In the modern world, it is not a must to visit a hospital for medical supplies. You can easily get orthotics, flu shots, wart removal and eye glasses from any drug store. Many pharmacies have opened up orthotic kiosks in many parts of the country. These facilities are convenient but still doctors and physiotherapies raise concerns because of over the counter orthotics.

Research has shown that knee pain patients rarely check into hospitals for further diagnosis. They go ahead and buy the supplies without getting a prescription. The common ones take the shape of shoes and are worn to provide relief of arch problems. They are meant to offer additional support to legs. The foot problems they alleviate include running or walking incorrectly, uncomfortable shoe use or flat feet.

Nonetheless, there is danger in self-diagnosis. It is hard for a person who has not received training in orthopedic problems management to correctly identify the problem cause. A pair of orthotics is not the solution to every pain experienced on the limbs. In fact, the apparatus can even worsen the problem. At times, the genesis of problem s is faulty hip muscle flexibility or weakness. The foot bears all this weight and it will surely have issues.

Orthopedic supplies from the drugstore may contain the pain for some period but this will just be masking the bigger issue. Visiting the doctor for screening of muscles is recommended. Imbalances can be easily picked out this way or any other matter which may be causing the pain. Also, the physiotherapist can tell whether there is need for supportive shoes or stretching exercises.

You can buy a customized orthotic or a regular one. However, note that the first option costs a fortune. The regular ones can be found in almost all drugstores but only a few make customized ones. Nonetheless, do not worry if you cannot afford the personalized one. You will still do fine even with regular orthotics.

Some medical insurers cover for orthotics but reimbursements are mainly done if you have purchased one which is custom made. There is such a big difference in the prices because of the personalization and the quality of materials used to make them. They should last for a period of three years at the very least but those bought over the counter degrade by six months.

However, if you just have to get orthotic without a prescription, go for the ones made of hard plastic or plastic polymers. They should be stronger than the insole of normal shoes. If they are soft, they will become flat immediately you put on. This way, they will not be serving the purpose which is providing support to your leg. You can as well as put the shoe alone.

There is also a blend of the custom shoe inserts and also the custom one. However, it will only work if the molding comes out well. Heating should be done for at least two minutes to allow for proper molding. This is superior to the regular one because it has some aspects of both the two types.