How to choose the right orthopedic insoles. What are there and why are orthopedic insoles in shoes needed? How to choose orthopedic insoles yourself

Orthopedic insoles are prepared by an orthopedic doctor using special equipment only after a detailed diagnosis of the condition of your feet and musculoskeletal system. The type and shape of insoles depends on the following factors:

• Degree of foot deformation;
• Intensity of physical activity;
• Level of pain;
• The type of shoes used;
• Patient's age and weight.

Insoles FormTotics

The FormTotics system is based on an individual approach to improving the functioning of the human foot, and, consequently, the entire body. The insoles imitate the “natural” supporting surface on which our ancestors once ran.

FormTotics custom insoles are made from a special material that adapts to a specific foot, taking the required shape. FormTotics insoles, like wet sand, completely cover the foot, repeating its individual anatomical depressions. A person begins to maintain balance more freely, coordinate body movements more reliably, walk better, get tired less, and run faster.

Insoles Sursil-Orto

The Sursil-Ortho technology is a joint development of doctors from the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Arthrology of the Faculty of Advanced Training of Medical Workers of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, specialists from the orthopedic company OrthoLite (USA) and German orthopedists.

The Sursil-Ortho technology consists of using special flat blanks made of plastic, which, when slightly heated, becomes plastic and allows an orthopedic insole to be formed directly according to the customer’s foot. The surface of the orthopedic insole completely follows the curves of the foot and is modeled taking into account anatomical features, the condition of the spine, weight, existing deformations, as well as the type of preferred shoes.

Indications for use

People do not always like orthopedic shoes due to the limited models and appearance features. It is replaced by regular shoes with orthopedic insoles.

In a broad sense, orthopedic insoles are needed by everyone who cares about their health. They are especially recommended during sports activities or long walks. For those who like narrow stilettos or flat ballet shoes, orthopedic insoles help compensate for the damage caused to the feet by improper footwear. For children, special insoles are recommended for healthy foot formation and posture and disease prevention.

In some cases, such insoles are prescribed for medical reasons:

Flat feet. With physical activity, foot pathology worsens. Walking is accompanied by pain and rapid fatigue. The degree of flat feet increases.

Excessive arching of the foot. When walking or running quickly, the feet turn outward due to excessive bending, and the leg muscles tire faster.

Pregnancy. Rapidly increasing weight puts pressure on your feet and strains your leg muscles.

Overweight. Obesity causes excessive pressure on the feet.

Arthrosis and arthritis of the foot. Pressure on the inflamed joints causes further deformation.

Heel spur. Pressure on the heels while walking exacerbates bone overgrowth and deformation.

Injury to the hip, knee or ankle joints. Uneven distribution of the load on the feet makes movement difficult and causes inflammation in injured joints.

Varicose veins. Incorrect position of the feet causes stagnation of blood in certain areas and aggravates the condition of the veins.

Rachiocampsis. Smoothness of the natural curves of the spine, their excessive manifestation or tilt to the side leads to improper distribution of pressure on the feet.

Diabetes. Increased blood sugar leads to the formation of ulcers on the skin, deformation of joints and bones.

How orthotics work

Medical insoles usually have a dense frame, dense inserts in certain areas, cushions in the forefoot and shock absorbers in the heels. They support the foot in the desired position, take weight off the heels and toes, and reduce the impact on the leg joints and spine. This is especially important for the treatment of incipient flat feet in children and adolescents and pain relief in adults.

The design of insoles depends on what problem they are designed to solve. Some insoles provide joint support, others provide arch support, and others enhance movement cushioning. Some insoles have point inserts that provide foot massage.

The correct choice of high quality orthopedic insoles ensures:

• painless walking,
• full control of movements,
• increasing endurance during physical activity,
• preventing further foot deformation due to flat feet, heel spurs or arthrosis,
• absence of calluses and corns,
• improving blood circulation for the treatment of varicose veins,
• reduction of edema,
• formation of healthy feet in children,
• best results in sports.

