Orthotic insoles – what are they and which conditions require them?

Orthotic insoles – what are they?

Orthotic insoles are specially made inserts worn inside shoes that provide support and correction along the plantar surface of the foot.

These biomechanical corrections affect the foot and the entire biomechanical chain that moves the body.

Orthotic insoles are particularly useful, or even essential, for the following musculoskeletal dysfunctions:

Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis often cause severe pain and changes to healthy walking patterns. Insoles can help maintain correct foot positioning and reduce pain.

Flat feet: When the foot’s arch flattens and no longer functions correctly, insoles are a classic, immediate requirement.

High arches: An excessively high arch shifts body weight towards the outside of the foot and often causes sprains.

Here, too, a custom orthotic insole is an appropriate solution with immediate results.

Heel spur: A heel spur is a particularly painful condition and, in most cases (70%), results from neglected flat feet.

Orthotic insoles, together with shockwave therapy and a treatment programme, will resolve the problem permanently.

Plantar fasciitis: Severe pain in the arch of the foot produces an extremely painful sensation, as if you are stepping on gravel.

The orthotic insole will support the foot’s arch, allow rapid healing and preventing re-injury.

Big toe callus or bunion: A bunion on the big toe (hallux valgus) is mainly caused by incorrect foot function and the transfer of additional weight onto the big toe. The insole will normalise the situation and prevent further enlargement of the bunion.

Knee pain or lower back pain: Incorrect foot positioning when standing or walking is an aggravating factor in problems such as lower back pain or knee pain. Orthotic insoles alone are sometimes enough to eliminate this pain.