There are all kinds of things that can be put into the shoes and people wonder are those pretty much the same as orthotics. What is the difference between over-the-counter kinds of things you can slip into your shoes?
A good analogy that I give my patients is reading glasses. some people don't see very well. They go to Walgreens or CVS or a local pharmacy and they see a rack of reading glasses and they try them on and they may help a little bit; they may clarify things a little bit, but you can't really compare the reading glasses that you get versus going to the eye doctor and getting a prescription and getting a prescription pair of eyeglasses that are made specifically for whatever deficiencies you have in your vision. It's exactly the same with orthotics or insoles.
Generally, what is out there in the sporting good stores and pharmacies or storefront businesses are basically a pad with cushioning in certain areas that may help some people but for the most part, it's just a generic pad that you're putting in your shoe. When podiatrists make orthotics, we have a sophisticated way of measuring depending on their foot condition. And that orthotic then usually corrects the mechanics or the mechanical deficiency of the feet that will prevent the pain that they had from recurring.
For further questions, make an appointment to see Dr. Richard Nichols at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists at 817-481-4000 serving Northeast Tarrant County for 25 years.