Types of orthopedic insoles

Orthopedic insoles are the general name for a wide group of products.

According to their purpose, they are divided into preventive and therapeutic. Healthy people need preventatives to prevent diseases. They are recommended for athletes, pregnant women, children and all people who want to maintain healthy feet. Therapeutic insoles fight specific diseases.

According to the functions performed by the insole, there are 4 groups:

1. Arch-supporting insoles support the arch of the foot and reduce pain when it is formed incorrectly;
2. Arch forming insoles form the correct arch of the foot and are intended for children and adolescents;
3. Corrective insoles correct the position of the feet relative to the body, useful for X-shaped or O-shaped deformities of the limbs,
4. Unloading insoles remove the load from the toes, heels, and forefoot and distribute it evenly over the entire supporting surface.

Orthopedic insoles can also be classified according to the material from which the covering is made.

Cotton quickly absorbs sweat and does not cause allergies. You can wear shoes on bare feet. The disadvantages of this material include rapid wear and the inability to retain heat in cold weather.

Fleece softens walking and is pleasant to the touch. Good for summer and demi-season shoes. Fleece does not absorb moisture well, so your feet may sweat. Not recommended for sports shoes.

Leather does not absorb moisture, it is good in hot weather in open shoes. Perforated leather is preferable as feet sweat less. This is a durable and wear-resistant material. Its main disadvantage is its inability to retain heat in winter.

Wool softens walking and prevents hypothermia of the feet in winter. This material may cause allergies, especially in young children. The wool insole takes a long time to dry and loses its warming properties when wet.

Felt warms your feet in cold weather. Needle-punched felt breathes, so your feet do not sweat even when playing sports. Wide felt insoles are not recommended for shoes made of thin leather, as they swell from moisture and cause irreversible stretching of the leather.

How to choose orthopedic insoles

A consultant at an orthopedic goods store can select insoles, but it is better to consult a doctor. An orthopedic specialist will examine the spine, legs, feet, identify problems and find the best model of insoles.

You can buy ready-made insoles. In this case, you can choose your size and model. A wide selection of models from different manufacturers allows you to accurately select the insole for a specific foot.

Custom insoles can be ordered. They are usually more expensive than standard ones, but they solve existing problems more effectively, since they are made taking into account the anatomy of a particular person. Custom insoles are made based on the results of a foot examination.

When choosing insoles, it is better to buy products from companies with a good reputation. You can highlight the insoles of the FormTotics trading house. This New Zealand company specializes in the production of sports insoles. Their products are intended for amateur and professional athletes. The insoles guarantee full control of movement and minimize the likelihood of injury.

When choosing therapeutic insoles, take a closer look at Sursil-Ortho products. The company produces orthopedic shoes and insoles. Manufacturers take into account the length and even width of the foot; there are special insoles for full feet.

How to examine your feet before buying insoles

A podiatrist can perform a comprehensive examination of your legs and feet. The doctor begins with a visual assessment: checking the symmetry of the legs relative to each other, the position of the legs in a standing position, the external condition of the veins and joints. Next, he proceeds to a more detailed examination using the following devices:

• A plantograph examination produces an imprint of the feet. The doctor can determine the condition of the arch, features of the development of fingers and joints.
• X-ray examination shows the condition of bones and joints. This method can determine the thinning of bone tissue and leg injuries.

If you have problems with your veins, you may need to consult a vascular surgeon.

If you have diabetes, it is important to regularly conduct a comprehensive examination of the whole body and monitor changes in bones and joints.

And today we will start a conversation about how to help her, the poor thing.

We will analyze what types of foot products there are, when to buy what (and offer it to visitors), talk about WHAT they are, WHERE, i.e. in which shoes to place them, WHEN and TO WHOM to recommend them, HOW to tell the buyer about them.

Yesterday I was at the Healthcare 2014 exhibition, listening to speakers at a business conference, and they were talking about the fact that sales of foot products in the pharmaceutical market are not going well, and pharmacies are also not buying them well.

