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. 

For a list of different diagnoses