Foot orthotics are regularly used to treat a number of foot problems. The actual scientific evidence is that they usually are helpful and that they help usually to help individuals with a range of different foot problems. Despite that success there are plenty of people and health professionals who don't like them, at times looking at them as crutches and to be avoided as people could become dependant on their use. Because of this they recommend against using foot orthotics and advocate options. There are numerous of choices that could be used if an informed decision is made by each individual in regards to what is best for them. One choice is muscle strengthening. The muscles which support the arch of the foot might be strengthened and reconditioned to support the arch. The only issue with this approach could it be is not something which is going to occur in the short term and is much more of a long term option. This can be a problem if there is a lot of discomfort present and a short term treatment is needed.
One other option is with flip flops that contain the arch support built into the design. There are actually numerous brands in the marketplace with the The Archie thongs being one of the more widely used. They are known as “thongs” because that is what they name flip flops in Australia which is where they are manufactured. There are a number of jokes about this terminology difference. Archies Arch Support Thongs contains a 2.2 cm arch already a part of them that is fairly similar to what you get in many over-the-counter foot orthotics. They are proving to be very popular with podiatrists in Australia with numerous podiatry practices offering them. This is an alternative that is consistent with those that prefer to use that type of footwear as a lifestyle option as foot orthotics does restrict the range of shoes which can be used.