So I strongly advise pharmacies to pay closer attention to this group of products. Moreover, in every city there are much more pharmacies than orthopedic salons. Therefore, orthopedic products for the foot are guaranteed to bring new visitors to your pharmacy. And if the whole point is a lack of knowledge, then I am ready to explain everything to you as fully and clearly as possible. This is what this one was created for.

This concludes the prelude and moves on to the main part.

What types of orthopedic products for the foot are there?

All foot products are divided into three groups.

1. Products that are inserted into shoes.
2. Products that are worn on the foot or toes (or placed between them).

So that you don’t end up with a mess in your head, today we will begin to analyze the second group, which includes insoles, semi-insoles, pelota inserts and heel pads.

Orthopedic insoles

WHAT what do they represent?

Orthopedic insoles occupy the entire volume of the internal space of the shoe.

They are hard and soft.

Hard insoles

Look how the hard insole is designed.

She has two main structural element:

1. A frame that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is thanks to the frame that the insole has an arched bend. The height of this arch in mass-produced insoles is suitable for most consumers.

The frame can be visible to the eye, as in the picture above, or built into the insole.

1. The anterior portion of the pelota, which supports the transverse arch. It is also called the metatarsal cushion or metatarsal cushion.

Additional I’ll show the design elements using these insoles as an example:

Heel shock absorber reduces the shock loads on the musculoskeletal system that it experiences during movements.

It also happens that there is no shock absorber in the insole, but there is shock-absorbing layer , which performs a similar function, plus reduces pain in the foot when walking, if any (their reasons may be different).

WHERE place them?

In shoes with heels 2-4 cm high with a closed toe and heel.

1. For flat feet of 1-2 degrees.
2. For pain and fatigue in the legs after long walks.
3. With legs and .
4. During heavy physical activity, long periods of standing.

In general, vein and foot diseases go side by side. If there are varicose veins, as a result of venous stagnation, the load on the foot increases and the risk of flat feet increases.

On the other hand, if the foot does not work correctly, the work of the calf muscles is disrupted, which, when contracting, compress the veins running deep in them and “drive” the blood from the bottom up. And violation of this mechanism is a direct path to.

In addition, the root of evil for these sores is the same: failure of the connective tissue.

1. For those who know that they have longitudinal or combined flat feet of 1-2 degrees. It happens most often in adults.
2. For young or middle-aged people, since in older people the foot often no longer springs, the arches have dropped and, as a result of age-related changes, are fixed in this position. In addition, they often have arthrosis of the feet, bunions, and deformities, and wearing hard insoles will bring them additional suffering.
3. When selling medications for back pain or arthrosis of the leg joints to reduce impact and speed up recovery.
4. When selling remedies for leg joint injuries (bruises, sprains) for the same purpose.

HOW tell the buyer about them?

Here is the finished “speech”:

Thanks to their design, orthopedic insoles support the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, and thereby improve its functions and prevent the progression of foot disease. They correctly distribute the load on the foot, relieve pain and fatigue in the legs.

There is a heel shock absorber in the heel area, which reduces the impact load on the entire musculoskeletal system, and you recover much faster (we say this if you buy drugs for pain in the joints and spine).

Soft insoles

WHAT what do they represent?

Now let's see how the soft insole works.

In this insole, the longitudinal arch is supported by a soft latex liner. There is also a forefoot pad that supports the transverse arch of the foot.

WHERE place them?

In closed shoes.

WHEN are they recommended?

It is a mistake to think that if this insole is soft, then it is the coolest.

The soft latex liner, which is designed to support the longitudinal arch, bends under the weight of the body and does not provide sufficient support for the arch.

Which means...

TO WHOM are they shown?

1. For older people whose arches no longer spring as a result of age-related changes in the ligaments and muscles that support their arched shape.
2. In the presence of deformed fingers, protruding bones.
3. If the foot is non-standard: wide or with a high arch.
4. For severe forms of longitudinal or combined flatfoot.

HOW tell the buyer about them?

