Orthotics are modified shoe inserts designed to support the proper formation of the arches of the feet. Such accessories are necessary for all healthy people, but they are especially needed by those who have already developed functional and biomechanical disorders.

Orthopedic insoles for children help prevent and correct clubfoot, flat feet and other deformities that can develop in childhood. The relevant market segment offers a fairly wide range of special devices, so when choosing, you need to carefully study their properties and characteristics.

Of course, it is necessary to select insoles for a child according to indications after consultation with an orthopedic doctor. At the same time, you can buy ready-made products or order children’s individual orthopedic insoles. Also, after consulting a doctor, you can make orthopedic insoles for your child yourself.

Indications for the use of children's orthopedic insoles

The foot of every person is a very complex biomechanism, the main function of which is to cushion when walking and reduce the load on the spinal column and joints. The feet are made up of bones that resemble arched structures.

If the arches are formed incorrectly, deformations develop that can lead to serious pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. In childhood, the bones are still not strong enough, and therefore, from an early age, it is necessary to think about creating all the conditions for their healthy development.

Even a completely healthy child is recommended to wear orthopedic shoe inserts to form the correct arch of the foot, but there are a number of pathological conditions, in which such products are simply irreplaceable:

• flat feet is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to understand that if you do not take timely measures to prevent and correct it, in the future the child may develop serious diseases of the spine, which will be forced to take on double loads. Orthopedic insoles are recommended for preventive purposes in boys under 16 years of age and girls under 14 years of age, as well as during the course of treatment and rehabilitation;
• clubfoot - deviation of the foot inward from the longitudinal axis of the lower leg. To treat this disease, orthopedic insoles without arch supports are used, as well as special shoes with pointed toes;
• curvature of the spinal column;
• short leg syndrome and other disorders.

In order for the insoles to fully perform their functions, they must be precisely selected to the shape of the child’s foot, taking into account the height of the arch. Since finished products are manufactured according to average indications, it is recommended to order individual orthopedic shoe inserts for children.

The maximum effect from the use of such devices is ensured by proper redistribution of the load and maintaining normal blood circulation.

Types of children's orthopedic insoles

Models of orthopedic insoles for children can be preventive and corrective. The first ones are made from soft materials and help prevent the development of one or another disorder. Corrective products help eliminate the symptoms of flat feet. They should be purchased only on the advice of a pediatric orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic shoe inserts intended for children must be selected according to size. As the child grows, they need to be changed.

Since standard insoles may not be suitable for some shoe models, parents should pay attention to children's orthopedic half-insoles that do not have a front section. Such products are also good for correcting the arches of the feet.

Children's insoles with orthopedic properties also differ in the material they are made of. It could be:

• Genuine Leather;
• high-quality artificial leather;
• polymer materials (silicone);
• cork materials.

It is worth noting that Insoles with silicone are not recommended for constant use by young children., but for older children they are suitable, including for playing sports. In this case, it is possible to minimize the risk of accidental injury. Children's winter orthopedic insoles can be made of natural wool, which will not allow the child to freeze in the cold season.

Rules for choosing orthopedic insoles for children

When choosing shoe inserts for your child, you should pay attention to the following important nuances:

• the insole must exactly match the size of the foot;
• there should be a special notch in the heel area, the depth of which is determined by the doctor;
• also, on the doctor’s recommendation, the height of the instep support is selected, which should be located exactly under the inner arch of the foot;
• rollover in children's orthopedic insoles must have a bump;
• there must be special metal pillows in the transverse arch area;
• To prevent deformation, orthopedic insoles must be equipped with wedges in the heel area. One wedge is located on the right under the heel, the second - in the forefoot. Their size and height are determined by an orthopedic surgeon.

It is necessary to choose insoles for a child only after consultation with a doctor, who will make an accurate diagnosis and recommend a suitable product. If a child uses insoles that are not suitable, the problem may worsen significantly.

The selection of insoles is made taking into account the type of flat feet the child has. Products can be transverse, longitudinal, or combined. Lightweight half-insoles without a strap are usually not used for therapeutic purposes, since their purpose is purely preventive.

When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the shape of the tab. If you do not notice positive results during the treatment process or the effect begins to disappear after some time of wearing, it may be time to replace the insoles with new ones. Even after successful treatment, it is recommended to continue using insoles to maintain the results.

Children's custom orthopedic insoles

Despite the wide variety of ready-made models, experts advise ordering individual insoles for your child, since only they can perfectly match the shape of the foot. You can order such devices in specialized stores.

