More and more of our contemporaries attach importance to leg health, including the prevention of ankle diseases. Orthopedic insoles (instep supports) are exactly the item that is designed to prevent the development of all sorts of pathologies. Thanks to such instep supports, an even distribution of the load on the feet occurs. This article will help you navigate when choosing orthopedic insoles to ensure the correct position of the feet.
Orthopedic insoles are:
Hard products are recommended for very fat people. They are made from steel and graphite with the addition of plasticizing agents. With the help of such instep supports, the load is evenly distributed over the entire foot and its arches are maintained in the correct position. In addition, rigid instep supports reduce pain in the legs, the cause of which lies in excessive and prolonged pressure on the ligaments.
The semi-rigid insoles significantly reduce the stress on the soft tissues of the feet. The material for their manufacture is mainly flexible plastic. When wearing shoes with such accessories, a person does not even notice how his feet hit the ground while walking. Semi-rigid instep supports are more suitable for people who experience discomfort as a result of stretching the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
The materials for the production of soft insoles are ordinary or porous rubber and various foam compounds. These insoles are designed to get rid of calluses and calluses that appear on the sole.
Prophylactic insoles are made of leather, cork or foam. With their help, the development of foot pathologies can be prevented. Preventive instep supports prevent both compression and weakening of the arches of the foot.
Children's orthopedic insoles are used mainly for the prevention of flat feet.
How to diagnose foot problems
Before buying a couple of the described products, you need to see an orthopedic doctor. A specialist, having examined the entire musculoskeletal system and assessing the condition of the feet, will give a number of valuable advice.
The type of orthopedic insoles required is determined using:
foot print (least accurate method);
plaster cast;
computer scanning (a person is placed on a special platform, after which the contours of his feet appear on the monitor, areas of which are painted in different shades depending on the strength of the impact).
The type and quality of the material is an important criterion
So, you consulted a doctor, got an imprint, cast or "picture" of the foot and now you know what kind of products you need. Do not forget about online stores, you can buy orthopedic insoles in the MED-order store , a large selection, low prices and only high-quality goods. But do not rush to get the first offered or the cheapest option! When choosing orthopedic insoles, one should take into account what they are made of, and what is the quality of this material. For the manufacture of the outer layer of instep supports, as a rule, cotton fabric, wool, leather or silicone are used. Their inner part is often made of foam latex. There are models equipped with a shock absorber in the heel area, gel inserts in the places of the greatest load on the foot and a retainer.
Orthopedic insoles made of genuine leather are considered the best. In the process of wearing, they quickly and accurately take the shape of the foot, maintaining such a state for a long time. In such products, both the backing and supporting elements of the foot are usually made from safe materials. The second position is occupied by silicone models. Since they have elasticity, they quickly adapt to the relief of the foot. But silicone insoles have a number of disadvantages: fragility, low degree of elasticity and heavy weight. This means that when walking for a long time in shoes with silicone insoles, the muscles of the legs will quickly fatigue.
If you are not worried about the ankle joint and you are purchasing products for the prevention of foot deformities, then you should know that you need to wear them “wisely”. The fact is that with constant wearing of instep supports, the legs cease to receive the necessary load, therefore, orthopedic insoles can be used no more than 3 hours a day.