And like this:

These insoles evenly distribute the load across the foot and gently, carefully support the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot. This reduces pain when walking, leg fatigue, and swelling in the ankle area.

Insoles for any season

It’s great if your pharmacy has insoles for any season. There are summer, winter, demi-season. This does not include universal leather or synthetic materials.
Summer Made from materials that absorb sweat well.

Winter have a top cover made of wool, and the materials of the lower part prevent heat transfer, retaining the feet's own warmth.

Demi-season the insoles warm the feet and protect them from dampness.

Which insoles are better?

In the production of insoles, different manufacturers use different materials, which naturally affect the cost of the products.

Of course, it is best to choose insoles whose uppers are made of genuine leather. After all, the feet are perhaps the sweatiest part of the body. The skin can absorb almost half a glass of sweat, leaving your feet dry. In addition, the skin of the foot in them “breathes”, unlike synthetic analogues.

And other insole materials should ideally be natural for greater comfort.

How to choose orthopedic insoles?

They're getting picked up according to foot size. Please note: not shoes, but feet! Because only in this case all the structural elements of the insole will fall into place, and this means that the insole will work to its fullest, and the buyer will not come to you tomorrow and say that he cannot walk in these insoles.

And finally...

Important!

ORTHOPEDIC are only those insoles that have a registration certificate from Roszdravnadzor.

On the package orthopedic Insoles, as a rule, have the following information: “Registered by the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Surveillance in Healthcare as medical products.”

Only medical products have proven and guaranteed therapeutic effectiveness!

That’s all for today, although we haven’t covered it with you yet, pelotas, heel pads, care for insoles and something else important. But that's for next time.

Do you, dear Pharmacists, wear orthopedic insoles yourself?

What difficulties do you have with selling them? Be sure to write!

And also ask what is not clear, comment. If you liked the article, click on the social buttons. networks below, so that your friends are aware of how to preserve the most precious thing they have - HEALTH!

You can purchase a full course on orthopedics at a pharmacy.

With love to you, Marina Kuznetsova

When choosing a new pair of shoes, we most often pay attention to the upper material, lining, sole thickness and completely undeservedly ignore the insole of the shoe. But many orthopedists and manufacturers of high-quality shoes are absolutely convinced that the insole is one of the main indicators of the quality of shoes and the future comfort of their owner.

Today, many reputable brands make shoes with removable insoles with arch support sewn into them. This insole is orthopedic, supports the arch of the foot and prevents the development of flat feet and incorrect posture. This insole is easy to remove, dry and clean as needed. But if for some reason your shoes do not have it, or you are not satisfied with the quality characteristics, you can purchase this component yourself. Today, manufacturers offer a huge number of options for shoe inserts, and each of them performs a specific function.

Types of shoe insoles

Winter insoles

All winter shoes are equipped with original insoles. If they are removable and made of high-quality materials, then you won’t have to worry about the comfort of your feet in winter. But if you are not satisfied with the quality of the insoles of your winter shoes, then be sure to buy replacement ones, this way you will preserve the health of not only your feet, but also your entire body. It’s not for nothing that popular wisdom says that your feet need to be kept warm.

Proper care and drying of insoles will extend their service life and keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry throughout the winter. Good luck with your choice!

Video on how to choose summer insoles:

Video on how to choose orthopedic insoles:

Orthopedic insoles are a special device widely used for flat feet and other pathologies of the structure of the feet. In terms of its design, an orthopedic insole is an appropriately modified type of insole (ordinary shoe) insole. The purpose of the devices being studied is to gradually eliminate existing disorders of the physiological structure of the foot.

Insoles are available for sale that allow you to combat both longitudinal and transverse forms of flat feet. The latter will be discussed in the further narrative. After reading the information below, you will learn what orthopedic insoles are, why and how they are used, whether they give any significant results and how to choose them correctly.

