Questions About Foot OrthoticsOrthotics are custom-made inserts that fit inside the shoe. They are designed to decrease abnormal motion of the foot while allowing for normal movement. Orthotics realign your feet to a more usual or "neutral" position, restore balance, improve sports performance and serve to eliminate or reduce foot, back and leg pain by improving function and efficiency. We offer several styles which can be worn comfortably in most types of shoes.
2. What specific conditions may be helped?
3. Do I need a Doctor's Prescription for FootOrthoticsTM?
4. How can I tell which orthotic is right for me?
5. Why are Premiere FootOrthoticsTM so inexpensive?
7. Won't a simple store-bought arch support work just as well?
8. If I use orthotics, will I become dependent on them?
10. How long will my Premiere FootOrthoticsTM last?
11. What are the special needs of those who engage in sports
12. How much do orthotics cost?
13. Do orthotics have to be "broken in"? How long will it take to get used to them?
Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to imbalance. Some imbalances are obvious, such as flat feet, excessive pronation, bow legs, knock knees, pigeon-toes, "duck feet" or high-arched feet. However, many foot deformities are subtle, and are not detected until symptoms occur. People who must walk or stand excessively at their work will also benefit from the comfort of orthotics. For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength. For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress on the feet. Small problems are often magnified due to the increased weight. Orthotics will benefit people with special needs, such as diabetics or the elderly. These individuals need accommodation or increased softness in the orthotic. Orthotics can work in a preventative manner to avoid the development of future foot problems, such as skin ulcerations.
What specific conditions may be helped? If you have arch pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, shin splints, calluses, corns, bunions, or hammer toes, cramping, aching or tired legs, you can achieve an improvement. Certain types of leg, lower back and neck pain can be alleviated. The support that is provided helps control excessive pronation and helps with mid-foot, heel, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain. If you have a neuroma, geriatric, or diabetic foot problem, orthotics can provide you with needed protection and comfort. Imbalance in your feet can distort the skeletal architecture of your body. While foot orthotics will not make a marked improvement in posture, they may eliminate posture problems or pain caused by your feet. This listing of articles can help you decide if your foot problem can be helped by using orthotics.
Do I need a doctor's prescription to order custom orthotics? No. A prescription is absolutely not required. By providing us with the written information in the order form, and taking an accurate impression, the appropriate orthotics will be specifically manufactured for you. It will fit and function extremely well with your foot.
The FootOrthoticsTM that are shown here, are the highest quality available from any source, at any price! They will last longer than any other. They are designed and manufactured using the highest quality materials and equipment. Our guarantee exceeds the industry standards. In media ads, you will find a variety of flat, thin, or more flexible devices, but none of these orthotics will compare to FootOrthoticsTM. Even more expensive systems involving a so-called computerized analysis of the foot, does NOT produce a better product. Some orthotics start with a common plastic "shell", that is simply heated in the lab or office to fit the contours of the foot. Such a product, which often lacks a heel post, has limited effectiveness, but is often described as being a "custom" orthotic. Be cautious about being mislead about such arch supports.
Why are FootOrthoticsTM so inexpensive compared to those at my doctor's office? Even though FootOrthoticsTM may be identical to those available at your doctor's office, we make them available directly to you at less than half that cost. The reason is simple: the overhead of operating a medical practice is significant, and those costs must be recouped through the sale of services and products. Due to our low operating costs, we are able to pass the savings on to you.
Although the human body is an amazing structure, it does have some design problems. It is intended to support and balance a large, tall and often heavy structure, on two very small surfaces. The force through a foot during normal walking is enormous. This force is increased greatly during sports activities. Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion. This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs, and sometimes affect the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes. Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving the fatigue and discomfort associated with "aging" feet. Years of walking and standing often cause the development of arthritis within the foot.
Won't a simple store-bought arch support serve as well? Arch supports merely push against the arch when you are standing, and are not designed with the dynamic needs of your foot in mind. Although a $15.00 arch support can be of some help, they are very limited, and are manufactured in bulk to fit an "average foot", (whatever that is). Just like eyeglasses must be designed to meet the specific needs of your eyes, orthotics must be designed to treat the unique requirements of your feet.
If I use orthotics, will I become dependent on them? No. Orthotics simply allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential.
Your individual foot structure is captured in the foam measuring system. The orthotics are then fabricated, using these measurements, by state-of-the-art computerized equipment in our specialized laboratory, based upon your requirements. They are made from a variety of materials, depending upon your specific condition, activities, occupation, physical stature and the types of shoes in which you will be wearing them.
How long will my FootOrthoticsTM last? Most orthotics should last from two to four years, depending on the use. If your FootOrthoticsTM fail for any reason within one year from the date of purchase, you may return them to us and we will replace them free of charge.
What are the special needs of people who engage in sports? Sports activities result in unusually high amounts of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot not dangerous or detectable under everyday circumstances may render you vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By eliminating the need for your muscles to compensate for these 'hidden" imbalances, orthotics reduce fatigue and promote the kind of efficient "muscle memory" that's crucial to outstanding performance. Orthotics help absorb these pressures, and can reduce abnormal rotation and side-to-side movement. Walkers, runners, rollerbladers/skaters, tennis players, cyclists, skiers, baseball players, soccer players, or anyone who engages in sports will benefit. It is important to note that by aiding foot control or movement, orthotics not only improve the function of the feet, but also of the legs and torso as well. Often the difference is noted immediately.
Doctors charge $300-$500 for orthotics prescribed in the office. Through our simplified at-home measurement kit you can significantly reduce your costs. We charge $200.00 per pair, shipped within the U.S. If you order a second pair at the same time (such as one for work and one for sports), we will give you an additional discount of 25% on the second pair.
Does it take time to get used to orthotics? You may find your FootOrthoticsTM will be comfortable right away, or you may need a few days to get used to them. When you first begin to wear orthotics, your feet will experience subtle, yet distinct changes. Like shoes that you wear for the first time, there is a normal break-in period. You have a 30-day unconditional guarantee on your FootOrthoticsTM so don't feel rushed! |
