Orthotics for flat feet

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How to treat flat feet

Glazkov Yuri Konstantinovich Senior Medical Officer

Flat feet are a very common pathology in adults. He is responsible for 25 % of all podiatrist visits. Among all foot deformities, flat foot accounts for 80 % of cases. Without treatment, this condition progresses slowly but steadily. Over time, it causes severe pain, limits physical activity and leads to complications in the foot, spine and large joints of the lower limbs. Below you will learn whether flat feet in adults can be cured without surgery and when surgical treatment is necessary.

causes and symptoms

All children have flat feet at birth. As a rule, the longitudinal and transverse arches develop by the age of 5. In childhood, flat feet are considered normal. It does not need to be corrected with orthoses or orthopedic shoes.

In contrast, the foot is not necessarily flat in adulthood. However, at least 15 % of the adult population develop flat feet. This can be congenital or acquired. Congenital flat feet are very rare. It can be acquired:

Advantages of FormTotics orthopedic insoles

FormTotics insoles treat flat feet, relieve discomfort and pain and relieve the strain on problem muscles. They can also be used for other foot deformities.

• Variety: The right variant can be selected for patients of all ages (there are variants from 1 year old), taking into account the diagnosis, foot size, design preferences and type of footwear;
• Customized;
• 'full contact' with the foot;
• The foot adapts to the insole from the base cavity;
• filling the space between the insole and the sides of the shoe;
• comfort of use;
• complete stability of the foot;
• Disappearance of all symptoms within 2-3 weeks in 70-80 % of patients (increased risk of failure in valgus or varus deformities over 10 %);
• Possibility of multiple reconstructions if the shape of the foot changes after treatment.

The treatment process begins with the selection of the model and the size of the preform. The diagnosis, type of disease, severity and symptoms are taken into account.

The material is heated and becomes malleable within 10 minutes. However, the temperature does not rise above 40 degrees, so the patient does not suffer burns. He or she puts on the shoes with the inserted blank and sits on a chair. The doctor then performs hand manipulation. Finally, the patient is asked to walk around for a few minutes to allow the insole to take its final shape.

Indications for use

The FormTotix foot orthosis is used for.

• flat feet;
• corns, calluses on feet;
• Shortening of a limb (even if there are no symptoms, this problem can lead to herniated discs and pelvic misalignment in the future);
• abnormal posture and gait;
• foot fatigue causing pain and discomfort;
• clubfoot;
• X- or O-shaped foot deformities;
• plantar fasciitis;
• Tendinitis and vaginitis of the heel tendon;
• arthrosis in the leg;
• Ligament injuries and bone fractures;
• Post-traumatic changes to the foot, including deformities, stiffness, shortening of muscles and ligaments;
• abnormalities of the muscles and peripheral nerves of the foot;
• High occupational stress on the foot.

Why do you need insoles for flat feet?

The arch of the foot plays an important role in maintaining balance, cushioning and partially relieving the lower limbs from the constant stress of body weight. Changes in the height of the arch of the foot lead to pain and discomfort in the back and legs. This is because the foot gradually flattens and the ligaments weaken, putting strain on the joints and spine. If you have foot deformities, your doctor will prescribe insoles. Wearing insoles is necessary if the following symptoms occur:

• Increased fatigue of the feet;
• Tightness in the foot after long walks;
• changes in the length and width of the foot;
• swelling of the ankles;
• Shoe insoles on the inside of the shoe.

Children should be provided with insoles if clubfoot occurs and if pressure on the inside of the foot is noticed when walking. Orthotics help relieve lower limb fatigue, protect the spine from overload, keep the feet from blisters, and reduce skin sensitivity.

Selection and care of insoles

Each patient is individually adjusted by a doctor because the anatomy of the feet is different. The orthopedic surgeons take an impression and then make the shoe insoles. For mild deformities and first degree flat feet, it is sufficient to wear prophylactic insoles. These have special basins that support the arch and soles of the feet.

Sports insoles are recommended to prevent foot problems. They improve the support and spring function, increase endurance and reduce the risk of injury. They also distribute the load evenly and stabilize the ankle during training.

