For most human leg diseases, the prerequisites are formed within a period of less than a year. This period is quite long and can last several decades. One of the most unpleasant diseases in terms of its symptoms is heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. With plantar fasciitis, a strong pain syndrome is felt in the heel, which can be seen especially clearly when there is a load on this part of the human foot (i.e. when walking or leaning on the heel.)

With a heel spur, doctors recommend reducing the impact load on the sick person’s heel. How can this be achieved? For this purpose, special orthopedic insoles and heel pads are used for heel spurs. These accessories help a person to significantly reduce the load on a sore heel and allow him to move without acute pain.

Benefits of heel pads for heel spurs

According to their functions, orthopedic heel pads can be divided into two types:

1. Therapeutic heel pads are used to combat heel disease and eliminate severe discomfort and pain when walking and standing on a person’s feet. Therapeutic orthopedic heel pads are made from various polymer materials with special elements that have a direct therapeutic function.
2. Preventative heel pads are less demanding on nuances. Such products are made (mainly) from leather and help a person place his foot in shoes in an anatomically correct way, preventing the development of any abnormalities and pathologies of his feet.

It has several more very useful functions:

• These shoe products prevent the appearance of corns and calluses.
• protect human tendons and joints from possible damage when walking.

Low prices in the online store Stelki.ru

Heel pads and orthopedic insoles for heel spurs can be purchased inexpensively in Moscow, as in most regions of our vast country, using the service of our online store “Stelki.ru”. The price of the heel pads we offer for heel spurs is quite loyal to the client with any level of material income, and the quality of the material and workmanship of the orthopedic accessories will please any client of our online store. Remember: if you don’t take care of the condition of your feet yourself, no one will do it for you!

Heel pads are orthopedic devices that help distribute pressure on the foot and reduce the load on the heel due to spurs. In appearance, these products resemble the back part of the insole with a side for better fixation of the heel in the shoe. The appearance of a spur on the leg is accompanied by pain when walking. Sometimes the pain is so severe that stepping on the heel becomes impossible. Treatment of bone growth in the heel requires some effort and time. Heel pads for heel spurs can be made of different materials, but the function of all products is the same: reducing the load and softening the emphasis on the back of the foot.

Heel pads, due to their structure, perform the function of a shock absorber. When moving, they place emphasis on the heel softer, which reduces the feeling of fatigue and tension in the legs. There is a clamp on the back side that firmly glues the orthopedic device to the shoe insole. However, if necessary, the inserts can be removed for maintenance, replacement with another pair, or moving to other shoes.

Heel pads keep the foot in the correct and comfortable position, and their orthopedic properties make walking easier, relieve pain from heel spurs and normalize blood circulation in the foot.

Types of orthopedic heel pads

Orthopedic devices are different and may differ from each other:

• material;
• thick;
• appearance and structure;
• purpose;
• method of fastening.

Inserts for shoes with orthopedic properties are made of cork, silicone, latex, gel, and leather. Different materials provide different stiffness, and each type has a different effect on a specific foot or musculoskeletal problem.

The thickness of the replacement pads depends on the specifics of the problem and is selected individually. The height of the heel pad can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Low ones are used for spurs, cracked heels, pelvic distortion, uneven wear of shoe soles, for correcting different leg lengths and preventing problems with joints, feet, and spine. High shoe inserts (2-8 cm) are used to increase height.

As for the appearance of orthopedic structures, they also have some distinctive characteristics. There are heel pads with low sides, high (bowl-shaped), beveled, with a hole in the center and a soft liner. The type of structure depends on its purpose.

Most of the products are attached with an adhesive backing on the back side, which is protected by a cut film upon purchase. But there are heel pads with an ankle strap - half-insoles for increasing height.

Indications for use

Orthopedic heel pads, arch supports, and insoles can be used by people who have health problems and special indications for wearing these products, and those who want to prevent the appearance of spurs and cracks or reduce the load on the spine.

