Most people, especially young people, in pursuit of fashion, buy beautiful, but uncomfortable shoes. This is especially true for the better half. Women like models on high, not always stable, heels, with a narrow toe, on a platform, etc. Therefore, 70% of the weaker sex suffer from flat feet. Among men, this figure is not so significant, but they also have problems: heel spurs, varicose veins, pain in the legs due to excess weight (which causes flat feet), excessive load on the feet, etc.
Every year, more and more cases are recorded, referrals to orthopedists with the problem of incorrectly formed arches in children. The main reasons are lack of exercise, «wrong» shoes, unbalanced diet, excess weight. The consequence of this is dysplasia of connective tissues. The feet simply turn out to be unable to fully perform their functions and hold the baby’s weight. Orthopedic insoles will become not only a therapeutic, but also a preventive tool, which will help to avoid serious problems in the work of the musculoskeletal system in the future.
Insoles for transverse flat feet
The human foot consists of arches, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and 26 bones. The load, when the body is in a vertical position, is applied to 3 main points: the outer edge (arch) of the foot, the head of the metatarsal (first) and calcaneus. As a result of wearing uncomfortable shoes, excessive load on the arch and other factors, flattening occurs, the foot expands and begins to resemble a fan. There is a deflection of the first finger outwards and the lowering of the heads of the other metatarsal bones, which appear under pressure. The cartilages in the joints begin to wear out and break down, the head of the first metatarsal bone is deformed, the fingers become crooked, calluses and calluses form on the feet. Insoles with such a diagnosis are required with a pelot under the transverse arch, the height of which is selected depending on the degree of deformation.
Features of longitudinal flat feet
In adults, flat feet is fixed longitudinally in 20% of cases. Most often, this is a combined or transverse type of flat feet. Flattening of the longitudinal vault is mainly diagnosed in children. Babies from birth have imaginary flat feet, which are formed by the age of 3. Diagnosis of this pathology is impossible before this age. Therefore, when the formation of vaults begins, insoles are recommended for prevention. Basically, children’s models are made only with a longitudinal instep. In adults, this problem is familiar to people whose work forces them to stand on their feet for a long time. Orthopedic products for adults usually have an instep and a pelot of the transverse arch.
Design of insoles
The difference between an orthopedic insole and an ordinary one is the presence of special elements that support the arch. They are designed to correct biochemical disorders of the feet. Depending on the purpose, the models differ in details, degree of brutality, height of instep, peloton, other details and materials. However, the structure of these products is almost identical. The inner longitudinal arch is supported by a special instep — (made of plastic or foam material), there is a metatarsal cushion under the transverse arch, the heel area has a recess and a shock absorber made of foamed latex (from the outside). The front part (whip under the toes) is non-working, respectively, the effectiveness of insoles and half-insoles (3/4 feet) is the same.
Material for making insoles
The classic material for production is leather. High-quality polymers are also used. Products made of cork and other hypoallergenic materials, which provide strength, good cushioning and absorption of excess moisture, have good reviews. Silicone devices are considered practical. They spring well when walking — tendons and muscles relax, blood circulation improves and you don’t feel tired in your legs. The covering of the insoles, in contact with the skin of the feet, should be made of natural material. It is desirable to have an antibacterial coating and a layer of activated carbon. Orthopedic insoles are designed for daily wear, so they must provide ventilation and comfort. To test the product, drop a drop of water, if it is quickly absorbed and does not roll on the surface, then the mat is suitable.
When are orthopedic devices recommended?
• Flat feet of all types;
• Insoles, heel spurs;
• Valgus deformity of the first finger (bump on the knuckle);
• Shortening of the limb up to 3 cm;
• Deformations accompanied by pain in the joints (arthritis, arthrosis);
• Ligament damage, limb injuries;
• Morton’s neuroma, manifested by pain in the interplantar spaces;
• Pathologies of the spine;
• Recovery period after operations on the lower limbs;
• Perthes disease;
• Initial stage of diabetic foot syndrome;
• Pregnancy;
• Varicose veins.
What affects the service life of orthopedic insoles?
Manufacturers of this type of device indicate the service life on the factory packaging. On average, this period is 6 months, but it is meant with proper care. However, many factors affect how long products will last. The user’s body weight, gait, physical activity during operation and the intensity of the sock, which is reflected in the condition of the insole. The main part of the product is corrective elements: instep, pelot, etc. The top layer of wool, suede, leather and other materials gets dirty and wears out over time. The frame base and supporting elements do not deform, maintaining functionality. If the worn coating does not cause discomfort when walking, then such an insole is suitable for a further sock. Care of the device is also important, the main goal is to prevent damage to the integrity of the product and the preservation of corrective properties.
Peculiarities of care
A frequent question from buyers regarding care: can orthopedic insoles be washed? Since the basis of products is often durable, and the coating wears out, care is required, they come into contact with the body, materials. They come into contact with sweat, so manufacturers impregnate the fabric with special antibacterial substances. A soft brush or cloth is used to process the coating. Leather models are wiped with a weak alcohol solution. For other materials, the use of a weakly concentrated soapy solution is allowed. Washing under running water and in a washing machine is prohibited. It is absolutely impossible to use detergents with aggressive components. Don’t be upset if the shoes with insoles get wet in the rain, this does not mean that they are now unusable. Waterproof materials are used for production, and a short stay under water will not cause serious consequences. Dry the products in natural conditions, away from heating devices and direct sunlight. Every day, remove the insoles from the shoes and air them. Remember that the warranty does not cover defects caused by improper operation and non-observance of maintenance rules.