Individual insoles are necessary for small children under three years of age with heel valgus. The use of orthopedic inlays is also indicated for children with congenital clubfoot. Some children are born with crooked toes and require custom insoles after surgical correction. For significant deformities, the doctor may recommend wearing several layers of inlays in combination with orthopedic shoes.

When producing individual devices, environmentally friendly thermoplastic material is usually used, which exactly takes the shape of the child's foot. Inlays are made using plaster casts, but recently computer modeling technology has become widely used. These insoles will have to be changed approximately every six months.

So, we can draw a logical conclusion - it is necessary to choose orthopedic insoles for a child taking into account the existing deformation or predisposition to it. With timely correction, positive results can be achieved and the health of the child’s musculoskeletal system can be maintained.

The human foot undergoes little evolutionary change. Adaptive transformations occur slowly. But the negative consequences of progress affect the structure and function of the foot rapidly. A physiological feature is the height of the arch, which can be high or low.

Dynamic activity is observed in people with high arches. Flattened human feet can maintain endurance for a long time under frequently repeated significant loads. The shape of the longitudinal and transverse arch is of great importance for human health. Despite the variations in bone articulations, the line between an individual characteristic and a pathological condition is very thin.

Deformation reduction of the foot arch is called flat feet. The heel bone moves significantly backwards. When the modified foot moves, the torque is transmitted to the ankle and knee joints. Thus, due to flat feet, pain and deformation processes can occur in all parts of the lower limb.

Biomechanical processes change with longitudinal and transverse flatfoot. But the cause of the disease lies not only in the bone condition, but also in the plantar aponeurosis. It consists of numerous ligaments that provide shock absorption.

To correct the position of the legs during movement, orthopedic insoles are prescribed. They are the main, but not the only option for correcting the consequences of flat feet.

Types of insoles

There are seven main types of orthopedic insoles that differ in the location of the corrective element and the functional purpose:

• For correction of the longitudinal arch. The insoles are equipped with a special lining for the inner arch and a recess for the heel. Protectors are used in the initial stages of longitudinal flatfoot, for the treatment of phlebitis, endarteritis. For healthy people, insoles are recommended to be used for preventive purposes when there is heavy load on the feet.
• In addition to laying out the arches and the heel socket, detorsion ones are equipped with an instep support, which is located in the heel area. In addition to correcting flat feet, the longitudinal projection is used for valgus placement of the heel.
• Protector of both arches. The combined insole consists of a heel socket, longitudinal lining, anterior pronator and heel support. Prescribed for heel pronation and longitudinal flattening of the foot.
• Structurally, the insoles are similar to the previous type, but differ in the solid base under the big toe. Indicated for longitudinal flat feet, external plantar deviation, and heel pronation.
• They differ in the presence of front and rear instep supports. Prescribed for internal foot adduction.
• Compensate for shortening. The layout of the longitudinal arches is supplemented with a tubercle. Used for corns and painful nodular formations, external abduction of the big toe and longitudinal flatfoot.
• For pain relief. Pronators are located along the entire outer edge of the insoles. Used for limb shortening and clubfoot treatment.

Orthopedic insoles can be made to order, taking into account individual characteristics.

Purchasing insoles: independent, medical selection

Insoles for foot correction have many similarities in various modifications. For example, almost all types are equipped with a longitudinal arch support. A heel recess is provided and the transverse arch is supported by a pad. An orthopedic specialist, after a detailed study of the anatomical features, will help you choose the right protectors that will help restore the biomechanics of your feet.

Insoles are sold without a prescription. But independent purchase, even if you want to take preventive measures, can lead to damage to your health. Based on medical recommendations, insoles are made to order. To do this they do:

• blindstop;
• the choice of material is carried out by an orthopedist;
• fitting;
• issuance with professional recommendations for use and care.

How to choose the right orthopedic insoles?

When you go to the pharmacy yourself, it’s easy to get lost in the huge number of protectors. Therefore, you should learn the basic rules to ensure the right choice. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the possible types that are used:

• longitudinal;
• transverse;
• combined;
• medicinal, used for spurs;
• children's;
• preventive arch supports;
• frames for closed shoes;
• women's instep supports for high-heeled shoes.

Insoles must have:

• instep support along the inner edge of the foot;
• heel depression;
• elevated roll;
• pad under the transverse arch;
• heel wedges;
• size matching;
• consist of polymers, leather or cork.

Do the insoles fit or not?