1. The gel insert is used for spurs, and during the rehabilitation period after damage to the bone or joint of the heel of the foot. They are indicated for athletes, people who have to spend most of the day on their feet and women who prefer heels.
2. Silicone orthopedic heel support is indicated for heel spurs, cracks in the skin, after an injury to the heel bone, during sports, to relieve the back of the feet during prolonged standing.
3. Leather shoe inserts, depending on the type, can be prescribed for the treatment of central spurs, correction of different leg lengths and inclination of the feet to the inside or outside, misalignment of the pelvic bones, and providing shock absorption to the heel.
4. Latex foam is the basis for orthopedic heel pads covered with leather on top. They are designed to cushion the heel area, treat heel spurs, unload the joints of the lower extremities and the spinal column during prolonged standing.
5. Cork correctors are used in closed shoes. Their use is indicated for shortening of one of the lower limbs, heel diseases, and problems in the knee joint. And also to prevent damage to the heel area when walking and relieve stress.

How to choose heel pads

You can buy heel pads in city pharmacies or order them online from orthopedic salons. To choose the right remedy, it is better to first consult with an orthopedist. If the cause of pain when moving is cracked heels, you should consult a dermatologist for advice.

When buying an orthopedic product, you should decide whether it will be used in open or closed shoes. If you want to wear silicone heel pads with spurs, you need to pay attention to the height of the sides. High sides are designed to provide good heel support in shoes, but such inserts are used exclusively in closed models. For open shoes, it is better to choose transparent liners without sides.

Rigid products made from leather or cork are used in the presence of serious pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system. But if a bone growth has also joined these problems, then such liners have a ring-shaped removable insert that will eliminate pressure on the spur and facilitate movement.

If the purpose of purchasing a heel pad is to reduce the load on the back area of ​​​​the feet, then it is better to resort to softer products made of gel or silicone. A heel pad made from the same materials is purchased by people who have gotten rid of a bone spur, but relapses often occur with heel spurs and soft inserts will prevent the recurrence of the disease.

All types of heel pads are available in women's and men's sizes. Below is a table of sizes to facilitate the selection of orthopedic devices:

Size	S	M	L	XL
Matching foot sizes	from 35 to 37	38 to 40	from 41 to 43	from 44 to 46

Rules of use for spurs

Orthopedic shoe inserts made of silicone are the most wear-resistant, but they also require compliance with certain rules of use and care. It is not recommended to wear products for more than 16 hours a day and to wear shoes with heel pads without socks. To extend the service life of the liners, you need to wash them in a warm soapy solution and dry them naturally without the use of heating devices.

It should be remembered that the products do not treat a bone growth on the heel, but help not to feel pain when walking. The use of heel supports is an auxiliary measure in the main treatment of the disease.

Some patients, in order to save money, resort to making inserts with their own hands. But such products cannot have an anatomical shape and fully perform the functions of heel pads assigned to them.

If you have a heel spur and no other problems with the musculoskeletal system, it is better and more profitable to choose shoe inserts made of silicone. This material is softer, less subject to trampling and abrasion, easy to care for, and has positive reviews from a large number of people who use these inserts as a remedy for the presence of a bone growth on the heel.

Silicone heel pads for shoes are special soft products used to maintain the correct position of the foot. The use of such structures serves to prevent the development of flat feet. Silicone heel pads are antibacterial products, so they prevent the development of fungus. The shock-absorbing property inherent in this design allows you to protect your feet from a large amount of vibration when walking.

Who needs silicone heel pads?

Silicone heel pads are necessary for those who spend a lot of time on their feet and who lead a healthy lifestyle. Such designs are a godsend for those who run, walk, and ski a lot. Thanks to the soft silicone structures placed under the heel, corns and calluses will not form, and fatigue and aching feet will be minimized.

The greatest effect is achieved by using silicone heel pads with high-quality shoes.

Efficiency of use

When using silicone heel pads, you can notice the following positive aspects:

• the transverse and longitudinal arches of the feet are fixed in the desired position;
• blood circulation improves in the feet;
• the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is prevented;
• the load on the feet, spine, and leg joints is minimized by supporting the foot;
• there is no unpleasant odor in the foot area;
• the feeling of fatigue in the legs is minimized.

