In the first years of life, the foundation is laid and the musculoskeletal system is formed, the condition of which directly depends on the health of the feet. According to statistics, three quarters of children need orthopedic shoes due to foot deformities. If timely correction is not provided, then the diseases progress and cause problems not only with the spine and joints, but also with internal organs. Since the shoes offered in stores are not always comfortable and have the correct design, doctors recommend wearing preventive orthopedic insoles, even to those who have not faced the problem of flat feet. It is enough to look at the number of children and adults with incorrect posture and gait on the streets to understand that the vast majority have problems with the musculoskeletal system. But this can be avoided!
Can an insole replace orthopedic shoes?
If we are not talking about individual shoes for the treatment of serious pathologies, then doctors recommend purchasing preventive models. Although they are mass-produced, the price is higher than for ordinary children’s shoes, so some parents are inclined to purchase orthopedic insoles. At first glance, this is convenient, as one pair can be transformed from slippers to shoes, boots and sandals. The child walks in fashionable shoes, while correction (prevention) is taking place. However, not everything is so simple, because if the shoes do not meet basic orthopedic requirements, then the effect of using such insoles is simply leveled off. It happens even worse, when the foot is not fixed in the normal anatomical position due to the incorrect design of the shoe on the corrective insole. In this case, instead of prevention, the baby will get a deformity. If the feet are not functioning properly, the spinal column suffers because it receives shock loads. Usually elastic vaults take them on. Therefore, to get the expected effect, shoes must meet the necessary criteria.
What are the right children’s orthopedic shoes? 
High-quality children’s models for the prevention of foot deformities have the following parameters:
• Upper — made of natural materials (leather, nubuck, suede);
• The sole — Not slippery, rigid (where the feet should not bend) and elastic (in areas that require joint mobility);
• The back is high, hard, which ensures fixation of the heel, which does not allow displacement during movement, lined with a soft roller, which protects against chafing. Models higher than the bones by 1.5-2 cm will prevent deviation of the feet outwards and inwards;
• The toe is wide, does not squeeze the fingers and protects against blows;
• Thomas heel – wide and stable, height 5-8 mm.
• The insole is breathable, with moisture-absorbing, antibacterial coating;
• Fasteners – fixation at the ankle (not lower) to prevent dislocation.
To treat the initial stages of diseases and small deformations, insoles prescribed by a doctor are placed in preventive shoes. They provide support, correct formation of the arches and help train the muscles of the feet.
How to choose comfortable shoes for a child?
If it is not possible to take the child to the store, draw his foot. To do this, put a sheet of paper on the floor, put the baby’s leg in a relaxed state with the fingers apart. Trace the foot exactly along the contour and cut out the trace. Attach the template to the shoe of your choice, on the outside to the sole. It must match in all parameters. Choose shoes so that the length is a little more than the foot (maximum on the floor of the size). To understand whether the size is correctly selected, ask the baby to move the leg so that the big toe rests on the sock. If there is a gap between the buttock and the heel where you can insert your little finger, the shoes are chosen correctly. Winter shoes are chosen one size larger so that the feet do not freeze — the layer of air will keep warm.
Intended for the use of orthopedic insoles and shoes
Indications for wearing insoles and orthopedic shoes are almost identical, unless we are talking about severe deformities and need custom-made shoes. Whether insoles will be enough in your case, the doctor will determine after examining the feet.
Orthopedic products are necessary in the following cases:
— Flat feet and valgus collapse of the feet;
— Clubfoot;
— Functional insufficiency of the feet;
— Heel spur;
— Shortening of the limb;
— Arthrosis of the joints;
— Post-traumatic conditions;
— Diabetic foot;
— Varicose veins;
— Back pain, spinal deformities;
— Overweight.
How will orthopedic insoles help?
Corrective products are used for mild forms of flat feet and toe deformities. By putting them in ordinary shoes, an orthopedic effect is achieved. They will help to relieve problem areas of the plantar surface of the feet, due to the fact that the insoles, due to the features of the design, help to evenly distribute the load. In this way, the ankle, knee, and hip area suffer less, since these joints are the ones that suffer when the load is not distributed correctly. Orthopedic insoles can improve blood circulation, relieve heaviness, swelling, fatigue in the legs and reduce the risk of varicose veins. They are prescribed to pregnant women, because during this period, due to the increase in body weight, the pressure on the lower limbs increases. They are shown to athletes and people who spend the whole day «on their feet».
Causes of foot deformities in adults
The most common type of deformity is static flat feet (observed in more than 80% of cases). The causes of this disease are weakness of the musculoskeletal system. Flat feet are provoked by «wrong» shoes — flat soles, high heels, narrow socks, wedges, platforms, etc. When walking on high heels, which cause longitudinal flat feet, there is an incorrect distribution of the load. It is transferred from the heel to the transverse arch, is no longer able to withstand the pressure and is deformed (densified).
How long should orthopedic insoles be worn?
There are cases when you cannot do without orthopedic shoes — partial amputation (feet, toes), complex deformities, serious stage of diabetic foot syndrome, etc. But if the orthopedist said that it is enough to wear orthopedic insoles, the question arises — for how long? They are mainly prescribed for children until adolescence, and for those whose disease was detected already in school years — until adulthood. Women who wear shoes with high heels, which provokes curvature of the fingers and the appearance of bumps on the knuckles, need to wear insoles constantly (especially after 40 years). Do not be afraid if the doctor said that you will have to use them always. There are modern half-heeled models — thin, inconspicuous, which are suitable even for summer open sandals.
In the «Your Health» network, you can buy orthopedic shoes and insoles, and the orthopedist who works in the store will help you choose which one. All products are certified, which guarantees the effectiveness and safety of use.