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Healthy feet are the most important condition for the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system. According to statistics, more than ¾ of the world’s population suffer from flat feet, regularly feel discomfort in the spine and joints of the lower extremities. Orthopedic insoles (orthoses or arch support just the same reduce the load on the legs and help to find an easy gait).
Description and types of orthopedic insoles
Orthopedic orthoses are insoles that have a certain shape and are made from natural material. They are used to treat and prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system, feet and flat feet (transverse, longitudinal and other forms).
There are several types of insoles: medical, hygienic, insulating, magnetic, electrically insulating. Orthopedic orthoses are divided into two categories: standard and custom. Standard shoe linings are used to treat longitudinal flat feet, reduce the load on the foot, and prevent the occurrence of pathologies and anomalies. They are also worn by people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Individual orthopedic insoles are made to order (the stage of the disease and the anatomical features of the lower extremities of a person are taken into account). While wearing specially made instep supports, the patient should not feel pain and discomfort while walking.
When choosing a model of insoles, you need to pay attention to several important factors: a person’s body weight, features of deviations and pathological changes in the foot, the condition of the spine and other important parameters.
Functions and indications for the use of orthopedic insoles
Orthoses perform many functions, the main ones being protection against fungi and bacteria, reducing chronic fatigue (observed due to a decrease in the load on the muscles of the lower leg and tendons), reducing the load on the spine and ankle joints, and forming the correct arch of the foot while walking.
Physiological and medical indications for the use of orthoses include: deformity of the feet; pain during movement; fatigue and pain when carrying a child; large body weight; phlebeurysm; swelling of the lower extremities; arthrosis; all forms of flat feet. With a valgus installation of the feet and a long stay on the legs throughout the day, it is advisable to wear an orthopedic structure.
Causes of curvature of the foot
The lower limbs are by nature quite well constructed. This is evidenced by the shape of the foot, which allows you to evenly distribute the load. Nevertheless, according to statistics, 40-60% of the population has diseases and deformities of the foot. These diseases include:
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- flat feet;
- heel spurs;
- violation of the plantar aponeurosis and Achilles tendon.
Foot deformity can be triggered by a lack of insulin, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Causes of curvature of the foot are age-related changes, osteoporosis, calcium deficiency, overload and improper load on the lower extremities. Therapy and preventive measures of foot diseases will not be effective if the work of the body is constantly improperly distributed to the legs. To reduce the load, doctors recommend wearing arch supports made of orthopedic material.
Orthopedic orthoses for children
Most parents think that orthopedic structures for children are necessary when the baby has problems with their legs, but this is not so. Orthoses are necessary so that they do not develop foot defects, clubfoot and flat feet. Most often, insoles for babies do not fit the entire length of the foot, but ¾ of its part. Experts attribute this to the fact that curvature and pathological changes most often affect the heel.
The main task of this design is the correct formation of the instep of the foot. Such a device will allow the lower limbs not to lean towards the inner edge of the foot.
High-quality insoles are made for each person according to individual measurements, so that the insole takes the natural shape of the foot. Good insoles should be lightweight, durable enough, and fit any type of shoe. Before using a particular brand of orthoses, it is advisable to get the advice of your doctor.
Proper placement of an orthopedic arch support
Before buying an arch support, you need to make sure that the correct choice of shoes. When using the insole, the person must wear shoes one size larger. This is necessary so that there is no discomfort, discomfort, rubbing and pain. If there is an ordinary insole in shoes or boots, it must be removed and the orthopedic device should be carefully placed. With the correct installation of orthoses, it will be easy for a person to walk, stand and even run.
Caring for arch supporters is easy. Do not dry orthopedic orthoses on a battery, convector or other heat source, otherwise they will lose their shape and healing effect on the feet. While walking, you need to watch that the insoles do not bend, their surface does not deform, and it is advisable for children to insert orthoses into shoes with hard and closed backs.
Results of using insoles
As a result of wearing arch supports, an easy gait is formed, blood circulation in the legs improves, fatigue of the lower extremities decreases, pain in the spine disappears, the development of pathologies and anomalies of the musculoskeletal system is prevented, and the load on the hip, knee and ankle joints is minimized.
When using orthopedic insoles, there is an improvement in the functioning of organs and systems, the spring function of the arch of the foot. The positive effect of wearing orthoses is the correct interaction of the foot with the support.
Orthopedic insoles are structures that help people move without pain and discomfort. Thanks to such insoles, it is possible not only to cure many diseases of the feet, but also to use orthoses for the purpose of prevention. With the help of high-quality insoles, there is a chance to prevent the development of scoliosis, clubfoot, foot deformities, heel valgus, flat feet and other serious diseases.