Sensorimotor insoles are special therapeutic insoles that help to activate and increase the reflex performance of the foot. Unlike conventional insoles, which passively adapt only partially to the foot, sensomotoric insoles customize the foot muscles of the patient so that the body’s biomechanics can be improved by the sensory impulses. The use of sensorimotor insoles is of particular therapeutic importance in the case of existing foot malpositions, which, among other things, can lead to neck and other joint complaints. The applications of sensorimotor insoles can be either as part of a treatment concept or represent a stand-alone therapeutic measure.
Indications (areas of application)
Indications in childhood
- Bending foot (pes valgus) – In the presence of a bending foot associated with muscular weakness or weakness of the connective tissue, the use of sensorimotor insoles is useful. If, despite sufficient physical activity, the symptoms continue beyond infancy, sensorimotor insoles are a therapeutic option.
- Coordinative disorders – Children who suffer from coordinative disorders can benefit from sensorimotor insoles. The principle of action of insoles in children with coordination deficits is based on influencing the muscle control of the walking apparatus through targeted pressure on the proprioceptors (sensors) in tendons, muscles and joints in the foot. This allows the child to unconsciously learn a correct pattern of movement.
Indications in adulthood
- Distortion trauma of the upper and / or lower ankle – The use of sensorimotor insoles in the event of an injury to the ligamentous apparatus is particularly useful when the healing process is found to be delayed.
- Ankle injuries with damage to the nerve fibers – In the context of an ankle injury occurs relatively often damage to nerve fibers, which leads to the impairment of sensorimotor function and thus stability. Training with sensorimotor insoles allows the prevention of permanent instability of the joint, so that the risk of arthrosis (wear-related restriction of joint function) can be significantly reduced.
- Paralysis – The extent of paralysis caused by nerve damage can be reduced by the use of sensorimotor insoles.
- Foot deformities in adults – Analogous to the treatment of children, sensorimotor insoles can also help to alleviate the symptoms of foot deformities such as the pointed foot, flat foot, bent foot and clubfoot in adults.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications for the present indication.
Before therapy
Before starting therapy, a detailed medical history, comprehensive dynamic as well as static physical examinations must be performed. Special emphasis of the anamnesis is placed on questions about motor development (especially in children), onset of symptoms, previous therapeutic measures, tendency to fall, and self-assessment of the problem. For optimal use of sensorimotor insoles, a gait analysis and an assessment of the affected region in particular should be performed. Further diagnostic methods and tests should be performed depending on the symptoms. Radiographs or computed tomographic imaging may be useful for treatment in some circumstances.
The procedure
The principle of sensorimotor insoles is based on applying stimuli to the sole of the foot to influence the musculature, which can thus contribute to active stabilization of the foot skeleton. Due to this, the prescription and use of sensorimotor insoles requires a precise knowledge of the anatomy of the foot.
After therapy
Following and, if necessary, during therapy, the results of the use of sensorimotor insoles should be reviewed. If there is no improvement or the therapy goal is not achieved, invasive surgical measures may be required.
Potential complications
Because sensorimotor insoles are a gentle yet effective therapeutic option in many cases, no direct complications are expected from the therapeutic procedure. However, (shoe) orthopedic consultation is useful and necessary, as incorrect treatment can lead to the manifestation of deformities.Inadequate therapy can lead to further damage via a protective posture.
