According to orthopedic doctors, wearing orthopedic insoles is recommended for 90% of people. They are needed by children, at the time of formation of the feet, those who are forced to stand for a long time, walk a lot, do sports, suffer from diabetes and other diseases (feet, joints, etc.). It has been noticed that women need orthopedic products more often than men. This is due to walking on high heels, which provokes transverse flat feet. Correction of arches plays an important role in the restoration of the controlled system, movably connected bodies, musculoskeletal system. Wearing insoles provides an even distribution of loads, which is fundamental in the treatment of diseases of the lower limbs and spine.
How to check yourself?
The most frequent diagnosis when orthopedic correction is needed is flat feet. Some mistakenly consider it a childish problem that does not deserve attention. However, untimely measures lead to the development of serious problems with the spine and joints. A signal that you should not delay the purchase of orthopedic insoles is:
• Pain (burning, cramps) in the feet until the end of the day, after sports, physical exertion;
• Spread of pain from the foot upwards — to the knee joint;
• The sole of the shoe begins to clog from the inside;
• Distortion of the thumb and the formation of a bump on the bone (Hallux valgus);
• Hammer-shaped deformation of the fingers.
The effect of orthopedic insoles
The normal operation of the musculoskeletal system depends on the natural cushioning abilities of the foot. When deviations in the operation of this mechanism occur, blood flow is disturbed, joint joints and muscle tissues are deformed. The first step and the main point of complex treatment for diseases of the musculoskeletal system will be wearing supinator insoles. But in order not to have to fight with an advanced form of the disease, doctors recommend purchasing them for prevention. A correctly selected product will help to restore the cushioning functions of the feet, accordingly, reduce the load on the supporting joints. It has been proven that the systematic use of orthopedic devices relieves pain in the feet, spine, and joints.
Features of orthopedic insoles
The design of the insoles contributes to the even distribution of the load on the foot during a long vertical static position, as well as walking. Thanks to the properties of special materials and the structure of the products, the comfort of the lower extremities is created when wearing any shoes, regardless of the season, the height of the heels and other factors. The upper layer of the device, adjacent to the foot, is made mainly of natural materials (most often leather), which eliminates the greenhouse effect. Gel, cork, thermoplastic, and other medical polymers are used in the lower and inner parts. If there is no referral from an orthopedist, then a consultant in a specialized store or salon will select a model of mass-produced products in accordance with your diagnosis and necessary properties. As prescribed by a doctor, in some cases, orthopedic insoles are made to order, taking into account the individual characteristics and deformations of the feet.
When are orthopedic insoles necessary?
— Adolescent period of active growth;
— Clubfoot (with timely measures, it is successfully eliminated);
— Old age;
— Deformations of the joints, often occur when wearing shoes with heels higher than 4 cm;
— Excessive weight, which puts a serious load on the feet;
— Heavy physical work;
— Athletics;
— Pregnancy provokes increasing pressure on the legs and spine and requires its correct distribution;
— Scoliosis, osteochondrosis (the condition of the spine depends on the health of the feet);
— Injuries of the lower extremities;
— Diabetic foot;
— Heel spur, corns;
— Different leg lengths (individual insoles are required).
Types of insoles
Orthopedic devices differ in purpose (prevention, treatment) and degree of stiffness. Prophylactic soft or semi-hard models have a small rise. In medicinal products, the instep height is greater. Frame insoles not only support the arch, but also serve as a kind of exercise machine. In addition, insoles for medical purposes are divided into:
unloading — due to which, the feet, with the help of special elements of the product, change their position;
sensorimotor — have a massage effect on nerve endings.
Preventive insoles
The main task of models for prevention is to prevent deformation of the feet. They have a flexible structure — the instep is filled with foamed latex, gel, etc. The surface is soft leather, elastic materials. Thanks to them, muscles that are at rest start to work, and tense ones relax (the simulator effect). They are prescribed to pregnant women, athletes and people who have a «standing» job. Preventive models can be used for modeling and even open shoes with heels — they are thin products with foamed parts (Pelota) made of high-quality leather with a soft texture. They do not correct the deformity, however, they improve blood circulation — they can prevent varicose veins. Supporting the arches will not allow them to sag, as the muscles and ligaments will not weaken.
Medical insoles
Models of insoles for treatment are needed when due to disturbances in the area of the arches, the ability of the feet to absorb decreases. Wearing insoles is aimed at normalizing the bone and joint system. The feet return to their anatomically correct initial position, which may cause discomfort at first. They are chosen depending on the degree of the disease, according to the doctor’s prescription, who will find out after the examination
statodynamic disturbances. People with excess weight need models made of materials that can withstand serious loads (elastic plastic), which prevent the progression of deformations. Models with details and materials that prevent friction are suitable for heel spurs. For the treatment of children’s flat feet, not only insoles with a cushion under the longitudinal arch are needed, but also shoes with a hard back.
Insoles for children
Parents are interested in the question — at what age to start wearing orthopedic insoles? The opinions of doctors differ — some claim that it is possible to use them as soon as the baby takes its first steps, others believe that it is possible only from the age of 3. But everyone agrees on one thing — at an early age, the bone-joint apparatus is easier to correct. Timely treatment of valgus, varus curvature of the feet and flat feet gives a good effect. With such pathologies in childhood, wearing insoles is prescribed in combination with other procedures (massage, therapeutic gymnastics, etc.). Flat feet in children are of the following types:
• functional — easily adjusted if the child will walk barefoot on the sand, sea pebbles or at home on a massage mat in the summer;
• anatomical — it is difficult to correct and often requires surgical intervention.
Whether to use children’s insoles for functional flat feet or not is up to you. In order not to lose time when the disease can be cured, consult an orthopedist.