The number of people who monitor the condition of their legs and pay special attention to the prevention of ankle diseases is growing every year. An assistant in this matter is orthopedic insoles that can minimize the possibility of developing such pathologies. With their help, the load on the foot is evenly distributed, moreover, a light massage is carried out. This promotes muscle relaxation even when walking.
Choosing orthopedic insoles: little helpers for healthy feet
What does the name of orthopedic insoles mean? This is a product of scientists' work, designed to maintain the arches of the feet and correct all kinds of deformities.
Among their main functions are the following:
- Improves blood circulation;
- The leg is more stable when walking;
- The load is reduced, and not only on the ankles, but also on the joints (knee and hip);
- The feeling of fatigue passes;
- Protects feet from various deformations.
When is it recommended to wear orthopedic insoles?
Healing insoles are necessary for certain diseases:
- Flat feet. The most common disease. Most often, it is not accompanied by any symptoms. A healthy person has a pair of arches on the foot, which contribute to softer walking and less stress. In a person suffering from flat feet, the main load goes to the spine, as well as the hip joint and ankle. This cannot but affect the performance of the musculoskeletal system. That is why you should think about purchasing orthopedic insoles.
- Ostearthrosis. The disease occurs due to a decrease in the strength of the cartilage tissue and the bone that is adjacent to it. Symptoms include joint pain and problems with its mobility. The role of orthopedic insoles in this situation will be reduced to the correct position of the leg belt. The load will be evenly distributed and natural depreciation will be restored.
- Heel spur. This disease is characterized by a spiny growth of the bone. The cause of this pathology is metabolic disorders or excessive stress. When walking, a person suffers from an exhausting aching pain. The use of insoles in this case will significantly reduce stress and eliminate the causes that led to the disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a lesion of the joints of the lower limb and soft tissues. Muscle deformation and flat feet develop. Most often occurs in older women suffering from impaired immune system activity. The insoles will reduce the stress on those joints that are affected. Moreover, they are able to prevent deformation.
- Pregnancy. During this period of life, women are forced to endure an increased load on their legs. This is due to the fact that the center of gravity shifts forward. As a result - the appearance of such undesirable problems as varicose veins and severe swelling. The use of orthopedic insoles will allow you to correct the load that falls on the lower extremities.
Causes of flat feet
If we consider the reasons for the appearance of flat feet, then the following can be distinguished:
- Errors in the selection of shoes. High heels or overly tight shoes can lead to this diagnosis.
- Excess weight.
- Limb injuries (bruises, cracks, and even more so, fractures).
- Consequence after polio.
- Predisposition. If the parents have flat feet, there is a high probability of this diagnosis in children.
- Rickets.
- Excessive exertion such as running or jumping.
- Lack of proper load.
How to choose orthopedic insoles?
The main purpose of using this attribute is to reduce the risk of disease manifestation and stop the development of pathologies.
That is why, when choosing, it is worth knowing about their priority tasks:
- Prevention of the appearance of corns and calluses;
- The skin becomes less sensitive in the sole area;
- Reducing foot fatigue;
- Reducing stress on the spine and joints.
The primary functions are reduced to two:
- Stability while standing and walking;
- Improved blood circulation.
Instructions for the selection of insoles
The selection should be based on the purpose of purchasing this product:
- Prevention. Such products are recommended for pregnant women who are exposed to enormous stress on the spine. They are also suitable for athletes and those who have to work physically. This is a godsend for lovers of high heels. This option is also allowed in case of problems with the spine or veins, without having a leg disease. They are also recommended for the initial stages of lower limb diseases.
- Comfort. Suitable for those with wide feet, curved toes, high instep or more difficult flat feet. The insoles protect those parts that have already undergone deformation and prevent the development of complications.
- Treatment. They are worn for a huge number of diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heel spurs. In this case, an orthopedic consultation is required.
Orthopedic insoles for different types of flat feet
In many ways, the choice of this or that product depends on the type of flat feet. So, for example, when combined, it is better to choose those that are equipped with a couple of three points of support.
With their help, both longitudinal and transverse vaults are corrected. There are also varieties that produce heel fixation. With their help, the foot is not bent, it is in an ideal position from the point of view of anatomy.
For adults, it is possible to wear such types as:
- Longitudinal;
- Transverse;
- Longitudinal and transverse.
When choosing, you should pay special attention not to the instep support. It happens of the following types:
- With a hollow and springy part;
- With a filled part.
Having tried both options, you can clearly determine the choice.
The insole must fully match the size and shape of the shoe. Otherwise, it will not give the desired effect.
Attention should also be paid to the material from which it is made.
The best solution would be:
- Leather;
- Polymeric materials;
- Bung.