The insoles offered today practically do not differ in their design. As a rule, the product is equipped with an instep support (installed so as to support the inner arch of the user’s foot). The rolling zone in such conditions becomes elevated. An anatomical depression is created in the heel area. In the same place where the transverse arch is located, the so-called metatarsal pillow is installed. In some cases, the front part of the orthopedic insole is completely removed - it does not provide any clinically significant effect.

One of the main components of the products being studied today is the so-called. wedges Their forces ensure a change in the angle at which the diseased foot relates to the surface. For example, in patients with planovalgus flatfoot, the heel deviates outward from the vertical of the leg.

To correct this state of affairs, a “wedge” is placed under the heel with some thickening towards the inside of the foot. As a result, while walking, the foot will take a physiologically correct position. If there is, for example, a flattening in the area of ​​the longitudinal arch, the therapeutic insole is equipped with a pair of wedges at once - one is placed under the front of the foot, the second - in the heel area.

The effectiveness of insoles is determined by the placement of the wedges and their height.

The main tasks of therapeutic insoles

You can learn about the functional responsibilities assigned to insoles from the following table.

Table. Tasks of orthopedic insoles

Functions	Explanations
	With transverse flatfoot, an elevation is created in the middle part of the insole. It is placed so that the patient does not experience discomfort while walking, but at the same time provides the necessary support for the transverse arch. The height and width of the elevation are determined individually in accordance with the intensity of the signs of pathology and the anatomical shape of the foot of a particular patient.
	With flat feet, deviation of the foot from the normal physiological position often develops. In view of this, in addition to the previously discussed lifting of the arch, actions must be taken to eliminate such deformation. For this purpose, additional wedge-shaped elements are included in the design of the insoles.
	Insoles should not only be useful, but also easy to use. That is why experts strongly recommend refraining from using standard products and ordering insoles on an individual basis. Such devices will follow the shape of the foot, which will create the best conditions for individual correction of diagnosed deformities and at the same time ensuring the most comfortable use.

Classification of orthopedic insoles

Insoles are classified into 2 main groups: standard and individual. The latter will completely replicate the size, shape and other anatomical features of the user’s foot. Standard ones do not have this advantage, which is why they are not suitable for every patient.

Additionally, orthopedic insoles can be divided into therapeutic and preventive. The former, in fact, help fight flat feet, the latter minimize the risk of its occurrence in the presence of corresponding unfavorable preconditions.

Insoles may vary in firmness. So, soft ones are used for prevention. They are mainly recommended for children to wear. The purpose of such products is to maintain the leg in the correct position, relieve fatigue from the muscles and ligaments, and minimize the risk of developing flat feet. If there is a curvature of the leg or flat feet, semi-rigid or rigid orthopedic insoles are prescribed. They purposefully work to eliminate existing defects, supporting the user’s legs in the correct position and preventing the occurrence of new deformities.

Features of choosing orthopedic insoles

The more responsible and thoughtful the approach to purchasing orthopedic insoles, the more effective their use can be ultimately expected. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most significant criteria.

Highlights

For the insole to be truly useful and effective, it must be ordered individually. This is the first point.

The second is the choice in favor of preventive or corrective insoles. As noted, the former are worn in the absence of manifestations of flat feet, the latter - when such occurs.

A separate category includes the so-called. correctors for patients with diabetes. In such people, the nerve endings in certain areas of the foot become less sensitive, which leads to involuntary disruption of normal gait with the subsequent formation of calluses, corns, etc. Diabetic insoles help avoid such troubles. They contain a gel that spreads when pressure is applied. Thanks to this structure, these products are best adapted to the feet of a particular patient.

Orthopedic insoles for pregnant women with flat feet should also be included in a separate category. If there is such a foot pathology, a pregnant woman, as her own weight increases, will suffer from swelling and pain in her legs. The careful support provided by the insoles will help avoid such problems.

Prices and manufacturers

No less important for many potential buyers is the issue of the cost of orthopedic insoles. In general, they are relatively inexpensive, but you definitely need to navigate these points. For example, frankly cheap models costing about 100 rubles will not give the desired effect, so you should definitely refrain from buying them. From the middle price category, we can recommend insoles from such manufacturers as Orthopedic Footwear Factory (based in Moscow), OrtoDoc, etc.