Types of silicone heel pads

Silicone is an elastic and elastic material with which structures with various parameters are created. Such products are wear-resistant and deformation-resistant.

For a specific foot problem, one or another type of orthopedic product is selected. There are several types of silicone heel pads:

• heel pad – to prevent cracks and corns on the heels;
• stickers on the heel - to prevent heel chafing, especially when new shoes are worn in;
• heel pads made of several silicone layers - to increase human height.

Indications for use

Experts believe that the use of silicone heel pads is necessary for people who have problems such as:

• legs of different lengths;
• heel injury;
• it is necessary to restore the ankle joints;
• hip bones are damaged;
• spur in the heel;
• complicated pregnancy;
• threat of developing flat feet.

Silicone heel pads are soft and pliable, so they can be used in the early stages of foot and leg diseases, as well as for prevention purposes.

Contraindications

Open wounds

Silicone heel orthopedic products should not be worn if there are open, especially bleeding, wounds. It is also not recommended to wear heel pads more than 16 hours a day.

Expired service life

Silicone has a limited shelf life, depending on how often the product is used, how well it is cared for, and how accurately the heel pad is selected to fit your foot. The average use of such a product is 2-3 months.

Individual intolerance to silicone

It happens that there is a so-called individual intolerance to the material, when contact with silicone is unpleasant, and there is also a feeling of tight shoes, especially when they are fashionable.

How to choose silicone heel pads

Various types of silicone heel pads are classified as therapeutic and prophylactic products, so you need to choose them seriously and carefully. In this case, you need to take into account:

• foot parameters;
• individual structural features of the legs;
• existing leg diseases.

People who have used silicone heel pads recommend first contacting an orthopedic center, where a qualified specialist will conduct an initial consultation and select the right type of silicone heel pads. The doctor, knowing the problems of a particular patient, will correctly indicate the size and shape of the required heel support.

Heel pads for spurs

If you wear uncomfortable shoes (high heels also count), a heel spur may appear. This problem often occurs in people who are overweight or who put excessive stress on their feet. This problem can be solved by using heel pads or orthopedic insoles. The main purpose of wearing silicone heel pads is to reduce the load on the feet and maintain the normal anatomical position of the feet in the presence of a spur in the heel.

To prevent heel pads from slipping, the product must be fixed to the shoe with an adhesive retainer with a special protective coating.

Important! Silicone heel pads will not cure heel spurs. To get rid of heel spurs, varied and long-term therapy is necessary. Heel pads unload the feet and relieve pain.

Product care rules

1. Silicone heel pads should be washed daily with warm water and ordinary soap.
2. To prevent damage to them, do not use cleaning products that contain chlorine.
3. Cleaned silicone products should be gently blotted with a cloth and dried without the use of heating devices or heating elements.
4. Once the heel pads are dry, they need to be treated with foot talcum powder. Baby powder will also work.
5. Do not expose silicone products to direct sunlight.

Treating heel spurs at home will require a lot of time and effort. Plantar spur is a disease that occurs due to inflammation in the soft tissues in the heel area. Because of this, growths gradually form on the bone tissue. They are called osteophytes. They can have different shapes, but such spikes always cut into the tissue, causing severe pain, especially when walking.

If a patient is diagnosed with a heel spur, the ICD-10 code will be M.77.3, that is, plantar or plantar fasciitis. The International Classification of Diseases helps to understand diagnoses, their causes, and types.

Causes and symptoms

Not every person knows what a heel spur is. This is the name given to an osteophyte that has formed on a bone. Located on the heel. It constantly increases, and when walking it injures this area.

