Insoles

There are so many different names for insoles: foot insoles, shoe insoles, orthopedic insoles, or insoles. And then we come back with podotherapeutic insoles? That makes everything a bit confusing, also for us. In this blog we would like to explain how we see it and what exactly the differences are.

The insoles can be made, depending on the purpose. That is why they are called made-to-measure or bespoke insoles - in our philosophy, insoles are an aid, and the feet must be able to move independently as much as possible. Very often they are combined with various exercises or counseling in order to achieve the real goal. Namely, to run healthy (if possible, without insoles).

Observation

We can honestly say that like most people, we didn't really pay attention to our feet before we started our studies. But since then, we have learned what feet have to endure every day. You don't notice what we ask of our feet. They support us in daily activities such as running, exercising, or standing for long periods of time. We only take a closer look at them when there is pain in the foot. We are so used to standing and walking that we don't even think about it.

 Then it makes sense that our feet sometimes cause discomfort. Maybe you have the same thing yourself: tired feet quickly, heel pain, a numb feeling, or other problems. Often these symptoms simply go away on their own. If that doesn't happen, we're here for you.

“I really won't walk with that!"

To be able to go through everyday life more easily again, medical insoles often help. “I really won't walk with that!” Is the first reaction of our customers when insoles are prescribed. Many are afraid that the foot will become lazy because our muscles are used less while running. Of course, we understand this fear because it's a very logical reaction when someone is only familiar with bedding and supportive insoles that restrict freedom of movement, but luckily, there are other options.

Different types of Insoles

There are many different types of soles. Although the material, construction and shape vary depending on the shoe and the person, there is generally a good difference between the soles. There are corrective insoles, bedding insoles, supporting insoles, cushioning insoles (such as gel shoe insoles), insoles for immobilization, insoles to compensate for differences in leg lengths, insoles for children, sensomotoric or proprioceptive insoles, sports insoles, insoles for the diabetic foot, arch supports, foot beds and so on. Depending on the complaints and therapy goal, we will look together which insoles suit you best. We are sure to find the optimal solution!

In a next blog we will deal more with these different types of soles and explain them better. But to make it  a bit clearer for you now, we will explain three different variants to you in the following section.

Passive Insoles

These bedding or supportive insoles are only used in our philosophy in specific cases where there is actually no other solution. Often the reason is that the foot or muscle can no longer perform a certain movement itself. Or it is simply the aim to achieve more stability or to be able to distribute the pressure better, for example in the case of the diabetic foot. We only use this when really necessary. If it is possible to achieve the same goal with insoles with less support, we will always consider it first. If necessary, we can adjust the insoles at any time to give the foot even more or less support.

Sensomotoric insoles

 These insoles stimulate the muscles of the feet. These insoles are often made with solid material. Higher elements put pressure on the muscle attachment to stimulate the muscles. We recommend these insoles more often for children because the child's foot is easier to change when it is still growing. Children are very flexible, adapt easily and can learn a lot.

Corrective insoles

 Corrective insoles change axes and movements in the foot, and thus the entire body. In this way we can control the effect of muscles on bones or movements. One goal of these insoles is to reduce movement in the end limits. The foot can still move, only the problematic end movement is corrected so that there is no longer any overload. 

Whenever it’s possible, we don’t work with passive insoles that only support the foot, but with activating or corrective insoles that aim to activate your muscles and correct your foot. This should lead to a biomechanical, “correct” gait. Together with the exercises that are right for you, perhaps in collaboration with a physiotherapist. The most important thing for us is to ensure a symptom-free gait with only slight adjustments. So, in the future you may only have to wear the insoles rarely, or maybe not at all.

A bespoke podotherapeutic insole is a real therapy, so it is necessary to check the insoles. The first check-up usually takes place after 6 weeks. Check-ups are important because the insoles change the position of your feet and your posture. If you no longer need the corrections, we may be able to remove the insoles or reduce their use.

Difference between
orthopedic insoles and podotherapeutic insoles

The most significant difference is the education. An orthopedic technician has a very broad range of topics. Orthopedists create aids for people with limited ability to walk, stand or sit. They make prostheses, orthotics, insoles, and rehabilitation aids and provide information about their use.