Foreign-made insoles are more expensive, but some of them, for example, from GT and Pedag, are superior to their domestic counterparts in a number of significant parameters.

How are insoles made?

As noted, the best solution for a person with transverse flatfoot would be to order an orthopedic insole on an individual basis. Its production includes 4 main stages.

1. The doctor determines the existing degree of flatfoot.
2. A footprint is made.
3. Sequential fitting is carried out.
4. The finished insoles are given to the patient.

Video - Manufacturing of individual orthopedic insoles using PEDCAD technology

The prescription for insoles is prepared by an orthopedist. Having assessed the condition of a particular patient, the doctor will draw up the most optimal scheme for distributing loads on the feet. These conclusions will be taken into account in the manufacture of insoles, which will ensure the highest quality implementation of the assigned tasks and guarantee the best efficiency.

Important note! When choosing preventive orthopedic insoles, you must definitely pay attention to the material they are made of. The best solution is genuine leather. This material will ensure that the original correct shape of the therapeutic insoles is maintained for the longest possible time. On average, the “shelf life” of such products is up to 2 years.

Are insoles really effective?

According to research, insoles do have beneficial effects. But regarding this point, much is determined by the characteristics of the existing disease, or more precisely, by the intensity of its severity. The pattern is simple: the stronger the flatfoot, the more difficult it is to treat.

Under any circumstances, orthopedic insoles will ensure that the feet are fixed in an anatomically and physiologically correct position. Arch supports will help position the foot along the axis, prevent subsidence of the arches in the future and ensure proper distribution of loads on the muscles and ligaments.

In addition to flat feet itself, orthopedic insoles help combat a number of problems and pathologies that develop against the background of the first. The list is as follows:

• ensures a decrease in the intensity of pain in the legs and feet;
• the risk of arthrosis is reduced;
• the load on the spinal column is reduced, which helps improve posture;
• minimizes the risk of corns, calluses and other similar defects;
• tucking of the feet is avoided;
• gait improves;
• shock absorption during walking is provided;
• muscles are unloaded.

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Flat feet are a real “plague” of our time. According to doctors, it is diagnosed in half of the world's inhabitants. The disease reduces the patient’s quality of life, leading to increased fatigue, constant pain, swelling, and other manifestations of discomfort. Correctly selected orthopedic insoles help to cope with these symptoms and prevent the development of pathology.

What is flat feet and what are its types?

Flat feet is a process of deformation of the foot, due to which its arches become lower and the foot loses its former shock-absorbing properties.

The load that previously fell on the feet falls on the knees and pelvic area, which provokes disruptions in their normal functioning. According to statistics, the pathology is diagnosed in 45% of the world's inhabitants, and is more common in women.

Foot deformity manifests itself with the following characteristic symptoms:

• pain in the feet, lower back, hip, ankle;
• severe fatigue of the legs after a hard day, a feeling of “fullness” of the legs with lead, swelling;
• change in the patient's posture;
• rapid wear of shoes;
• difficulty walking in heels;
• increased fatigue when walking;
• an increase in the size of the foot (it becomes longer or wider), which forces the patient to buy shoes a size larger than usual;
• formation of calluses and corns.

Depending on the characteristics of the foot deformation, there are three types of flat feet:

1. Longitudinal

It means a decrease in the longitudinal arch of the foot. This leads to lengthening of the foot, the development of clubfoot, due to which all shoes wear out equally: on the inside.

1. Transverse

This is a drop in the transverse arch of the foot, the most common form of pathology. The foot becomes wider, in short, the big toe deviates outward.

1. Combined

The combination of longitudinal and transverse forms is the least common. Combines characteristic symptoms of both forms.

Based on the reasons for the occurrence of foot deformities, they are divided into congenital and acquired. The first are associated with intrauterine developmental defects and require treatment from the first days of the child’s life. The latter arise at a more conscious age under the influence of internal and external factors.

