Orthopedic insoles may be necessary for foot problems at any age. Much of what masquerades as orthopedic insoles in stores is a standard insole of little use. Orthopedic insoles are custom-made by the orthopedic shoemaker after an appropriate medical indication has been made by the orthopedic surgeon and a footprint has been taken – usually by foam impression, 3-D scanner or blueprint. The extent to which insoles for sale have an orthopedic value is judged very differently. However, there are shoe manufacturers who offer orthopedic footbeds with good quality. These footbeds processed in the shoe are useful as an aid against fatigue and deformities. However, they do not replace real orthopedic shoes.
What are orthopedic insoles?
Orthopedic insoles are used to provide proper support for an overburdened or diseased foot. They are intended to provide optimal support, relieve pressure and, if necessary, ensure correction of malpositions. A definition of orthopedic insoles describes the custom-fabrication and fitting of the foot with an aid worn in the shoe by a trained orthopedic specialist. Orthopedic insoles are used to provide the correct support for an overburdened or diseased foot. They are intended to provide optimum support and relief and, if necessary, ensure correction of malpositions, differences in leg length or diseases of the foot. Orthopedic insoles are used to walk without discomfort.
Forms, types and styles
There are different forms, types and kinds of orthopedic insoles depending on the indication. Orthopedic insoles can be customized in cases of congenital deformities, deformities and defect conditions or amputations in the toe area or acquired during life. Orthopedic insoles compensate for various problems in the foot. They must be provided with appropriate equipment. In case of toe deformities, a foot deformity or amputations on the foot, purchased footbeds or orthopedic insoles are not indicated. Custom orthopedic insoles are also fitted for pain in the foot, after accidental trauma, inflammation in the joint or toe area, degenerative phenomena in the foot, circulatory disorders or foot syndromes such as diabetic or rheumatoid foot. To compensate for differences in leg length, for example after a fracture of the neck of the femur, orthopedic insoles must compensate for the resulting difference in height. Orthopedic insoles can be supplemented by shoe fittings that are adapted to the orthopedic insoles. The material for orthopedic insoles ranges from inflexible cast resin or metal to flexible and cushioning materials such as cork, leather or soft foams. Orthopedic insoles are divided into copy insoles, bedding insoles, hard shell insoles, pure heel cups, insoles with corrective jaws, shock absorbers, ball insoles according to Spitzy, 3-point insoles, orthopedic insoles for shortening compensation and orthopedic insoles with proprioceptive bedding according to Hilton.
Structure, function and mode of action
Orthopedic insoles also differ in structure and function, depending on whether they are intended to relieve or support, correct congenital or acquired deformities or pressure points, or stimulate circulation. A supportive transverse arch, typically indicated for a splayfoot, requires different orthopedic fittings than a supportive longitudinal arch for pronounced buckled flatfoot. A recessed longitudinal arch becomes necessary when a heel spur is present. Corrective orthopedic insoles are indicated, for example, as 3-point insoles for congenital sickle foot or club foot. Different leg lengths can be compensated for with heel raises and orthopedic insoles tailored to the foot. Proprioceptive beddings according to Hilton are custom-made. They have a stimulating effect in case of circulatory disorders or fatigue. In principle, orthopedic insoles consist of a sole-like construction, which is sensibly adapted to a specific shoe. This must have a replaceable footbed. Normal standard insoles consist of a bedding insert and are covered with different cover materials. Higher quality orthopedic insoles may have rigidus panels to treat hallux valgus.Diabetic insoles are special orthopedic insoles that work on the sandwich principle to combat the dangerous pressure points that make up the diabetic foot. Orthopedic insoles can also be equipped with toe bars, cushion pads, heel spur pads and the like.
Meidzinic and health benefits
The medical and health benefits of orthopedic insoles are primarily that the person can walk again without pain. Most people today have foot problems because our feet are actually made for walking barefoot. Instead, we squeeze them into ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too wide. Orthopedic insoles compensate for deformed toes, pressure points, foot malpositions or joint damage. A special case for orthopedic insoles is the diabetic foot. Diabetics do not notice pressure points and constrictions. Healthy feet do not need orthopedic insoles, but diseased ones do.