The causes of heel spurs are as follows:

1. Flat feet. Due to the flattening of the arch of the foot, the load on the foot changes, in this case the heel suffers.
2. Injuries in the heel bone area. For example, a person could have previously jumped from a great height.
3. Lifestyle. This also affects the appearance of osteophytes, especially if a person is inactive, does not play sports or does not do at least regular exercise. However, too much zeal in this matter will also be dangerous.
4. Sprain.
5. Diseases of the joints. This could be arthritis of the psoriatic, rheumatoid type, polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.
6. Excessive stress on the foot. This applies to women who prefer to wear ballet flats or high-heeled shoes that are too narrow. If you constantly have to walk, stand or run while working.
7. Metabolism problems. Because of this, salt accumulation occurs. A prime example is gout.
8. Diseases that impair the patency of blood vessels. The appearance of heel spurs can be caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, etc.
9. Diseases of infectious origin - this applies to gonorrhea, chlamydia in chronic form.

Age-related changes also have an effect, as they impair blood circulation in the human body. Prevention of heel spurs involves timely treatment of all of the listed ailments. It is necessary to eat right and lead an active lifestyle.

If a heel spur forms, the symptoms do not bother the patient at first, since the osteophyte itself is small in size. Mostly you only feel discomfort. But when the heel spur (photo) begins to grow, pain appears, which gradually intensifies. She has a harsh character. It is felt when walking, although it is also felt in a calm state. People describe it as the pressure of a nail in the heel. This is where the name of the disease comes from. The pain syndrome is especially severe in the morning, since during the night the fascia recovers a little and becomes shorter.

There are no outward signs of a heel spur, although patients sometimes have redness and slight swelling on the heel. This indicates that the soft tissues are injured and inflammation develops in this area. Most often, heel spurs form on only 1 foot, but in some people both heels are affected. Because of this disease, the gait changes. Sometimes a cane or crutches are required.

Diagnosis of heel spurs is carried out without fail based on patient complaints, main symptoms, and an x-ray is also taken. The growth itself will be visible in the photo. In addition, the doctor will palpate the foot. Pain syndrome occurs when pressure is applied to the heel on the sides and at its base.

Drug treatment

Many people wonder what to do about heel spurs. First of all, you need to go to the hospital. In the early stages, treatment can be carried out at home, using medications prescribed by the doctor. If a heel spur develops, treatment is aimed at improving metabolism, blood circulation in the body, and removing pain and swelling.

Drug therapy involves the use of the following groups of medications:

1. Drugs with anti-inflammatory properties that belong to the group of non-steroidal drugs. A striking example is Diclofenac, Voltaren, Nise, Ibuprofen, Flexen, Acetylsalicylic acid. Such medications reduce the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and prevent the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. This reduces swelling and pain. Such drugs eliminate inflammation because they block the action of chemical compounds that are activators of inflammatory processes.
2. Chondroprotectors. For example, Artradol, Artiflex, Chondrocerin are suitable. Such drugs restore metabolic processes in the connective tissues of joints and ligaments. They speed up the regeneration process and make tissues more elastic. Thanks to this, the plantar fascia will not be able to develop tears, which constantly cause pain, especially in the morning.

Various treatment methods are known, but one method of getting rid of severe pain is the use of a therapeutic blockade. This is an injection of a solution that includes drugs with anti-inflammatory properties and anesthetics. This procedure should only be performed by an experienced surgeon. Hormonal drugs used are Flosteron, Betamethasone, Diprospan, Hydrocortisone. The active components of such medications are able to block chemical compounds that cause inflammation.

The surgeon makes an injection into the soft tissue in the heel area. As a rule, a solution of lidocaine or novocaine is also administered along with the listed agents. This technique eliminates pain and inflammation after the first procedure. Sometimes the injection is repeated after a month.

Non-drug treatment

Many patients are interested in how to cure heel spurs at home. This process will be lengthy - it will take at least six months. But if you regularly pay attention to the procedures, then within a week there will be a noticeable improvement.

First of all, it is important to choose special orthopedic insoles, which should always be included in shoes. They have places for the heels - there is a hole there so as not to put pressure on the soft tissues on the legs. This helps reduce stress and maintain the arch in the correct position.