It’s easy to understand the correctness of your choice:

• optimally selected insoles do not bring discomfort to the owner;
• with prolonged wear, depressions appear on the surface, so it is necessary to monitor the deformation and order new ones in time;
• with the correct determination of correction methods, the foot is unloaded;
• posture improves;
• swelling of the feet decreases.

Caring for orthopedic insoles

For long service and proper treatment of the insole you need:

• made of leather to wipe and ventilate;
• Wash silicone with a gentle detergent in warm water;
• made of foam rubber, wash in water.

Antibacterial solutions are not used to treat insoles. Reducing wear and tear is achieved by purchasing several pairs for different shoes.

Nowadays, almost any pediatric orthopedic doctor will say with confidence that recently the number of diseases associated with the development of feet among children has increased several times. Today, there are many methods for correcting the shape of a child’s foot, one of which is the use of special orthopedic shoe inserts.

Many modern parents are wondering: does their child need to wear orthopedic insoles? Parents of children who already have certain problems with the musculoskeletal system and musculoskeletal system face another question: how will orthopedic shoe inserts help correct the shape of the child’s feet and what kind of insoles should they buy?

What are orthopedic insoles and what are they for?

Orthopedic insoles are special shoe inserts with a textured coating. They are intended to provide therapeutic and preventive effects on foot diseases.

High-quality orthopedic inlays should be elastic and flexible, spring well when the feet move, thereby involving all ligaments and muscles in the walking process, which in turn prevents the formation of edema and muscle atrophy.

In addition to foot correction, orthopedic insoles are designed to:

• support the longitudinal and transverse arches of the feet;
• improve blood circulation in the feet;
• significantly reduce the load on the joints of the ankles, knees, and hips;
• reduce fatigue in the legs;
• increase stability when walking and standing;
• prevent the development of all kinds of disorders in the formation of the correct shape of the foot.

Orthopedic insoles: who are indicated and should healthy children wear them?

From all of the above, it follows that orthopedic insoles will be useful not only for children with existing foot diseases, but also for absolutely healthy ones for prevention. In both the first and second cases, to select the right products taking into account the individual structure of the child’s foot, it is best to consult a pediatric orthopedic doctor.

As for children with disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the main indications for the use of orthopedic insoles are:

• flat feet;
• clubfoot;
• hallux valgus and varus deformity of the foot;
• scoliosis;
• pain in the feet when walking;
• pain in the heel area.

To eliminate these and other symptoms, it is extremely important to consult an orthopedic doctor as early as possible, who will help you choose the orthopedic shoe inserts necessary for a particular child.

What to remember when choosing orthopedic insoles for a child

To make the right choice, you need to know certain nuances. When choosing orthopedic insoles for a child, you should remember that they are preventive and corrective. Based on this, the materials used to make them are also different. In the first case, the production of orthopedic insoles for children is usually made from soft synthetic materials. They are intended to prevent the development of one or another disorder of the musculoskeletal system. The second type is intended to eliminate the symptoms of a disorder or disease and in no case should you choose them yourself, since only an orthopedic doctor can advise the product that will help your child.

Orthopedic insoles for children: which material is better?

Orthopedic insoles for children differ in the material from which they are made. So, these can be tabs made from:

• genuine leather;
• high quality leatherette;
• polymer materials;
• cork materials.

It is impossible to say for sure which material is better to choose insoles from. After a thorough examination, the doctor will advise which inlays your child needs, since different foot formation disorders require different insoles.

Orthopedic insoles for children: choosing the right ones

If you decide to purchase orthopedic insoles for your baby, then the following tips will help you choose the insoles that best suit your baby, which, accordingly, will significantly increase the effectiveness of the fight against the baby’s illness:

• orthopedic insoles must match the length of your child’s legs: in no case should you buy insoles “for growth”;
• in the heel area the insole should have a special recess;
• the insole roll should have a small bump;
• if you can't buy different types insoles for different shoes, then you should select lightweight, universal orthopedic insoles that are suitable for any shoe.

Custom orthopedic insoles or standard ones: what to choose?

Only an orthopedic doctor can give a definite answer to this question after a thorough examination of the child. As a rule, doctors allow healthy children to wear standard orthopedic insoles to prevent certain disorders. If the child already has any problems in the development of the feet, the doctor will most likely advise ordering individual orthopedic inlays, which will be made taking into account the structural features of your child’s feet.

It is best to order individual orthopedic insoles for children in specialized salons, where modern technologies are used in the manufacture of inlays, making it possible to model the insole as prescribed by the doctor, taking into account all the structural features of the baby’s foot and his entire musculoskeletal system.

How are custom orthotics made?

