DeSimone Foot and Ankle Centre, Inc. <br />http://www.desimonefootcentre.com <br />Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from <br /><br />felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking <br /><br />pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more <br /><br />efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help <br /><br />people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that <br /><br />prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique <br /><br />foot structure. <br /><br />Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main <br /><br />categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in <br /><br />nature, and those that combine functional control and protection. <br /><br />Rigid Orthotics <br />Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primari