Soft insoles are intended to be worn prophylactically when the foot is not yet deformed. At the first sign of flat feet, a padded insole should be chosen. It is advisable to purchase shoes with insoles at the same time. The insole can be made from various materials, but natural leather is most often used. Such insoles relieve burning feet, neutralize unpleasant odors and absorb moisture. Pay attention to whether the leather contains pentachlorophenol. Then it will not cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions.

When it is cold, insulating insoles should be preferred. Such insoles are made from felt, wool or multifunctional fibers. In addition to leather soles, products made from high-tech materials are also often used. Many of them are odor neutralizing thanks to their activated carbon content.

A new generation of orthopedic products are shape memory insoles. These are made from polyurethane foam. These insoles relieve the pressure on the foot and adapt to its individual shape.

Doctors prescribe gel insoles for swollen feet and joint pain. They relieve the painful areas of the foot and reduce the strain on the musculoskeletal system. The main advantages of gel insoles include:

Where to buy orthopedic insoles.

You can find a large selection of orthopedic insoles in the catalog of the manufacturer Ayurveda Bel. Thanks to the detailed description of each model, each buyer can determine not only the correct shape of the insole, but also its size and examine its design features and components. Ayurveda Bel insoles are designed not only for therapeutic but also for preventative use.

Insoles for different types of flat feet – a win-win option that can reduce discomfort and pain due to foot deformities. The right choice depends not only on the size of the foot, but also on the form of the pathology. If you know the characteristics and type of the disease, it is easy to find the right insoles. Only high-quality insoles offer a preventive and therapeutic effect.

Structure and function of orthoses

Orthoses can consist of the following main components:

• Supinator – a supporting part located in the area of the longitudinal arch;
• the arch in the heel area;
• Pelota, or flat pad (metatarsal) in the area of the transverse arch;
• a raised area in the area of the instep;
• Wedges (inner and outer wedges for forefoot and rearfoot) used for corrective insoles.

The design of a particular model is always individual and depends on the respective foot deformity. Therefore, it is very important to consult a professional to help you choose the right insoles for your type of flat feet.

Orthopedic insoles support the foot in the correct anatomical position, have a cushioning function, prevent the progression of the disease and relieve the strain on the spine. They also optimize muscle tension in the foot, improve blood circulation, increase walking comfort and relieve pain.

Orthopedic insoles for longitudinal flat feet

In this form of flat foot, the longitudinal arch of the foot is flattened so that almost the entire surface of the foot comes into contact with the ground. The severity of this condition often depends on a person's weight. The higher the weight, the more severe the symptoms.

The main feature of orthopedic insoles is the presence of a high supinator. This element supports the longitudinal arch, which helps restore the correct biomechanics of the foot:

• The foot is relieved, blood circulation improves and the stability of the foot increases.
• Eliminates painful sensations.
• The formation and development of heel spurs is prevented.

Insoles should also have wedges to change the angle of the foot while walking.

An important feature of the products prescribed for longitudinal flatfoot is the height of the instep in the lying position. This value depends on the structure of the foot, the severity of the disease and the individuality of each person.

You should not buy deposits in a pharmacy that sells products with average parameters. It is best to let a professional select the properties of the insoles.

The best material for longitudinal inserts is high-temperature-resistant plastic. It effectively supports the arch of the foot and gives the heel good support. It is important that the insole is precisely tailored to the size of your shoe.

Purpose of orthopedic insoles

Flat feet can be treated at an early stage. Part of this treatment involves the use of special insoles. With the help of insoles for flat feet, you can change the shape of the foot and return it to its original state. The only condition that must be met is that these insoles must be worn constantly.

In addition, insoles are also irreplaceable in preventing flat feet. When buying shoes, many people experience a certain level of discomfort. This is because the factory insole doesn't quite perform the function it was intended to do. Each insole must maintain the correct shape of the foot. But all factory insoles are designed for the average needs of the population (and if we are talking about cheap shoes, the insoles are not designed for anything). We've now mentioned slipper inserts for everyday use, but this also applies to orthotics. These are manufactured by many companies today, but it is not always possible to mention the quality of such products.