Another useful procedure is a contrast shower. It is recommended to do this for your feet twice a day. You need to take 2 basins. Fill one with cool water and the other with hot water. First, the legs must be lowered into 1 basin for 30 seconds, and then into 2. The procedure can be repeated. If the pain is too severe, it is recommended to take foot baths with warm water only. Otherwise, the inflammation will begin to intensify.

Experts advise adding 2 tbsp to the water. sea ​​salt per 1 liter of liquid. You can add regular salt and supplement it with iodine (15 drops per 1 liter).

Heel spurs can be treated at home with massage. This should be started after taking foot baths. This procedure helps with blood circulation in the inflamed area and reduces swelling. For 10 minutes, you are supposed to rub your heel in a circle with your hands. It should be finished with light stroking in the direction from the fingers to the calf muscle. This improves blood flow. If the pain is very severe, it is recommended to massage using ice cubes. It is recommended to first put them in a plastic bag.

To treat heel spurs, you can use orthoses, braces, and Strasbourg socks. These are all devices used during sleep. They are worn so as to keep the feet at right angles to the shins. This will keep the tendon from contracting overnight, so you won't have the usual severe pain in the morning due to microscopic tears.

Proper nutrition is important. The diet helps restore metabolism. It is recommended to eat less fish and meat. They are allowed to be eaten three times a week, but only in boiled form. In addition, you will have to reduce the consumption of mushrooms, legumes, and sorrel. The same goes for cauliflower and peanuts. You need to eliminate various foods that contain chemical additives from your diet. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cereals. Fermented milk products are very useful.

You definitely need to remember about the drinking regime. You should drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day to remove salt accumulations.

Another mandatory measure is therapeutic exercises. Running will not do any good, nor will race walking. They must be abandoned. But cycling and swimming will definitely be beneficial. Every day you should perform exercises that will strengthen the ligaments and muscles in the foot area. They are as follows:

1. Place a corncob or rolling pin on the floor and roll with each foot in turn.
2. Walk barefoot on sand and small stones. You can also use a special massage mat.
3. Use your toes to move small objects from one place to another.
4. Place your foot on the floor with a towel laid out nearby. Now try to pull this towel towards you, grasping it with your fingers, but do not lift your heel off the floor.

Mustard plasters are also useful. You can heat paraffin and make applications from it. This will warm up the tissues and locally improve metabolism, thereby accelerating the process of osteophyte resorption. Perform the procedure every day. Warming up should take no more than half an hour.

How to choose heel pads and insoles

Heel spurs cannot be treated without insoles and heel pads. They are necessarily included in complex therapy. These devices perform the following functions:

1. Performs the function of a corset. They fix ligaments and muscles in the required position.
2. Reduces stress on the heel area.
3. Prevents the appearance of microscopic cracks in the fascia.
4. Reduces the load on the hip and knee joints.
5. The arch located longitudinally and transversely is fixed.
6. Eliminate symptoms of flat feet.
7. Have a beneficial effect on blood circulation.
8. Prevents heaviness in the foot area.

Effective treatment for heel spurs involves wearing insoles or heel supports. To choose them correctly, you need to consult an orthopedist. The doctor will examine all the features of the leg, as well as the weight and development of the disease. After that, he will select suitable models. You can purchase insoles yourself in the store. This option is considered cheaper. In this case, it is very important to determine the correct foot size.

Heel pads and insoles are made from the following materials:

1. Silicone. This material is considered the best for creating orthopedic insoles. It has excellent springiness and can support the foot when a person walks. If you properly care for these insoles, they should last and not wear out. Silicone products prevent unpleasant odors.
2. Leather. This material is natural, but it wears out quickly. Another disadvantage is the high cost. Only an orthopedist can select leather insoles, as they are quite hard.
3. Gel. This material is considered softer. It is used when the foot is slightly changed. The advantage of such gel products is that the insole itself is very thin, so it can be used even in open shoes.
4. Synthetic leather. This option is considered the most affordable; it does not allow air to pass through well and wears out quickly.