Why are orthopedic insoles used?

Orthopedic insoles are a special tool used to treat or prevent flat feet and other pathological processes. This is a specially modified type of regular insole. Its task is to gradually eliminate physiological disorders, improve the patient’s well-being, and stop the progression of the disease.

Orthopedic devices are designed to solve the following problems:

• elimination of joint and foot pain;
• normalization of shock-absorbing functions of the foot;
• improvement of blood flow in the lower extremities;
• assisting the patient while maintaining the correct position of the foot;
• maintaining normal function of the lower extremities;
• reducing the load on the pelvis, knees, and ankles.

Orthopedic insoles for flat feet allow you to combat its three diagnosed forms. The main thing is to choose the right device, taking into account the doctor’s recommendations.

Special inserts are recommended for people who, due to their profession, spend a lot of time standing and moving. They are necessary for women who are fans of twelve-centimeter stilettos, older people, ladies in position, and those who have extra pounds.

Video

Orthopedic insoles for pain relief

Orthopedic insoles as a way to correct flat feet

Insoles for flat feet are a recognized method of treatment and prevention of this pathology. They correctly redistribute the load along the leg, helping to eliminate discomfort. Wearing orthopedic devices is also indicated in other situations:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• calcaneal osteophyte;
• osteoarthritis;
• pregnancy;
• previous injuries;
• congenital pathologies (legs are not symmetrical in length).

Insoles help to work on the anatomical shape of the foot; the tools for this are high arch supports and wedge-shaped elements. To reduce deformation and eliminate discomfort completely, you need to combine wearing them with a set of physical exercises.

There are no contraindications to wearing orthopedic inserts for foot pathologies. They can be used even by diabetics, whose dermis is highly sensitive.

Functions of orthopedic insoles

Flat feet means constant discomfort experienced by the patient: increased fatigue, pain in the feet, ankles, back, “leadenness” of the legs, frequent swelling. The orthopedic insole is designed to reduce discomfort to zero. Its features include the following:

1. Normalization of the arch of the foot

The device has a special elevation that correctly distributes body weight when the patient moves. Its height and width are determined individually based on diagnostic data.

2. Maintaining the foot in the correct position

Foot deformity is a characteristic sign of flat feet. Patients clubbing, the foot lengthens or becomes wider. To return its condition to the anatomical norm, supporting wedge-shaped elements are used.

3. Elimination of discomfort

Specially selected inserts return the correct physiological position to the foot. This allows you to relieve stress from the joints and spine. The body weight is distributed correctly when walking, and therefore the patient no longer experiences pain, increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs, etc.

Standard and custom insoles

The inserts prescribed by doctors are divided into two types according to the production method:

1. Standard

They are manufactured using the “conveyor method” without taking into account the nuances of the structure of the patient’s feet. The price of the devices is low, but they are not suitable for all patients, because they do not take into account the characteristics of a particular case.

Many orthopedists believe that standard models are suitable only for people with diabetes and pensioners.

People with different forms of flat feet need to have custom-made inserts.

2. Individual

They are created to order for a specific patient in special factories and retail outlets. The procedure for their creation includes the following steps:

• medical diagnostics;
• making a digital footprint of the client;
• direct production of liners;
• testing of the product, its sale to the consumer.

Individual orthopedic insoles are made from genuine perforated leather and equipped with antibacterial elements. They cost significantly more, but work better than standard ones because they are created taking into account all the needs of a particular case. As a rule, after 3-6 months of wear, the salon-seller offers the client a free re-diagnosis in order to adjust the shape of the orthopedic devices, taking into account the progress achieved.

Therapeutic and preventive insoles

Practice shows that the development of flat feet can be stopped or prevented with the right choice of orthopedic instrument. According to the tasks they solve, inserts are divided into:

1. Preventive

They help to adjust shoe parameters, support the most vulnerable areas of the foot, and evenly distribute the load. Such devices for prevention are especially important for pensioners, pregnant women, people who spend a lot of time standing or actively engage in sports.