The main purpose of orthopedic insoles for flat feet is to restore the correct shape of the foot. For this reason, these insoles must be individually adjusted. Only a doctor can help with this. He must first determine the degree of flat foot in the patient. To date, there are 3 degrees of flat feet, which are differentiated according to the degree of flat foot and the presence of pain in the patient. Often flat feet do not cause any discomfort, but sooner or later the negative effects become noticeable - if the musculoskeletal system is deformed, it is already too late to correct anything. Therefore, if flat feet are detected, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible and carefully follow the recommendations.

How are customized orthoses adjusted?

Of course, custom-fitted insoles to treat flat feet cost slightly more than factory-made insoles. However, their main advantage is that the insoles are custom-made for each individual. In addition, the shape of such insoles can be easily changed if abnormalities are detected during treatment. Factory orthoses, on the other hand, can hardly be changed or only changed to a very limited extent.

Orthoses should only be selected with the help of a doctor. In the case of valgus flatfoot, for example, orthopedic insoles must be designed in such a way that, in addition to treating the underlying disease, the bony protrusion is also eliminated. In addition, valgus flatfoot is often associated with pain during treatment. In general, conservative treatment in this case rarely leads to a complete cure of the disease. So if the patient really wants to heal, he or she has to put up with discomfort in the foot area for some time. The duration of the symptoms is usually around two weeks. The reason for the discomfort is that the foot is almost completely flat and requires changes. Since the changes are accompanied by a change in the position of the joints, the process cannot be painless.

When choosing insoles for longitudinal flat feet, the doctor must take into account that the foot is unlikely to be completely flat on one side (although it may be). Therefore, this factor must be taken into account when designing insoles. In the case of transverse flat feet, the insoles are made depending on the severity of the disease. It is easy to see that making custom insoles is a complex activity that requires a very careful approach. To facilitate the manufacturing process, the doctor takes an impression of the patient's foot. This impression can be created as a natural model of the foot or as a computer image. It may be that one of the factory models is chosen when selecting the insoles. In this case, a specific model is recommended to the patient and sent to the nearest pharmacy.

What is flat foot and how can it be detected early?

In childhood, when the musculoskeletal system is not yet fully developed, the development of foot deformities can be prevented or the development of flat feet can be slowed and stopped.

Parents should carefully monitor their child's gait and correct foot position.

Young children with flat feet often complain of tired feet and cannot walk for long periods of time. Your shoes wear out quickly. When walking, the toes are very wide apart or point inwards. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

After an examination, the doctor will recommend physiotherapy, exercise therapy and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, orthoses.

orthotics

An excellent remedy for the treatment and prevention of flat feet in children and adults.

It is important to determine the degree and type of foot deformity in order to make the right choice of insoles. Your orthopedist and trauma surgeon can help you with this. If the foot problem is related to flat feet, cushion and supinator insoles are required; if the deformity is related to a deviation from the correct alignment of the foot, a recessed heel area will help; Soft insoles are suitable for injured feet.

When choosing insoles to treat and prevent flat feet (both longitudinal and transverse), it is important to go beyond purchasing ordinary insoles with a foot pad. The weakened muscles and ligaments need to be trained. Ordinary insoles are not enough for this.

The insoles should be tailored to the size of the foot. Ideally, the insoles should be purchased before buying shoes. Most insoles are quite thick and can cover part of the shoe size, so the shoes have to be chosen a size larger. This is the only way your child will feel comfortable with the insoles.

Prophylactic insoles have minimal impact on the patient's foot. Prophylactic insoles are used to prevent and treat early-stage diseases. Therapeutic insoles have a strong effect on the foot and are used to treat advanced flat feet. When worn long-term, orthopedic insoles help train the foot muscles and stop the progression of the disease. In the second and third phases, the insoles relieve foot pain and increase endurance.

In our 5+ Medical Technology showroom you will find a large selection of sizes of orthopedic insoles. We have models for every stage, every season and for every stage of the disease.

Who needs them?