As for the heel pads, they represent only the back area of ​​the entire insole. This is where their name comes from. They are higher at the edges and deepen towards the center. They are fixed to the shoes themselves using glue. These devices also help distribute a person’s weight so that there is no heavy load on the heel.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for heel spurs are also able to cope with symptoms and pathological processes, but they are mainly used only as auxiliary measures. They have virtually no side effects. The main thing is to adhere to the dose and duration of therapy.

There are many recipes. You can use raw potatoes for applications. This product contains acids and minerals that improve the condition of the body. It is necessary to wash the potatoes and chop them. Fold the resulting pulp into a gauze bandage and apply it to the foot, cover everything with a plastic bag and put on a sock. It is best to perform this procedure before going to bed. First you need to steam your feet for 15 minutes. Instead of paste, you can simply cut off a piece and secure it with an adhesive plaster.

You can also make applications with black radish. It also needs to be washed and chopped together with the peel. It is best to mince it twice. Then use the pulp in the same way as potatoes. Do the procedure 3 days in a row before bedtime. In the morning, remove the compress and wash your feet in water and salt.

The use of horseradish is beneficial. It should also be washed and chopped using a grater or meat grinder. The pulp can be stored in a cool place. First, take a warm foot bath, then use horseradish in the same way as in previous recipes. Be sure to wear warm socks. If inflammatory processes have just begun to develop, then one session is usually enough.

Lilac-based tincture is considered very effective. It is necessary to fill a glass jar a third with inflorescences, and then fill it with vodka. The product is infused in a dark place for 10 days. Then filter it and use 30 drops every day, diluting it in water. Additionally, wipe your heel with it and make baths.

Conclusion

The consequences of heel spurs are very serious, and in order to prevent this, it is necessary not to ignore fasciitis and begin its treatment as early as possible. If we take into account the international classification of diseases, then the code for plantar fasciitis will be M77.3. Therapy can only be selected in a hospital, so you should definitely consult with your doctor. In some cases, surgery is required, but treatment can be done at home.

Insoles for heel spurs: reviews of heel pads

Foot disease, popularly called heel spur, is an inflammatory process. As a result, a wedge-shaped spike appears on the sole, namely on the tubercle of the heel bone.

This bone formation injures the soft tissue when supporting the foot, which provokes a powerful pain attack. Discomfort changes the gait, prevents full movement, and reduces the patient’s ability to work.

In most cases, a spur on the heel develops with flat feet caused by failures in the adequate redistribution of the load on the foot and damage to the tendons.

Often the pathology is discovered after injury to the heel bone due to impaired metabolism and worsening blood circulation in the legs. A spur is also caused by a history of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

There are many methods for treating this disease. Thus, in addition to medications, the use of special orthopedic insoles is indicated.

Such devices will be an excellent way to prevent the disease or its recurrence. Reviews of satisfied customers who have been helped by orthopedic insoles can be found on forums on the Internet.

Types of insoles

Insoles for heel spurs are special orthopedic devices that are inserts for shoes intended for everyday wear. They play the role of a so-called corset for the foot, and can well support its natural physiological position when walking.

Insoles are made of various materials:

• Genuine Leather;
• felt;
• gel;
• silicone;
• artificial leather.

It is very important to choose the option that will best suit the size of the foot, anatomical features, severity of the pathology, and weight of the patient. These have shock-absorbing inserts inside to relieve the arch of the foot and absorb the impact force during activity.

You can purchase orthopedic insoles for spurs on specialized websites, pharmacies, and shoe stores. The most convenient devices will be those made to order from orthopedists in workshops.

The correct insole completely follows the shape of the foot. The instep support, located in the heel area, supports the bone at an elevation. The inserts are made of soft shock-absorbing material. This allows you to reduce the pressure of the bone growth on the soft tissue and relieve pain.

In addition, the special design of the insoles helps to maintain the transverse and longitudinal arch for rapid healing of the plantar aponeurosis, and will improve the shock absorption of the foot (if there is any degree of flatfoot).

What types of heel pads are there?

