Not everyone has the perfect feet with the right arch, shape or angle. Many people are either born with foot abnormalities or grow them due to their habits and lifestyle. In such cases, orthotics – you might know them as insoles, inserts or footbeds – are greatly used to correct or treat the abnormality. But they can be quite costly, which makes us wonder, are they even worth the cost?
In this blog, we will discuss what orthotics are, why you need them, what their different types are and how much do orthotics cost. So read on.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are medical devices that are usually prescribed by a healthcare professional. These devices are inserted into the inside of your shoes and are worn to correct or treat biomechanical problems with your foot. These problems include issues in the way you stand, walk or run. Other than that, these devices are also known to treat foot pain caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, bursitis and more.
Orthotics in physio Narrabeen come in different varieties based on their material, features and shape.
Why Do You Need Orthotics?
Orthotics are designed to treat issues with the foot and are beneficial for the overall health of your foot. Although these are generally prescribed by a healthcare professional in physio Narrabeen, you can also get this on your own if the situation calls for it.
The following are some reasons why you would need orthotics:
- Your job or lifestyle requires you to stand for more than 5 hours a day.
- If one side of your side is getting more worn than the other because your foot is turning inwards or outwards.
- You do not have an arch or a very high one.
- You have recently had a lower limb injury that has caused more pressure for either of your feet. As a result, you feel severe pain in your foot, heel or ankle.
Types Of Orthotics
As we mentioned above, orthotics come in various varieties. But mainly, orthotics can be divided into three types:
Over-the-counter orthotics
These orthotics can be purchased from a pharmacy. They are sold widely and can be purchased by anyone. They are ready-made devices that can be moulded to the wearer’s size. Since they are produced widely, they are cost-effective and the cheapest type of orthotics.
Semi-customised orthotics
Semi-customised orthotics are over-the-counter too, but they are not applicable to everyone or all situations. These orthotics are designed to treat particular injuries caused by pain in the lower back, hip or knee. In addition, they are more durable than over-the-counter orthotics and have been found more effective.
Fully customised orthotics
As the name suggests, these orthotics are made especially for your feet. They are tailored to your size and condition. In physio Narrabeen, you will be asked to take some tests for customised orthotics to get them right. But, since they are made just for you, you know they will be the most efficient.
How Much Do Orthotics Cost?
In some cases, orthotics devices can range from $25 to well over $1000. However, as orthotic products can be designed for specific purposes, they come in different price brackets.
When you are thinking about buying orthotics or getting it from physio Narrabeen, you mustn’t make the cheapest possible purchase. Instead, compare the products’ price, quality and features before settling on one that would be the right fit for your foot.
That being said, the following is a cost breakdown of orthotics based on their types:
- Over the counter – $50 to $100
- Semi-customised – $200 to $300
- Fully customised – $400 to $800
The prices mentioned are for sets of orthotics, i.e. two pieces for your feet. You can halve the cost if you need only one orthotic for your foot.
Be at Your Best With FlexiFit Physiotherapy
If your healthcare provider or physio Narrabeen has prescribed you to use orthotics, you must consider the gravity of the situation. It clearly means that there is something irregular about your foot, and it is likely to worsen without proper treatment.
And that is what orthotics can be— a treatment to remedy the situation of your foot. So, considering everything we have discussed and how much do orthotics cost, it can be said that they are totally worth the cost.
Remember, when it comes to your health, nothing is too much. If you need an orthotics specialist in Narrabeen, FlexiFit Physiotherapy is here to help. Contact us today