 What exactly is an arch
support?
What is the difference between a
footbed and an orthotic?
What
are arch supports made of and how long will they
last?
Will an Arch
Support fit in all my footwear?
Do ORTHAHEEL
arch supports come in different shoe sizes?
Does it
take long to get used to wearing an arch
support?
Can I put
my arch supports in the washing machine?
Do You Have
Other Questions?
What exactly is an Arch Support?
An arch support is a device placed in or built into a shoe or
sandal that is meant to restore your natural foot
function. Many patient complaints such as low
back pain, heel pain and knee pain can be traced back
to poor foot function. A proper Arch Support
can re-align the foot and ankle to a neutral
position, restoring a more natural foot
function. Often this will alleviate problems in
other parts of the body.
Additionally, an arch support can distribute weight more
evenly, this takes pressure off sore spots (e.g. the ball of
the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and provides
some shock absorption.
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What is the difference
between a footbed and an orthotic arch
support?
Regular footbeds are designed primarily to cushion
and absorb shocks. Most will feel comfortable at
first but they are not designed to provide the proper arch
support. An orthotic arch support provides
some additional shock absorption, but more importantly
they are designed to optimize your foot function by
supporting the arch in it's proper position.
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What are arch
supports made of and how long will they
last?
Traditional arch supports are made from rigid
materials, such as hard plastic or even metal. Although they
may correct alignment they are also hard to get used to
and not natural in the sense that they limit the foot's natural
suspension mechanism. Having something 'rock-hard' under the
foot means that with every step the impact is not being
absorbed properly and a shockwave travels from the foot all the
way up to spine.
ORTHAHEEL arch
supports are made of a uniquely flexible material
called EVA . The primary advantage of EVA is that
it supports the foot while 'giving' at the same
time! As you apply pressure to the foot
there will be a certain amount of 'give' in the
arch support. This provides shock
absorbtion for the feet as well as the ankles,
knees, hips and back. That is what makes the Orthaheel
arch support device much more comfortable and more
natural compared to the usual hard orthotics.
Due to the softer more pliable nature of the
ORTHAHEEL arch support, it should be replaced every
12-16 months, whereas rigid (or semi-rigid) orthotics will last
2-4 years. However, the much lower cost of ORTHAHEEL
arch supports ($19.99 - $26.99) means that even with
yearly replacement they still more cost effective.
(Rigid orthotics can cost up to $400).
The softer nature of Orthaheel is especially good for young
children and the elderly as they are less able
to tolerate anything hard under their feet.
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Will an Arch
Support fit in all my footwear?
ORTHAHEEL arch supports come in different models to suit
different types of footwear and activities. The Regular model
features a lateral cutaway to make the device fit in almost
every type of dress shoe, brogue, boat shoe etc. Slimfit
is specially designed to fit ladies' high heel shoes or other
narrow-fitting footwear. The Sport
will fit in any type of
sport shoe and works best when the insole
already present in the shoe is replaced by the
insert.
(Full-length models such as the Golf and Sports
can be trimmed with
scissors to fit the shoe.)
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Do arch
supports come in different shoe sizes?
Yes, they are available in all mens & womens
sizes including 'Kids'. Reference charts are available
when ordering online for any orthotic or sandal you are
considering. The size chart is located next to the "Buy
Online" button on each product description page.
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Does it take long to get
used to wearing an arch support?
Not at all! Because ORTHAHEEL arch supports are made of
'foot-friendly' flexible EVA with plenty of give.
Therefore, it only takes most people a few days to get
used to them. Some people may feel some
discomfort and we recommend you take the orthotics out of
your shoes for 1 or 2 hours and put them back in until they
feel comfortable.
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Can I put arch supports in
the washing machine?
No, the easiest way to clean ORTHAHEEL is to simply wipe them
with a warm soapy cloth but do not soak them.
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ANY OTHER
QUESTIONS?
If you still have unresolved questons, please feel free
to email or call us at
1-800-872-3633.
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