Orthopedic heel supports are a type of insole for heel support. Similar ones are made from:

1. balsa wood;
2. silicone;
3. animal skins;
4. medifoam (synthetic material).

Depending on your target orientation, models should be distinguished.

Shock-absorbing heel pad

This heel support is used for fasciitis, injuries of the heel bone, and deforming arthrosis of the foot. In its center there is a special hard tab, which massages the soft tissues while the patient walks and softens the edge of the osteophyte.

A heel pad can improve shock absorption of the foot, reducing stress on the heel, spinal column and leg joints.

The product is presented on the market in wedge-shaped and rounded models. The doctor and customer reviews will help you make the right choice.

Silicone models

An orthopedic heel pad made of medical silicone is distinguished by the fact that it has a hard edge along the edge and a soft spring insert in the middle. The device promotes adequate anatomical positioning of the foot in the shoe.

Such models create comfortable conditions for the foot, and the heels in particular, because they:

• reduce the manifestations of pain when supporting the affected limb;
• improve local blood circulation and metabolism.

The gel heel pad can be used for shoes with heels.

A heel pad with a border around the edge is produced in different sizes (depending on the length of the foot). To choose the right option, you should measure your foot in centimeters. The insole should fit well into the shoes.

It is best to glue the heel pad to the heel area of ​​the shoes using a special clamp. This prevents the product from slipping during operation.

Despite the obvious advantages, such insoles also have disadvantages. These include:

• low elasticity;
• poor wear resistance;
• relatively heavy weight.

These factors can cause your legs to get tired quickly.

How to install and care for the product?

Orthopedic devices can be worn for many joint and bone problems. They will be no less useful in the prevention of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Reviews from doctors confirm this.

Before installing insoles, you should carefully inspect the inside of the shoes. If it already has an insole, it is removed. Orthopedic products should fit as closely as possible to the sole. If displacement occurs, the tab must be additionally secured with adhesive tape.

If the insole is chosen correctly, then a person will not feel discomfort while walking. Otherwise, correction or replacement of the orthosis is necessary.

You can achieve a long service life of the insole if you take good care of it. Recommended insole:

1. wash with a special product;
2. dry at room temperature, avoiding overheating, which will prevent deformation of the tab.

Ideally, it is better to have several sets of insoles. While one is in the wash, use the other. If you don’t have time to wash the device, you can use regular wet wipes for cleaning. Looking through the reviews, you can read that many patients do this.

Persistent positive dynamics in the development of spurs on the heels occurs with regular wearing of insoles. Typically, adult patients should use them throughout their lives.

Orthopedic heel pads are anatomically shaped corrective devices designed for the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the heel area. Orthopedic inlays are excellent at reducing discomfort caused by heel pain, abrasions and calluses.

Very often they are used to reduce the load on the heel with an existing heel spur, to compensate for different leg lengths, or to prevent the development of calluses. The main tasks performed by these products are the anatomically correct organization of the location of the heel inside the shoe and the reduction of impact loads on the heel during walking.

Fulfilling their purpose, these simple inserts help relieve fatigue from the feet and significantly reduce pain from heel spurs. Quite often they are used to eliminate figure defects (for example, with differences in leg lengths and curvature of the pelvis). It must be taken into account that the use of a heel pad is allowed if the difference in leg length does not exceed three centimeters.

If you cut off the top part of a standard shoe insole, this will be the approximate shape of the heel pad. They come in different thicknesses, usually from three to twelve millimeters. The material used is also very different. Depending on the need to correct the consequences of various diseases, inserts made of different materials and thicknesses are used. The most widespread are four types of heel pads.

1. The shock-absorbing base is formed from latex in accordance with the anatomical structure and is placed in a perfectly fitting leather case.
2. The heel pad is made entirely of leather, but a shock-absorbing latex insert is placed inside.
3. The shock-absorbing base is formed from balsa wood.
4. To make the heel pad, only latex or gel is used.

The upper surface of the liner will definitely be in contact with the surface of the heel, so hypoallergenic materials that do not irritate the skin are selected for production. Usually, high-quality materials are used, which additionally have the property of absorbing any odors.

