Physical activity, long walking, and work «on your feet» do not affect the condition of your feet in the best way, so it is important to choose the right shoes. If at the end of the day there is heaviness, swelling in the legs, cramps, burning, discomfort in the feet, back pain — it’s time to buy orthopedic insoles. They will help to prevent, stop, cure flat feet of any type. The load on the spine and joints is minimized due to the insoles. Correctly selected orthopedic device will help improve posture, provide comfort and prevent valgus deformity of the thumb, which is a consequence of transverse arch deformity.
Structure and functions of the feet
The human foot consists of a longitudinal and transverse arch, their height and formation directly depends on the ligaments and muscles. One of the main functions of the feet is cushioning. They soften shock loads that inevitably occur when walking, protecting the musculoskeletal system. In the case of weak ligaments and muscles, the arches of the feet are deformed — flat feet occurs, in which the load already falls on the spine, ankles, knees, etc. Since the joints are unable to absorb (spring), the muscles have to overexert themselves, ligament sprains and other unpleasant consequences occur.
Stop settings that need correction
Orthopedic products are needed in case of incorrect foot placement, in medicine there are two main types:
1. Valgus — reduced arch height and X-shaped curvature of the axis of the feet, which is a consequence of congenital weakness of tissues (bone, connective). Also, valgus deformity can develop due to flat feet (transverse), disorders in the work of the endocrine system, excess weight, osteoporosis, etc. It can be caused by «wrong» shoes (high heels, narrow toes), when wearing which the load is unevenly distributed and the main weight falls on the front part.
2. Varus — curvature of the arches, the feet are directed inward, the main load falls on the outer part of the feet. This arrangement of the feet is similar to clubfoot, but the latter is a congenital disease. The causes of varus deformation can be: a weakened body due to previous diseases; problems with bone tissue; rickets; foot injuries, etc.
What do orthopedic insoles provide
Congenital weakness of the ligaments, uncomfortable shoes, walking in heels and other factors provoke flat feet, so when the first signs appear, you should get orthopedic insoles.
The benefit of their use is as follows:
• Normalization of blood circulation (especially important for varicose veins);
• Improving the operation of the musculoskeletal system;
• Assistance during the rehabilitation period after injuries;
• Reduction of pain in feet, back, joints;
• Prevention of transverse flat feet in women who prefer to walk on high heels;
• Correct load distribution in pregnant women and overweight people;
• Help with dynamic training;
• Support for weak muscles and foot ligaments in the elderly;
• Prevention of flat feet, fatigue and pain in people whose activities involve long (more than 4 hours) standing — teachers, hairdressers, salespeople, etc.
Design of insoles
Orthopedic insoles are similar in structure and include:
— Insole (plastic or foam material) is located under the longitudinal arch from the inner part of the foot;
— Pelot under the transverse vault;
— Shock-absorbing cushion under the heel (on the outside of the product).
Depending on the model and purpose, one or another element may be missing.
Applied materials
To make models, use:
1. Natural materials — leather, suede, nubuck, cork, etc. Orthopedic products are strong and durable. Their cost is higher, but it is justified by the fact that they are worn for a long time, while they do not lose their original properties;
2. Polymer materials (sponge rubber, polyethylene, etc.). Gel-sealed models easily adjust to the shape of the feet and are often used in preventative products. The disadvantage is that replacement is required a little more often. It is desirable to have a covering made of natural fabric.
How to choose insoles?
When you come to an orthopedic salon or a specialized store, take with you the shoes in which you plan to put the products. The size of the foot is taken into account, and for the transverse type of flat feet, measure the distance between the heel and the front line of the insole with a ruler. The pelot and supinator should be strictly under the arches. After putting it in the shoes, make sure that the heel part of the insole rests against the back of the shoe and does not shift during movement. Walk a little, you should not feel obvious discomfort, tightness in the area of the fingers. With correctly selected insoles, the parts do not press and are practically not noticeable when walking.
What is the importance of the insole in the insole?
An insole is the most important part of an orthopedic insole. It prevents the insole from shifting when walking, holds the transverse arch and prevents the foot from twisting. There is an even distribution of the load on all areas of the feet. Depending on the type of model, it is made of different materials. Foamed materials (latex, polyurethane foam, etc.) are used for prophylactic models or high-heeled shoes in the manufacture of insoles. Devices for treatment include a supinator made of thermoplastic and other hard materials. This detail of the insole is found in almost all sports insoles — it is necessary to improve the support and spring functions of the feet. Thanks to the instep during training, endurance increases and injuries are reduced.
Insoles depending on the type of disease
• To correct longitudinal flat feet, the insole must have an insole (preferably rigid) and preferably a shock-absorbing pad under the heel area.
• With transverse flat feet, there is an insert (pelot) under the front part of the foot (hard or made of foam material) and a heel corrector.
• To correct the valgus deformity, special devices with a pronator, a peloton and a high side are required. They are made of their hard materials.
• The varus setting of the feet requires serious correction — the use of individual insoles, taking into account all the features of the disease and the degree of deformation.
To achieve maximum effectiveness in treatment, follow the recommendations of the orthopedist in choosing a model.
Why should you wear orthopedic insoles?
The health of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, the spine and pelvis, depends on the state of the internal organs — the stomach, heart, kidneys, bladder, liver, etc. This suggests that restoring the normal functioning of the feet also improves the work of internal organs. As users of insoles testify, tinnitus, frequent headaches, varicose veins are reduced, other unpleasant symptoms and diseases are gone. Regular wearing of insoles can radically change the condition of the body for the better and provide daily comfort to the feet.