Individual production for children occurs in several stages. The first and one of the most important is a consultation with a pediatric orthopedic doctor, who will examine the child and advise where exactly to go. Next, you need information about what kind of insoles are needed. Previously, a cast of the child’s foot, obtained using plaster, was used for these purposes, but now computer modeling is used instead. The next step is the selection required material, after which the insole itself is made and tried on.

When using children's individual insoles, you need to be prepared for the fact that they will have to be changed quite often, since the foot will be corrected, which means the inlay itself must be adjusted.

Flat feet are one of the main reasons for wearing orthopedic inlays

If we talk in simple words, then flat feet is a disease that changes the shape of the foot. Among many mothers, there is a misconception that flat feet are a fairly harmless disease, whereas in fact, flat feet are fraught with the development of many other, more serious diseases of the entire musculoskeletal system.

One of the most common ways to correct flat feet in children today is orthopedic insoles for children with flat feet. If your child has flat feet, then it is very important to get advice from a competent specialist who can select the insoles needed in a particular case, depending on the type and degree of foot deformation. That is why, in case of flat feet, individual orthopedic insoles have undeniable advantages. Orthopedic shoes for children can also help achieve the desired result much faster.

Orthopedic insoles for hallux valgus of a child

Hallux valgus in a child or hallux valgus is a disease in which the foot is deformed with the baby's toes and heels deviating outward, and the inner arches of his feet tilt in the opposite direction. With this disease, the child may have a clubfoot, waddle when walking from one foot to another, complain of pain in the legs, and swelling in the heel area may also be observed.

It is worth saying that valgus can be a congenital disease or acquired. In both the first and second cases, competent treatment of the disease is necessary, which must be started as early as possible.

Orthopedic insoles for children with hallux valgus are one of the most effective methods for correcting a child’s foot and preventing this disorder. The use of such insoles will help the child feel much better - he will tire less, pain in the legs will disappear, the foot will gradually improve if the disease is not in the last stages.

As with other disorders of the formation of the foot, orthopedic insoles for a child with hallux valgus can be made from materials such as genuine leather, high-quality leatherette, cork, and high-quality synthetic material.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that, along with other treatment methods, orthotics can significantly improve your child’s health. Whatever insoles you choose, it is very important that they best meet the criteria that will help correct the shape of your baby’s foot.

Selection of orthopedic insoles. How to choose the right size and type of orthopedic insoles for various foot diseases.

How to choose orthopedic insoles

The correct selection of orthopedic insoles is key to achieving positive results from wearing them. It must be taken into account that these are products for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Accordingly, it is necessary to choose it for a specific disease, or in accordance with the person’s lifestyle or condition. There are also features on how to choose orthopedic insoles for people of different ages - for adults and children.

When selecting orthopedic insoles for shoes, two main factors must be taken into account: the size and purpose of the product.

An error when choosing a size can lead not only to a decrease in the beneficial effect or its complete absence, but also to harm to the health of the foot. The insole should fit snugly into the shoe to prevent shifting or wrinkling while walking. In this case, the shape of the surface on which the arch of the foot rests must correspond to the doctor’s recommendation. Not everyone knows how to size orthopedic insoles to meet these requirements. A common mistake is matching the insole to a specific shoe. In fact, you need to choose it according to the size of your foot, and after that select suitable shoes for it.

Based on their purpose, orthopedic insoles are divided into two categories - preventive and therapeutic.

Prophylactic products

They recommend it in cases where a person does not have any foot pathologies, but due to various reasons, large loads are placed on the legs, which can lead to the development of diseases. They are also recommended for athletes, women during pregnancy, people who work “on their feet”, who regularly wear high-heeled shoes, etc. Preventive insoles are usually made from genuine leather or environmentally friendly foam material. Thanks to their shape and properties, they support the human foot in an optimal position. Due to this, the load on the legs and the musculoskeletal system as a whole is reduced, discomfort is eliminated, and the development of diseases is prevented.

Therapeutic orthopedic insoles

These insoles have a special shape that minimizes the symptoms of the disease, prevents its further development, and also contributes to successful treatment. They are prescribed to the patient by a doctor if any of the following diseases are present:

• flat feet;
• hallux valgus;
• heel spur.

To answer the question of how to choose the right orthopedic insoles, you need to know exactly the type of disease and condition of a particular patient. Therefore, when choosing this product, you should consult your doctor. Let's look at the main types of insoles for various diseases.

Insoles for flat feet

Depending on the type of disease, insoles for flat feet are divided into three types. The following types of flat feet are distinguished:

• longitudinal;
• transverse;
• mixed or combined.

