Your heel absorbs a lot of the shock you feel when making a step or when running. When your heels are in proper alignment, they can help you move through the day without any problems or risk of injury.
If you have a misalignment, there may be an injury to the heel or another problem, and the heel could get inflamed or otherwise hurt. Dealing with chronic pain in the heel can be a big problem. One of the best treatment options you can choose when it comes to shoe insoles is custom orthotics.
It is hard to walk well when the heel hurts and you may find that your mobility is limited. Finding the right solution for your heel when this happens is critical to get you back up and running again.
There are several treatment options that you can choose from, but which insole can provide you the pain relief that you are looking for, without making the situation worse? Insoles are often a great solution, helping to cushion the heel, keep it in alignment, and reduce the amount of heel pain that you feel regularly.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Heel Pain?
Before we start to look at options to help with heel pain, it is important to understand what is causing the pain in the first place. Finding the root cause and knowing why you may be experiencing issues with mobility and moving around due to the pain in your heel will make a difference and help you fix the problem.
There are many different things that can cause heel pain, with plantar fasciitis being one of the most common for the bottom of the heel and Achilles Tendinitis being the main cause for the back of the heel. Some of the other causes of pain in the heel can include
- Heel spur
- Haglund’s deformity
- Bursitis or joint inflammation
- Reactive arthritis
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Achilles tendon rupture.
All of these can cause some severe problems in the heel, which can translate to problems in other parts of the body if they are left without treatment.
If you start to notice the pain is more consistent and is making it harder to move often, it is time to discuss the problem with your doctor. They can discuss a treatment plan that will likely include some good insoles to provide relief.
What Features Should an Insole Have that Will Help Heel Pain?
There are a few different features you should look for when it comes to picking out a pair of insoles for your heel pain. Picking these features will provide the heel with some of the support you need, reducing the pressure and keeping you safe along the way. Some of the options include
- A deep heel cup: This will help keep the heel in place so that it will not be able to move around and you won’t have to worry about overpronation any longer.
- Gel or soft foam pad in the heel: This can provide additional cushion and protection to a heel bone that is already sensitive. This pad is similar to a trampoline in that it will disperse some of the shock forces that the heel may experience when you are walking and running.
- Firm plate: This should be found for the arch in the middle of the foot. And it can be found in the extension beyond, with cushions in the metatarsal heads and toes.
Many great insoles will include these features, including some of the options on our list below. Pick one that has all of them to ensure you can keep the foot protected and happy, rather than having all that pain.
Which Shoe Insoles Are the Best for Chronic Heel Pain?
There are a lot of great insoles you can choose from for your chronic heel pain. All of these options may provide you with some of the support you need to stay safe, but not all of them will include all the features you need to keep the heel protected and can give you the relief you need from heel pain.
Some of the best insoles you can choose for your chronic heel pain include
GAOAG Sports Insoles
This is an excellent option to choose when you need something that will absorb the shock and can work for many conditions like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, high arches, and flat feet.
They have a great foam in them that helps provide comfort. This one will keep you aligned while providing a breathable and soft insole each time.
PowerStep Arch Support Inserts
These are some of the best to choose for plantar fasciitis and other issues that cause pain in the heel. They have a great amount of arch support and the deep heel cradle will provide support and stability for those who need to run or walk on hard surfaces most of the day.
Walk Hero Comfort and Support Insoles
These are great for foot pain and provide good arch support for those with high and flat arches. The deep heel cup is meant to position the foot property and the EVA foam will provide some pain relief and shock absorption all in one.
Dr. Scholl’s WORK Massaging Gel Insole
This is a great one to provide some good cushioning to the balls of the feet. The gel technology will help provide some cushion to the whole feet, no matter how far you need to move through the day. The cooling vents keep your feet dry and cool.
Envelop Gel Insoles
These are lightweight and made to last. The silicone gel will help retain the shape of the sole without flattening while you use it.
It can absorb impact on the ground, reducing some of the stress on the body. And the heels and forefoot will enjoy some additional stability and support too.
Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles
These insoles can provide comfort to the feet that have to go through quite a bit during the day. It has a metatarsal dome that will help take some of the pressure off the ballpoint of the foot. And the modulation system will help counter over-pronation that can aggravate the feet, reducing stress on the heels.
Happy Step New Orthotic Memory Foam Insoles
These insoles will rely on memory foam to provide the cushioning and support you need. They can provide neutral arch support for those with low arches and some additional cushioning that will help out with some of the heel pain.
URthotics Custom Orthotics
This is the best option to choose to help your heel pain, or if you are experiencing pain in any other area of the foot. These insoles are custom-made from an impression of your foot so they are designed to counteract any pain felt in your feet.
These are made from EVA, Poron, and polypropylene. Offsets, such as heel lifts and metatarsal pads, are included in the price for maximum comfort.
Choosing the Best Options for Shoe Insoles To Help with Chronic Heel Pain
For those dealing with a lot of pain in their heels, it is a good idea to check out whether a pair of custom insoles is the right solution to help alleviate the pain and give the heels some of the relief they need.
Custom insoles can support the heel, get it back into alignment, and provide pain relief better than any generic insole on the market. When you are looking for an insole for your heel pain, you will find many great options to choose from, however, not every insole will be designed for your foot shape specifically.
Our team will work with you to provide an excellent solution for all your heel pain needs. We can answer your questions and ensure you have the tools and information to get rid of heel pain for good.