With each new season, or about every three months, it’s a good idea to evaluate your footwear for wear and tear on the outside and inside as well. Since our feet transfer literally tons of force into our shoes on any given day, the stresses of walking or running can erode the inner footbed materials which you might not notice. For this reason it’s also beneficial to utilize an orthotic insert that can provide comfort and support across all your footwear. Similar to the shoe itself, it’s important to check the condition of your orthotic and swap in a new one for optimal performance.

 

Premium orthotics come in custom designs to meet your activity level and preference, which means you’re getting important arch support and cushioning—benefits that you will feel immediately with each step, enabling you to get around easier or perform better.

 

For those who are active and want to stay that way: Custom designed orthotics offer a solution.

 

 

Once you supplement your arch type (flat, medium, or high) with the added support of an orthotic insert, you are creating a more advanced foot bed and cushion for your foot to interact with the environment.

 

In addition, your foot benefits from the additional layer of reflexive material inside the orthotic which can be like adding more “bounce” to your step.

 

Normal shoes have very little arch support or cushioning for the simple reason that everyone’s feet are different and manufacturers want a wide audience. Therefore, almost all shoes have a flat, non-supportive footbed.

 

When you walk or run, pronation is the rolling in of the foot as it takes a step; overpronation is when the foot rolls too far in. Underpronation is when the foot rolls too far out. Orthotic insoles correct the alignment of your foot and cushions your foot from excessive pounding.

 

Firm support under the rear third of the arch, around the heel, is the way to limit pronation to a healthy level. Delivering this support in a way that is comfortable, long-lasting, and effective is what orthotic inserts provide.

 

It’s important to mention that there are lots of orthotics on the market and just like anything else most of the time you get what you pay for. Drugstore orthotics have their benefits: available just about on every corner and somewhat low priced, but if they only last a short time and lose their strength and structure the benefits diminish quickly, including your foot health too.

 

 

The best bet is to check into what your foot condition is and what suits your needs.

 

A particular size or style of orthotics is recommended for you based on your foot scan and the type of foot problem you are experiencing. They may help with heel pain, lower back pain, general foot discomfort, or for a specific sport.

 

Here are four key factors to consider when choosing orthotics:

 

1. 1. 1. Support for the Metatarsal Arch

      When you must be on your feet for extended periods of time, the balls of your feet are bound to ache. Good support for the secondary arch of the foot will prevent this problem.

       

   2. 2. Soft, Deep Heel Cup

      All insoles designed to help with plantar fasciitis should have a good, deep heel cup to provide effective shock absorption. A gel cushion at the bottom of the heel cup is also very helpful in absorbing shock and easing the pain of heel spurs.

       

   3. 3. Layers of Cushioning

      Good cushioning helps prevent foot fatigue when you must be on your feet for many hours and/or when you must walk or stand on hard surfaces. Extra cushioning also helps provide stability and alignment for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.

       

4. Firm Arch Support

Good support for the arch is key in preventing pain in the heel. Arch support designed to prevent or treat plantar fasciitis may feel too high initially, but it is important that the arch support make full, firm contact with the arch of the foot in order to provide relief of pressure on the heel.Proper heel support is of the utmost importance because a good, deep heel cup provides stability and keeps the bones of your feet aligned.

 

In summary, proper arch support combined with good heel support can help prevent a wide variety of problems including neuromas, bunions and plantar fasciitis. Also, ball-of-foot support cushions the metatarsals and helps prevent pain in the balls of your feet and your toes.

 

To learn more about orthotics, and other foot conditions, log on to foot.com or visit our previous Medical Webinar entitled Feet & Greet: Get to Know Your Soles. Check out this link.

 

 

 

 

This article is an excerpt from https://www.foot.com/orthotic-shoe-inserts-provide-extra-support-and-performance/

 

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