special benefits that you may not get from other tools.
Foremost, what is an orthotic? An orthotic is a unique device that is placed around the joints, muscle or other skeletal parts to support, treat or immobilize them. The device is usually recommended for people with injured, ineffective, weak or deformed joints, muscles, and skeletal parts.
Generally, orthotics are of two types: The first type is a pre-molded orthotic, which has been already fabricated to be used for comfort and cushioning by anyone with issues with their muscles, skeletal parts or joints. Although they are also good, they cannot be used for treating issues like standing, walking or other biomechanical problems. Pre-molded orthotics can be found at footwear stores and drugstores.
The other type is a custom orthotic. This type is specifically fabricated for the particular health issues of the patient. They are better than pre-molded because they can address issues related to cushioning, comfort, as well as biomechanical problems such as standing and walking.
Here are 3 benefits of wearing orthotics:
1. Ensuring Balance and Stability
The feet determine proper mobility. Therefore, if there are problems with the feet, it will be difficult to walk. With the help of orthotics, your feet can become healthier so that you move with ease. This usually works through the orthotics that are placed inside the shoes to ensure that you get more balance and stability.
2. Aiding Knee Pain
Knee pain is not limited to older people as there are lots of younger individuals with a similar problem. Injuries, infections, and diseases are the major culprits of knee pain. Irrespective of the cause, orthotics can go a long way in reducing the pressure that the knee will feel when you are standing, walking, etc. This is because orthotics come with special materials that are capable of supporting the feet. Notably, custom-made orthotics are the only ones that can offer this special function.
3. Helping With Ankle Sprains
There are several causes of ankle sprains. Injuries and regular physical sports are just some of the common causes. When ankle sprains occur, walking, standing, and biomechanical actions become difficult. If you have such an issue, you should consider getting orthotics. Orthotics are known to reduce ankle sprains. They can be fitted into the shoes that you wear so that no one notices that you can continue performing various biomechanical actions without much hassle.
Overall, the benefits of orthotics make them useful devices that you should think of whenever you are having issues with stability and balance, ankle sprains or knee pains. Furthermore, you should note that it takes some time to become accustomed to wearing orthotics. During the period, it is normal to experience muscle tiredness and leg fatigue. However, at the end of the day, wearing orthotics is usually worthwhile because of the benefits it offers.
