When should we use orthopedic insoles and how do they improve our health?
The feet are the base of the body. Many ankle, knee, hip or back pain can come from a poor way of walking or from the feet being poorly aligned and receiving an inadequate load that causes discomfort. Therefore, for many people, the use of orthopedic insoles is essential to correct foot problems and, in this way, relieve pain and improve body stability.
Orthopedic insoles are prescription medical devices which are placed inside the shoe with the aim of reducing pathological forces on the foot to prevent and improve the performance of some muscles. “Orthopedic insoles have various functions: they may be indicated to correct deformities, relieve pain or prevent possible injuries,” explains Enrique López Rato, podiatrist at Health Center Chironprevention.
These adapt to the shape and needs of each patient’s foot, reduce tension and pressure on the injured area and allow the weight of the body to be distributed in a balanced way. In fact, one of its most important functions is provide optimal support to the arch of the foot, which can prevent the appearance of certain pathologies and injuries caused by poor footwear, from blisters to muscle and tendon injuries.
Enrique Lopez Rato
- Podiatrist at Health Center Quirónprevention
“Orthopedic insoles may be indicated to correct deformities, relieve pain or prevent possible injuries”
How to know if we need custom templates
Not all templates are the same. The most effective are the personalized ones, which are made to measure for each patient after carrying out a gait study. This analyzes how the foot behaves when walking or standing, as well as its relationship with other joints such as the knee, hip or back. It is best to consult a specialist. “Not everyone needs templates,” clarifies López Rato.
“In my opinion, when a person has a recurring injury, pain that persists, or simply thinks they ‘step wrong’ It would be advisable, at least, to carry out a biomechanical study. Luckily, working with a multidisciplinary team (physicians, trainers, traumatologists…) referrals are becoming more frequent since many injuries can arise from poor biomechanics or can be treated from the footprint.”
In this way, a personalized orthopedic insole is recommended for each patient. That’s why, Its use must be prescribed and supervised by a specialist to avoid negative side effects. These are especially indicated and recommended for people who suffer from regular pain in their feet, ankles, knees or lower back; for those who have biomechanical alterations such as flat feet, pes cavus or deviations when walking; those who have suffered overuse injuries such as fasciitis or tendonitis; and for people who have uneven wear on their footwear, which indicates poor footing. In addition, they are sometimes also prescribed to patients with diseases that affect the support and distribution of body weight, such as diabetes or osteoarthritis.
López Rato always recommends “going to a professional” for any issue that is unknown: “When it comes to a noise from the car or a part of the motorcycle, our washing machine breaks down or we even want to fix the bottom of a pair of pants, we go to the corresponding professional. Well, I think it is even more important if it is about our body and our health.” A timely diagnosis can avoid major problems.
“When a person has a recurrent injury, pain that persists or simply thinks they ‘step badly’, it would be advisable to perform a biomechanical study.”
How custom templates can help us
Orthopedic insoles, by helping to correct the footprint, They significantly improve quality of life, since they relieve pain and prevent injuries. Among the direct benefits they provide, these can: correct deformities such as flat feet or pes cavus, relieve pain in the heel (for example, in cases of plantar fasciitis or heel spur), improve balance and stability when walking, prevent the body’s load from falling unbalanced on joints such as knees or hips, and promote recovery after an injury, avoiding relapses.
López Rato indicates that there are “an infinite number of materials” with which to make a template and of different kinds depending on what you want to achieve: containmentwhich avoid forced foot positions; of correctionwhich rectify incorrect posture; and even the specific for each area or to treat specific pathologies.
The importance of good footwear
Above all, López Rato recommends using good footwear: “It can influence our body both positively and negatively. We must keep in mind that we can wear shoes for 10 to 12 hours a day.” And what is the best footwear? “It depends on the type of person and the activity they do. As for the choice, neither too much nor too little. Both high heels and going flat can be harmful.”
“We still see that there are many people who want to adapt the foot to the shoe instead of adapting the shoe to the foot”
Therefore, it must be of good quality, that allows the foot to breathe and provides adequate support. In addition, you must also take into account the quality and material of the socks, cotton ones being recommended. “We still see that there are many people who want to adapt the foot to the shoe instead of adapting the shoe to the foot,” López Rato reflects.
And, if you need orthopedic insoles, you must Avoid buying them without a professional biomechanical study or without being guided by a professional, since it can be counterproductive. Also, try not to use them with inappropriate footwear (very narrow or without support), follow a gradual adaptation period and do periodic check-ups.