Orthopedic insoles, which are prescribed to patients with longitudinal flat feet, must have an instep support. This element evenly distributes the loads acting on the foot with a flattened longitudinal arch. Due to this, the biomechanics of the lower limb improves, discomfort and pain decrease. The use of special orthopedic products prevents the development of pathology and the formation of complications such as heel spurs. The optimal material for making insoles for longitudinal flat feet is high-temperature plastic, which holds the heel well and supports the arch.

People with transverse flatfoot experience pain and fatigue in the foot area, and cramps in the calf muscles, especially at the end of the day. As the disease progresses, pain occurs in the hip joints, knees, and back. The main loads and deformations occur on the forefoot. The thumb is also gradually moved to the side, which contributes to the formation of a “bone” in the joint area. To eliminate these effects, the insole should be equipped with a pelot, or metatarsal pad. This pad supports the transverse arch, which reduces the load and reduces pain in the forefoot. With regular use, the kinetics of the feet is corrected and pain in the joints and back is relieved.

Mixed flatfoot is characterized by flattening of both arches. For treatment, it is necessary to ensure normal distribution of loads acting over the entire surface of the foot and correction of its kinetics. Therapy is also aimed at reducing pain. For this purpose, special insoles are used, which have a rigid design. The arch support supports the longitudinal arch. The pelot, in turn, reduces the load on the transverse arch. The shock load on the rear of the foot is compensated by the heel shock absorber. As a result, the insole has three support points, due to which the biomechanics of the foot, the kinetics of the leg as a whole and the spine are corrected.

Insoles for hallux valgus

Hallux valgus, or bunion, is one of the most common foot pathologies in humans. To correct this pathology, orthopedic insoles made of leather, velor, cork, and sheep's wool are most often used.

Orthopedic insoles for hallux valgus usually have a molded internal frame with spring properties, which provides shock absorption and keeps the foot in an optimal position, and also prevents the development of flat feet. The heel of the insole should have increased rigidity, which allows you to securely fix your foot in the shoe. Due to the variable stiffness of the material along the edges, the appearance of corns and calluses is prevented. The big toe should have a special roller that eliminates increased stress and pressure on the metatarsal bones. The front part should have a small thickness so as not to create discomfort for the foot in tight-fitting shoes.

Special orthopedic insoles intended for the treatment of heel spurs must meet the following requirements:

• a design with a rigid frame and instep support supports the longitudinal arch and evenly distributes the load;
• heel shock absorber provides compensation for dynamic loads acting on the heel;
• the pelot supports the transverse arch (used in the presence of mixed flat feet);
• If the foot is pronated or supinated, the doctor may recommend an insole with special wedges under the heel.

The insole should be quite rigid. In size, it should protrude 1 cm beyond the phalanges of the fingers. Your toes should move freely in your shoes.

Custom orthopedic insoles

The foot is an organ that has a very complex structure, unique to each person. Pathologies are also unique. Therefore, the best option, especially in cases of advanced and severe pathology, is individual insoles. They are best suited to treat a specific person. Therefore, many people are interested in how to choose custom orthotics.

Products of this type are made based on a prescription from an orthopedist based on a cast or imprint of the foot. Also today, computer modeling is used, which allows for maximum accuracy. The material can be wool, fleece, genuine leather. The optimal effect is ensured only with high precision manufacturing and the use of high-quality material. Therefore, the choice of insoles manufacturer is of great importance.

Features of selecting orthopedic insoles for a child

During the formation of the musculoskeletal system in children, various pathologies may develop if the shoes are incorrectly selected or there is a genetic predisposition. The most common disease is flat feet. Scoliosis and clubfoot are also common. Therefore, many parents are interested in how to choose orthopedic insoles for their child, which are prescribed to correct and ensure proper development of the musculoskeletal system.

Considering that children have not yet developed a transverse arch, orthopedic insoles for them should have a thickened arch support. It is important that they strictly correspond to the size of the foot and are made from natural hypoallergenic materials. The design of orthopedic insoles for a child is selected based on the existing pathology, therefore, when choosing them, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of a pediatric orthopedist.

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 – characteristic feature 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.

Persons with in different forms flat feet, you need to make 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 effective remedy solutions to the following problems:

• pain after active walking;
• heaviness in the legs;
• increased fatigue;
• swelling.

Orthopedic inserts help, provided they are chosen correctly, taking into account the individual characteristics of the case. To achieve maximum performance, they should be made to order.