Orthopedic insoles: choosing a product for a heel spur
When choosing, you should pay special attention to the presence of such elements:
- There should be an indentation for the heel;
- There is a metatarsal cushion in the area of the transverse fornix;
- There are special wedges in the heel area;
- There is an instep support.
Despite the fact that outwardly all products are very similar, they have their own design features. In the case of a large heel spur, an important selection criterion will be the presence of a depression designed to support the arch.
Before making a purchase, it is advisable to visit a traumatologist and make an impression, with which it will be possible to choose the perfect product at the pharmacy.
Orthopedic insoles for other diseases
As with flat feet and heel spurs, in other diseases, the choice is made according to the main criteria.
The main thing is to know exactly their purpose and the basic requirements for them:
- There is an instep support;
- The roll zone is slightly raised;
- The presence of a metatarsal pad;
- Mandatory presence of wedges for fixing the heel;
- Exact match of the insole to the size of the foot and the shape of the shoe;
- Quality material.
Orthopedic insoles for children: selection features
For babies, scientists have created special varieties designed to be worn by children. They are characterized by maximum comfort, a shortened front section, which contributes to more confident walking. Only natural materials are used to keep the legs healthy.
Increasingly, they resort to the use of models with an instep support made of helium.
When choosing an instep support, attention should be focused on the material. Ideally, it would be:
- Graphite;
- Steel;
- Plastic.
And most importantly, children's options are almost impossible to pick up at a pharmacy. The best solution would be to make them to order.
Manufacturers overview
Among the most popular manufacturers are Bauerfeind, Ortmann, Orto, Talus, Trives, Alps, but it is better to review them based on the scope of application. After all, you cannot compare the products used by athletes along with those intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases.
For Sport
Ortmann Is a well-established manufacturer on the market. A huge number of positive reviews both among consumers and among doctors. Such products are suitable for almost any shoe, but most accurately fit into sports sneakers. With their help, the load during walking and running is reduced in the area of the entire foot, including even the heel.
Orto Is another manufacturer whose products are often used by athletes. For the manufacture of products, leather and latex foam is used, to which carbon is added. Such materials allow the feet to feel comfortable. Calluses and unpleasant odors do not appear - a problem for all athletes.
Pedag - the products are made in accordance with all requirements, are considered one of the best for sports jogging, long walking and exhausting workouts. They relieve stress that is present not only in the joints, but also on the spine.
For daily wear
- Bauerfeind - the products of this brand are characterized by special subtlety and convenience. It fits perfectly into any shoe regardless of the height of the heel. They are characterized by special strength and endurance during washing.
- Talus - manufactures goods for children and adults. There are special models for open types of shoes. The foot is fixed correctly and well cushioned. Excellent protection against deformation. Already 14 years on the consumer market. During this time, it has proven itself well.
- Trives - a huge selection is presented, not only for adults, but also for children. Features include excellent thermoregulation and gel inserts that provide excellent cushioning.
- Alps - a joint brainchild of Ukraine and the United States. The products are made from quality materials. When used, a visible effect in the treatment of flat feet was noted.
How much do orthopedic insoles cost?
The price of a product largely depends not only on quality, but also on the manufacturer itself.
Thus, if the average cost of Bauerfeind goods fluctuates within 6,000 rubles, then Ortmann, like Orto, is only 1,000. The minimum price for Talus products will be only 300 rubles, and Trives -500. Alps products are also distinguished by an acceptable price of about 500 rubles.
Orthopedic insoles: consumer reviews
“I have been suffering from transverse flat feet for a long time. I tried to ignore this for a period of time, which led to constant pain and curvature of posture. Bauerfeind insoles turned out to be the salvation. They are equipped with instep supports, which is why they fit me. The state of health has improved and my legs do not hurt so much. "
Ivan, 41 years old.
“Recently my daughter was diagnosed with 1 degree transverse flat feet. Immediately bought Orto insoles. I would like to note the quality of this product, there is absolutely no discomfort when walking and the leg does not sweat at all. The recent visit to the doctor pleased me - a positive trend was noted. "
Elena, 28 years old.
“Having diagnosed with flat feet of the 2nd degree, the doctor advised to buy Ortman insoles. The result was a pleasant surprise. Legs are not so tired. I can even run! "
Semyon, 32 years old.
“My opinion is that only massage will help in treatment. The insole only leads to blocking of muscles, which are already not predisposed to work. I tried none of the options - no effect. "
Svetlana, 29 years old.
“Talus products literally saved me. In recent years I have suffered from pain in my legs, but now it has become much easier. True, at first it was not entirely comfortable from habit. "
Olga, 44 years old.
It is quite possible to get rid of pain and discomfort. One has only to correctly approach the choice of products, purchase only high-quality, certified goods. Don't shop in questionable places.
To do this, it is worth visiting a pharmacy or salon. And in no case not to diagnose yourself, but to consult a doctor. Only in this case is a positive trend and cure possible.
