Orthotic arch support is meant to control foot position. It is to be used to balance and stabilize a person's foot, in order to provide comfort and achieve the most favorable performance. These arch supports will reduce friction, absorb shock and improve overall comfort. Some of them have to be specially made to order and a prescription is needed for these. There are companies who offer pre-molded varieties, in order to make a more affordable version.

The main purpose of these specific type of arch supports is to help control foot motion that is abnormal. An example of this would be; excessive pronation. The normal collapsing of the arch when walking occurs is called pronation, but when it is excessive it can lead to bunions, heel pain, shin splints, hip pain, and even lower back pain. These special arches are also great for reducing pressure on calluses and corns.

Other symptoms which may be reduced by this arch support are; pain in the ball of the foot, general foot pain, arch pain, or heel pain. Activities which some of these symptoms occur in include; shopping, lawn work, aerobics, fitness walking, running, court sports, hiking, and many chores in general. These specific arch supports are available for mainly men and women's feet. There are, however, a few companies who offer small inserts for children.

Available in full length or ¾ length, for extra toe room in tighter shoes, the high quality version of these special arch supports are made from closed-cell nitrogen injected material. Many types are available with a moisture wicking top sheet and constructed of anti-microbial material. They come in a thin layer for casual shoes and thick for athletics shoes, with firm arch support and extra foot cushioning. These orthotic arch support inserts can be made to fit any type of shoe.

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