The lower surface of the product, in contact with the shoes, is equipped with an adhesive retainer covered with a thin protective film. Before placing the heel pad in the shoe, the film is removed, and the clamp securely fastens it inside, preventing it from slipping or “dangling.”

Indications for use

Prescribing heel pads by a doctor is a fairly common occurrence, but the main indications for their use are as follows:

• prevention of flat feet;
• with a heel spur;
• traumatic heel injuries;
• some diseases of the joints or spine;
• pelvic distortion;
• with different leg lengths;
• rehabilitation of the consequences of leg (foot) injuries;
• in some cases during pregnancy.

You need to know that different diseases sometimes require different materials for the manufacture of heel pads. The same can be said about the degree of development of the defect. For example, silicone ones have the greatest softness and pliability, which determines the recommendations of specialists for their use when preventive measures are necessary or in case of identifying the early stages of certain diseases.

If the disease has progressed to a more serious stage, then, according to experts, it is necessary to use leather or latex inserts as they are more elastic and dense. The hardest material, balsa wood, is recommended to be used to correct significant (more than 15 millimeters) differences in leg length.

Budget products are almost always made of artificial leather. But this material can cause some associated inconveniences.

Sometimes it is possible to develop allergic reactions, and the appearance of a peculiar smell will not please everyone. If you choose gel or latex products, then the mineral oils contained in their composition, in contact with the skin, help moisturize and soften it.

How to choose heel pads for adults and children

It is important to remember that before choosing heel pads, you should consult your doctor. Only after receiving qualified recommendations can you begin to search for products that are best suited for you. When choosing a heel support, first of all you need to be guided by the purpose that it will have to fulfill. The shape and optimal material of the heel pad will depend on this. For the prevention and correction of serious violations, completely different products will be required.

It is very important to select heel inserts specifically for the shoes you will be wearing. Therefore, when you go to purchase therapeutic inserts, take with you the necessary pair of shoes, or remember the type and size of shoes in which heel pads will subsequently be inserted. You should also know some of the features of heel pads made of different materials.

Material	Peculiarities
Leather earbuds	This is the most expensive type of heel pad, but you should not expect a significant orthopedic effect from their placement in shoes. Their most common use is to correct leg length differences. However, their use is possible only up to a difference not exceeding 3 centimeters. Leather products have a slight shock-absorbing effect and demonstrate ventilation properties. As a rule, they are of high quality and can be used for a very long time.
Gel products	Used mainly for prophylactic purposes. Gel inserts are quite soft and almost invisible, making them perfect for many models of open women's shoes. If you wear gel inserts as a preventative measure, reducing the load on the foot helps prevent the formation of calluses and cracking. Often prescribed for heel spurs, but only in their early stages
Cork heel pads	Most effective in orthopedic terms. Placing them in shoes allows for the correction of flat feet and spinal diseases.
Silicone heel pads	The most complex products in terms of design. They can have a rather complex shape. For example, a cup-shaped product can be used to secure feet in flat shoes with raised heels. The impact of such heel pads extends to a very wide area of ​​the foot, preventing the formation of skin cracking and calluses. Helps relieve pain from heel spurs. Reduces leg fatigue when walking for a long time

It is necessary to purchase therapeutic heel pads only in specialized places. However, the best option, especially for heel spurs, is to have custom-made products. Individual inserts will be made to the exact measurements of the foot from a material selected by an orthopedic doctor. They are the ones that will ideally provide a healing effect for the feet.

With heel spurs, custom manufacturing is practically the only way to achieve the correct selection of a heel pad.

Children's heel supports are assigned to perform almost the same functions as adults. However, for children, the preventive rather than the therapeutic function of such products is much more often in demand. Therefore, gel options are very common among children's heel supports.

Manufacturers of heel pads quite often produce products made from various hypoallergenic materials specifically for children, and their cost differs slightly from the price of standard inserts. The purchase of children's heel supports is carried out in special departments of pharmacies or in the corresponding children's stores.