There is a lot of marketing that goes along with a good pair of insoles. You have most likely seen some of these over-the-counter insoles listed online for you to choose from or you may have had your doctor talk about a pair of custom orthotics.
These can be good things to use to solve alignment issues and pain in the foot, but many people wonder, “Should I be wearing insoles?” The truth is, insoles can be great, but they may not be the solution that everyone will need for their feet.
So, how will you be able to choose whether insoles are a smart decision for you or a waste of money? Let’s take a look at some of the signs that you should look for to determine whether insoles are right for you.
When Should I Be Wearing Insoles?
There are a few situations where you should consider putting on an insole. Often an over-the-counter insole will be enough for your feet, but for some serious conditions, you may need to go with a custom orthotic to provide some of the relief that you need. Some of the situations where an insole can make sense for you include
Insoles Are Needed if You Stand for the Most of the Day
If you are on your feet most of the day, whether you walk around or just need to stand, then you may need to get a pair of insoles to alleviate some of the pain. It is recommended that insoles are used for anyone who has to be on their feet for five hours or more throughout the day for their job or other reasons
When you stand on your feet for a lot of hours during the day, it can end up causing a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is basically when you overuse the plantar fascia and cause it to become injured and inflamed. A good pair of insoles will help relieve some of the stress put onto the tendon, making your foot feel better.
Insoles Are a Necessity if Your Shoes Are Worn Out
Another sign that you will need to wear a pair of insoles is that your current pair of shoes are starting to look a little worn out. Take a closer look at some of the treads on the shoes.
If you notice that the tread on one side of the shoe is more worn out compared to the other, this is a sign that you have supination or pronation.
Pronation will occur when the foot starts to roll inward more than it should. Supination, on the other hand, is when the foot starts to roll outward more than it should. A good pair of insoles will be able to correct the alignment of the foot, helping to avoid some of the wear on the tread of the shoe and making it safer to walk.
If You Have Problems With Your Arch, Wear Insoles
When you have a problem with your arches, it is a good idea to consider whether a pair of insoles makes sense for you. This can be true whether you have high arches or low arches.
Keep in mind that you will need specific types of insoles based on whether you have high arches or low arches, so make sure to read up on them to pick the right one.
Why Should I Get Insoles if I Have Problems With My Arches?
For patients who have very low or very high arches, you may find that your shoes will not be able to provide enough support, especially if you go for an inexpensive pair.
A good insole will provide the right amount of arch support that your foot needs, making it more comfortable and preventing more pain and damage in the arches of the foot.
If You Have Chronic Foot Pain, Consider an Insole
It is normal to notice a little bit of pain on occasion in your foot. If you had a tough day and walked around quite a bit, are not feeling the best, or even started a new workout regimen, you may notice that your feet are sore and need some help.
In these cases, some ice and rest for the feet will often be enough for some relief. However, if you notice chronic pain in the feet that don’t seem to go away, then it is time to look at whether an insole is a solution for you.
What Does the Pain Entail?
It is easy to blame the source of your foot pain on something else, such as your uncomfortable shoes or wearing high heels for too long during the day. But this could be a sign of a serious foot condition.
For example, if you start to notice a good deal of heel or foot pain that seems to show up after sitting down for a while or in the morning, then you may have plantar fasciitis. A good pair of insoles can provide some relief to the foot and makes it easier for you to walk around without as much pain.
Wearing Insoles May Help Patients With Injuries
For patients who have suffered from an injury to the ankle, foot, leg, knee, or hip, it may be a good idea to look into an insole. These injuries could be affecting the amount of pressure that you put on the feet, making them feel pain, and can even limit your mobility as well.
Overall, injury can affect the way that you walk. A good pair of insoles can help solve this problem.
Discovering Custom Fit Insoles for Your Feet
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a pair of insoles for your feet. But if you would like to keep it as simple as possible, some of the top factors you need to consider when picking out an insole include
- The height of the arch and how much support you need
- The type of shoes you plan to wear with the insoles most of the time
- What solution are you hoping to get when you choose to use the insoles
- Do you want an over-the-counter insole or a custom orthotic?
Once you are able to answer all of these questions, it will be much easier for you to pick out a pair of insoles. You can look online or talk to your doctor to find a good pair that will provide your body with the relief that it needs.
Getting a Pair of Insoles to Wear
If you notice one or more of the signs above with your feet, then it is time for you to consider a pair of insoles for your feet. These insoles will provide you with a good amount of relief from pain and discomfort when you are walking around and can ensure that your feet will be as comfortable as possible.
For most patients, insoles are the perfect solution for their feet. Our team will be able to work with you to come up with a custom solution to help your feet be as comfortable and happy as possible.
Whether a pair of insoles are right for you or another treatment will help protect your feet and keep them strong for years to come, our team is on your side to help. Give us a call or leave your information to get started today!