When dealing with shin splints and other conditions of the feet and legs, you might wonder whether it is time to look into an insole to see if it is right for you. These insoles could provide additional shock absorption and foot padding to protect you from a wide range of bodily injuries, including shin splints.
However, not all insoles will be created equal, and the type that works well for one issue may not work well for another. If you wear an insole, you want to ensure that it is designed to help you handle shin splints and keep them down to a minimum.
Let’s take a look at some things you should consider when picking out the best insoles for shin splints.
What is a Shin Splint?
A shin splint will often happen when the bones and the muscles of the lower leg will pull and tug at the insertion point on the shin bone. Oftentimes in the process, this area will become inflamed and very painful.
The longer you allow the condition to go on, the more painful shin splints can become. It is most common for athletes to have this kind of pain in the shins because they will put a ton of stress on the shin bone, the connective tissues, and the muscles.
There are other names for shin splints, but they will still be from the same condition and will cause a good deal of pain and discomfort for the patient. There are a few different symptoms that you will notice when it comes to shin splints.
The most common symptom is pain in the lower leg. The pain will sometimes range from severe to mild and the shin bone can sometimes feel a bit tender to the touch. Some of the symptoms that you may notice include
- Pain that tends to get worse when you are being active
- Pain that is a dull ache or sometimes sharp
- The pain can start as more come-and-go discomfort with activity and can then get more persistent and steady, even when the activity is done
- The pain will often be noticed in the inner lower part of the leg or the front of the shin bone
This pain may start as something minor in the beginning but can grow to become a major issue if you are not careful. Without the proper support to the foot and ankle, it could get bad enough that it is hard to get up and move around.
Can Insoles Help with Shin Splints
It is possible to use insoles to help prevent different injuries, including shin splints, but you need to ensure that you choose the right insoles for your needs. This is one of the best options to choose for shin splints and provides some of the relief that you need when compared to surgery or some of the other issues that are out there.
There are a few things that you need to consider when it comes to picking out the right insoles to help out with your shin splints. Some of these include
Look for Proper Fit
You need to pick out an insole that will provide the proper fit. You need some good arch support, but this will only work if the insole fits the foot precisely.
You may need to try on a few different types of insoles or look into a custom orthotic, to ensure that it matches up with the contours of your feet. The best fit is going to focus on the arches.
You need to ensure that your arches are going to have some of the support that they need. Firm support is necessary for this area to keep the feet as safe as possible.
Firm Support Insoles
While the proper fit is going to be important here, you also want to look into the amount of support you will get out of the insole. You do not want to go with the soft insoles when you suffer from shin splints. While the softer insoles are going to help ache your soothing feet for a bit, this will not work for long-term help.
Cushioning Vs Firm Support
If you spend a lot of time walking around, running, or spending time on hard surfaces, you want to go with an insert that will provide you with some flexible and firm support. A cushion can be nice for some foot issues, but it will not provide enough of the support that your heel and arches need, which can make the shin splints so much worse.
Improved Biomechanics
You need to ensure that the insoles that you choose will have the right setup so that they can improve your biomechanics. A good option is to choose an insole that has a deep heel cup. This will help with the natural cushioning of the body so that it is all in alignment to help with some of the issues of the shin splints as well.
The deep heel cup is important here, so make sure that the insole you choose is deep enough to help. This will assist you in absorbing the shock of walking better, stabilize your foot, and can improve your balance at the same time.
Features of a Good Insole for Shin Splints
In addition to some of the things to consider above, there are a few other features that you should consider when picking out an insole for your shin splints. These features will help minimize your chances of aggravating the issue again and will help you to feel better at the same time. Some of the features that you want in your insole include
- Thickness: You need an insole with a good deal of thickness to it. This will help absorb some of the shocks when you walk around. You should go for one slightly thicker than you expect, preferably made of foam and not too heavy.
- Metatarsal separation: You need to pick out an insole that will lift the toes and can help separate the big toes a bit from the rest. This helps to take some of the force away from the ball of the foot, protecting it from pain and can prevent shin splints as well.
- Adaptive arch technology: Each person has a different type of foot. This adaptive technology is going to help the feet to function well, adapting the arch of the foot when you walk or run. You will be able to get the exact amount of arch support that you need, whether they are low or high arches.
- Shock absorption: Insoles with layers and synthetic padding will be good at absorbing shock. When you are running, you may notice that your feet will go through a lot of shocks because you have a ton of force when you contact the ground. Shock absorbers will help to minimize the force on your feet.
What are the Best Insoles for Shin Splints?
There are many great orthotics that you can choose to provide some protection to your feet as you are walking around and can help you prevent shin splints again in the future. You may need to check out a few different types to ensure they provide the support and comfort your feet need. Some of the best ones that you should consider getting include
- Superfeet Unisex Athletic Performance insoles
- Samurai Insoles Unisex Flat Feet Insoles
- New Balance Unisex Soft Comfort Insoles Foot Cushioning Insoles for Shin Splints
- Shock Doctor Unisex Lightweight Running Insoles
- Dr. Foot unisex Insoles for Sports, Anti-Shin Splint insoles for Athletes
- Shock Doctor Unisex Foot Protection Inserts
- URthotics Custom Orthotics
All of these have a lot of benefits that will help protect your feet from issues that will make your shin splints so much worse. You will need to try a few of them to see which is the best option to provide you with the support you need and give you some relief. It is best to check that they meet some of the requirements above before you pick one over the other for your feet.
Choosing the Best Insoles
A high-quality insole can make a big difference in the type of insole you choose for your feet. You want one that will provide support in all the right places, reducing the pain and making sure that your feet feel amazing.
You can purchase an insole over the counter, or you can work with our team to have a custom-made orthotic designed for the unique issues of your foot. When you give us a call or leave your information, we can help you determine the right treatment plan for your shin splints and can assist you in creating a custom orthotic to give you some relief!