According to the method of execution, preventive models are of 3 types:

• silicone – relax muscles, do not stimulate sweating, therefore good for citizens who wear sneakers;
• gel - intended exclusively for the summer period, helping to absorb the load on the heel and toe;
• frame - have a rigid shape that ensures the correct position of the foot.

If you walk a lot and actively train, preventive models will relieve the feeling of fatigue in the evenings and improve blood circulation in the legs.

2. Medicinal

They help fight existing pathology. An orthopedist will help you choose the right model for the right part of the foot. The following types of models are available on the market:

• to combat calcaneal osteophyte - located in the back of the foot, externally resembling a horseshoe;
• to eliminate arthritis and flat feet caused by it;
• for osteoarthritis – correctly redistribute the weight of the body to the feet, restoring their shock-absorbing abilities;
• for pregnant women – reduce swelling of the legs, prevent the development of varicose veins.

The effectiveness of insoles for the treatment of pathological conditions will be maximum if they are prepared individually. Remember: orthopedic devices cannot serve as the only method of treatment; they are part of complex therapy.

How to choose orthopedic insoles?

Doctors give the following universal advice on how to choose insoles for flat feet:

• watch the size: it must meet your parameters.
• Choose models that will fit snugly in the boot. Options that are too long (they will wrinkle) and too short (they will dangle like a pencil in a glass) will not work.
• Give preference to wearable, hypoallergenic, soft materials. Today the most popular are leather, models made of cork, and polymers.
• Choose options with antibacterial substrates: they will avoid the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• Do not chase a low price, pay primary attention to the shape and breathable properties of the material. reliability of the manufacturer's brand.

To choose a model that will have the expected effect, undergo preliminary diagnostics. The doctor will choose a model to suit your needs, guided by the principle “Do no harm”.

Features of choice for flat feet

How to choose orthopedic insoles for flat feet?

The optimal solution is to purchase a custom-made model, because standard options are not able to provide the desired therapeutic effect.

The model is selected for a specific disease, the type of deformity that the patient suffers from. Do not try many cheap models in the hope that they will help get rid of the problem: such options can cause more harm to the body than walking without insoles.

With longitudinal-transverse

To choose insoles for longitudinal-transverse flat feet, you need to undergo a medical diagnosis. The specialist will select a pair taking into account the specifics of the case. The doctor will recommend an option with an instep support in the middle, which helps raise sagging arches, and a recess under the heel, necessary for comfortable walking.

Important! The optimal solution for correcting combined flat feet is to make individual models.

The purchased model should not cause heaviness, fatigue when walking, compression, development of corns, or aggravate the deformity.

The appearance of these symptoms indicates that you have made the wrong choice.

With longitudinal

How to choose orthopedic insoles for longitudinal flat feet? The optimal solution is to go to a salon, where, after consulting an orthopedist, the desired model will be made to order.

Doctors recommend visiting specialists every 10-12 months who will adjust previously made devices or make new ones.

This is necessary to take into account the progress made during treatment and the degree of wear of the products. How does an orthotic insole work?

The purpose of the orthopedic insert is to provide a shock-absorbing and corrective effect. The basis of the insole's action is the instep support, made of hard material. It helps to distribute loads anatomically correctly and reduce foot deformation.

Additional elements - a recess under the heel, corrective wedges, a protrusion in the area of ​​​​the roll of the foot.

The liner can be equal to the foot area in length or less. In the second case, the product does not contain a front part that does not perform a corrective function. This option is used less frequently because it is more difficult to use correctly.

Orthotics help support your feet in an anatomically correct manner.

This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient and reduce the degree of deformation: the legs gradually “remember” how to walk. The effectiveness of orthopedic insoles

• The answer to the question whether orthopedic insoles help with flat feet is clear.
• This is an effective means of solving the following problems:
• pain after active walking;
• heaviness in the legs;

increased fatigue; swelling.