In four years, a podiatrist learns everything about the moving body from the foot up. During the education a lot is taught about various clinical pictures / complaints in the body, as well as knee, hip and back problems. Problems that affect the foot are in the foreground. Podiatrists learn to diagnose and to see where complaints arise in the body. Even if the foot is perhaps not the cause of the problem, we can judge whether insoles are a good solution for you or whether you might have to go somewhere else, for example to a physiotherapist or osteopath.

When does it make sense to find out more about insoles? 

Many of us feel that our feet are getting tired. This feeling is often seen as “normal”, although there is usually a very simple solution. Insoles relieve our feet and offer the comfort they deserve.

If our feet get tired from standing or walking for a long time, this naturally has an effect on the entire body. This can also lead to complaints in the knees, hips or back caused by the feet. If you have been treating these complaints with a physiotherapist for a long time, advice about insoles cannot hurt. We can always look together to see if this is a suitable solution for you.

Insoles can also be a good solution for complaints caused by pressure related issues, such as increased calluses or corns. The insoles make it possible to better distribute the pressure from the feet and thus relieve or alleviate the symptoms. Especially with diabetic feet, it is important to avoid pressure points in order to prevent long-term problems. Advanced diabetic feet often have a reduced sensitivity, are unstable and the blood circulation can also be affected. 

If you have problems walking or discomfort in your feet, knees, hips or back, we can always look together to see if we can find a suitable solution for you.

To give you an idea, we've added a list of diagnoses and other indications for you at the very end of this blog. Do you recognize any of these points in yourself? Then of course you can contact us. Is your diagnosis not on our list? But does it have to do with the musculoskeletal system, i.e. with the foot, the knees, the hips or the back? Then please contact us anyway. There are so many different ailments and diagnoses that we have surely forgotten some!

But how do I know if insoles are right for me?

Maybe you already have some? Or have you already heard about it but don't know if you need some? There are many types of insoles, and we will do our best together to find the perfect solution for you. 

No foot is like the other. That is why it is so important for us to examine you properly. How else should we know which problem you have with your feet and legs and what causes your complaints? Just come over, and we'll have a look together.

Various diagnoses and indications

Indications

Flat foot, splayfoot, Hollow foot, X-legs, O-legs, hyperextension (overstretching of the knee), (over)pronation (excessive tilting inwards during walking), leg length discrepancy or intoeing (being pigeon-toed).

Feet or toes

Toe misalignment (z.B. Hallux Valgus), Tailor’s Bunion, claw toes or hammer toes Sesamoiditis, Mortons Neuralgia, metatarsalgia, capsulitis, Hallux Rigidus (rigid big toe), Morbus Köhler 2, Joplin's Neuroma, callus, corns, Morbus Köhler 1, or Morbus Ledderhose.

Heel pain, Morbus Sever, heel spur, plantar fasciitis or tendon plate inflammation, fat pad syndrome, Calcaneus or heel fracture, Haglund's deformity, Achilles tendinopathy, Achilles tendon bursitis, Inversion trauma of the ankle (sprained ankle), tarsal tunnel syndrome, sinus tarsi syndrome or gout. 

Knee or lower leg

Shin Splints, Osgood-Schlatter disease, Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), patellofemoral pain syndrome, collateral ligament injury, meniscus injury, anterior / posterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL / PCL), gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis),
Jumper’s Knee or Runner’s Knee.

Hip

Groin complaints, Hip bursitis (Trochanteric bursitis), hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), piriformis syndrome, Coxarthrosis (hip arthrosis or osteoarthritis), Pain in the buttocks or snapping hip syndrome (Coxa saltans).

Back

Hernia, sciatica (sciatic neuritis), back pain from tension, spondylolisthesis, spondylolycis, disc prolapse, slipped disc or herniated disc, osteoporosis, whiplash injury, scoliosis, Lumbar spinal stenosis (Spinalstenosis), Scheuermann's disease, Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis) oder Low back pain (Lumbago).

Others

Stress fracture, Arthrosis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetic foot, hypermobility, Instability, fibromyalgia, Inflammation or overload of the muscles.

For a list of different diagnoses