Orthopedic insoles: all the information you need to know

On many occasions the use of orthopedic insoles can help prevent and treat injuries. It is important to carry out a biomechanical study of the previous footprint to design insoles appropriate to the characteristics and pathologies of the patient.

What are orthopedic insoles?

Orthopedic insoles are prescription medical devices, which are part of a conservative treatment, whose main objective is correct foot problems, thus improving posture and stability, as well as preventing and curing injuries.

For the insoles to be suitable for each patient, it is necessary to carry out a biomechanical study of the footprint.

What is a biomechanical gait study?

A biomechanical study of the footprint It allows you to analyze the position and movements of the foot both at rest and in movement. As well as the positions of other joints such as the knee, hip or spine.

This study is divided into several parts: First of all, a history is taken, That is, a study of the patient's clinical history that provides information about the patient's general condition, as well as previous injuries and activities they practice.

Do you need a second opinion about a spinal problem or traumatic injury?

We review your MRIs, reports, and tests to give you a clear diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Request a second medical opinion

Once the history has been taken, a physical study of the patient is carried out through a manual examination and an examination with a podoscope, which is used to observe the position and alignment of the legs and feet.

In the biomechanical study of the footprint, one of the parts that becomes most important is the study of pressures. Thanks to this, the specialist can observe the plantar pressure points and maximum support.

Finally, an analysis of the footprint is performed, in which, depending on the way the foot is supported, it is determined whether the footprint is pronating (on the big toe), neutral (on the central area of the foot ) or supinator (on the little finger).

Types of orthopedic insoles

Once the biomechanical study of the footprint, and depending on the characteristics of the patient, the most appropriate templates will be designed for your case. The most common insoles are containment ones, which help muscle relaxation by avoiding forced positions for the foot.

Also, the prescription of correction insoles is common. In this case, the goal is to correct the posture of the foot to avoid injuries to other parts of the body.

In the case of more specific pathologies, heel insoles are usually used, which are placed on the heel and can reduce pressure on the foot, or heel spur insoles, which reduce inflammation of the spur and offer good results in short periods of time.

Insoles for metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a pain originating in the anterior region of the foot. exist three types of metatarsalgia: first of all, the mechanics, because of the pressure of the metatarsals on the surface. The compressive one, due to the compression of the nerves of the metatarsal bones. Finally, the inflammatory one, in which pain is felt when applying pressure between the metatarsals and the fingers.

The use of insoles for metatarsalgia will achieve cushioning and uniform distribution of body weight. For this, half insoles are beneficial, as well as a increased metatarsalgia.

Insoles to treat plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue located on the sole of the foot that joins the heel bone to the bones of the toes. It usually generates a stabbing pain in the heel area, especially in the early hours of the morning after waking up.

Using insoles for plantar fasciitis will provide complete cushioning of the foot, along with shoes that have great support. These insoles should be soft with a metatarsal prominence.

Orthopedic insoles for flat feet

Flat feet occur when the arch of the inner part is flat, causing the sole to step on the surface in its entirety. Although sometimes flat feet do not cause pain to the patient, sometimes it can lead to pain in the ankles, knees or hips, and even affect the back.

The insoles to treat flat feet have a prominence in the inner arch to compensate for the landing and improve the functionality of the foot.

Insoles to treat foot valgus

This pathology is present in the patient from birth, where the heels point outwards, while the tips of the feet point inwards. Pain and discomfort normally occur in adulthood, and may be irreversible if not treated in due time.

The use of orthopedic insoles to treat foot valgus will serve to reduce the pressure exerted by the forefoot.

Cavus foot treatment using insoles

Unlike flat feet, nail feet have a plantar arch more pronounced than usual, supporting most of the pressure in the metatarsal and heel area.

The insoles to treat nail feet will have a bulge in the heel and metatarsal area to reduce their impact on the footprint.

Insoles for bunions

The bunion is a type of bony prominence that occurs in the big toe, because the frontal bones protrude from their usual place.

The use of insoles to treat bunions is recommended if this pathology is not very developed. The main objective will be cushion and reduce the impact of the footprint. In some cases, the use of toe separators or bunion protectors.

Function of orthopedic insoles

As explained above, The main function of orthopedic insoles is to correct the footprint, to correct or prevent injuries. One of the most important objectives of insoles is to reduce pathological forces in the feet and legs, in this way, overloads in the area are avoided.

Insoles can also improve postural stability and balance. In addition, they can be used to treat specific injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis or meniscus pathologies.

When to start using orthopedic insoles?

As for when to start using orthopedic insoles, it is essential that they are prescribed and supervised by a specialist. Taking this into account, there are certain factors that can serve as alert to visit the podiatrist.

Unusual wear and tear on shoes is one of the factors indicating that the footprint is irregular. Tiredness or excessive fatigue when walking is another symptom.

Furthermore, in cases of weight gain in very short periods of time, it is advisable to go to a professional, since the use of insoles can prevent excessive pressure in certain areas of the foot.

Benefits of orthopedic insoles

The benefits of orthopedic insoles They are very numerous and can be noticeable in very short periods of time. The most common are related to optimal support for the arch of the foot, in this way injuries can be prevented.

Insoles can correct flat feet or pes cavus, since they change the support points of the foot. In this way, aches and pains can be relieved, as they provide a rest for the foot muscles.

Keys to the correct use of orthopedic insoles

When starting to use orthopedic insoles, it is important to take into account certain guidelines so that they perform their function correctly and, in this way, avoid the appearance of injuries.

First of all, it is important to choose suitable shoes that are wide enough, breathable and have no interior seams. In this way, the template can be placed properly and perform its function optimally. It is essential that the shoe fits the foot properly, in order to provide stability to the patient.

It is important not to use generic or someone else's templates., since, as explained previously, it is important that the insoles adapt to the patient's foot and that they have been made in an orthopedic center, having previously carried out a biomechanical study of the footprint.

Lastly, it is important that the insoles are made of quality materials, without being too hard for the patient.

Foot care guidelines

It is important keep your feet in good condition, to avoid injuries that could be disabling and directly affect the patient's quality of life. Here are some foot care guidelines:

• Use insoles when necessary, as long as they have been fitted and prescribed by a professional.
• Use appropriate shoes and socks, which are breathable and of adequate width.
• Go to podiatric check-ups regularly.
• Avoid hard and uneven surfaces when walking barefoot.

As explained, orthopedic insoles can be the solution for the prevention and treatment of injuries. It is important to use personalized templates that fit the needs of each patient.