Our feet are having a hard time, but we don't feel it at the moment. During normal, steady walking they are loaded with 1.5 times the human body weight. They keep the body upright, allow movement in space and distribute the load evenly across all parts of the musculoskeletal system.

The anatomical shape of the feet determines the quality of their function. Even a slight deviation can affect posture and cause abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments and joints of the upper body, including the spine. Orthoses are intended to correct foot deformities and minimize the negative effects on the entire musculoskeletal system.

• Flat feet (transverse, longitudinal, combined)
• Valgus or varus foot deformities (in valgus the foot moves outwards, in varus it moves inwards).
• Valgus deformity of the big toe (toe bone)
• heel spur
• Different leg lengths leading to abnormal pelvic alignment
• diabetic foot
• varicose veins
• Conditions after injuries of the lower limbs
• clubfoot
• calluses, corns.

The insoles are suitable for both adults and children. Statistics show that 40% of children under 6 years of age have flat feet. This can be easily corrected with children's orthotics before the foot's growth is complete. In Moscow you can buy them in orthopedic salons, pharmacies and medical equipment stores. It is important that you take your child to see a podiatrist or orthopedist at least once a year, as flat feet are often not noticeable in children. However, the absence or weakening of the arch of the foot at a young age increases the load on the leg joints (hips, knees) and the spine. As a result, when the child grows up, he may develop spinal curvature, intervertebral fractures or osteoratosis.

How do they work?

Orthopedic insoles are designed to help correct foot deformities and keep the foot in an anatomically correct position.

• Heel shock absorber (shock absorption)
• Metatarsal pad (elevation in the medial part) to support the transverse arch of the foot.
• anatomically shaped spring cage
• Space between the toes to prevent the foot from slipping and to relieve pressure in overloaded areas.
• Lining of the inner longitudinal vault.

For each type of foot deformity, an insole with specific elements is selected. For example, in the case of a transverse flat foot, a pronounced metatarsal arch is essential, whereas in a longitudinal flat foot it may be minimal or non-existent.

Orthotics compensate for lost cushioning capacity and help distribute body weight correctly to the correct pressure points. They increase stability when walking and in static positions, reduce inward and outward stiffness of the foot and reduce the risk of injury. They eliminate discomfort, pain and increased fatigue when walking, as well as pain in other parts of the musculoskeletal system (knees, back, pelvis) caused by foot deformities.

The functions of orthotics include supporting, stimulating, correcting and relieving certain areas of the foot. They correct the muscular tension in the foot. Under their influence, muscles that were very tense are relaxed. And muscles that were not fully functional before are activated. When worn regularly, these products help improve blood circulation in the legs and overall well-being.

How orthoses helped me

I am satisfied with the quality of my orthoses, I have been wearing them for the second year now and my bones hurt less. However, the doctor said that in my case you have to wear them all year round and in all shoes - otherwise the problem can only be solved through surgery.

It is difficult for me to follow this recommendation, because in the summer I like to wear open shoes in which the insole cannot be fixed in any way. The size of the bones has remained the same, they probably won't shrink on their own, but it's good that they don't continue to grow.

I was told at the store that the insoles should be replaced if they lose their shape or become thin. My insoles are fine so far, probably because I have two pairs: one would wear out quicker.

Do not wash the insoles, but wipe them periodically with a damp cloth moistened with an antiseptic solution for skin or soap solution for textiles. After a year the smell was gone, although I admit I never wiped my shoe insoles. Actually, I don't have a problem with excessive sweating.

I really don't want to have surgery to remove the bones in my feet, so I plan to treat the problem conservatively for as long as possible.

Remember:

1. It's best to avoid tight, uncomfortable shoes, heeled boots, and pointed toes. This can lead to blisters, bunions, foot pain, and other problems.
2. If you suffer from frequent blisters, bunions in the big or little toe, or heel pain, it is time to see an orthopedic traumatologist.
3. Custom orthotics cannot remove bone or correct the shape of your foot. However, you can relieve the discomfort.
4. Typically, orthoses are a temporary solution. If you have to wear them constantly, you need another way to solve the problem.

Have you also had a medical condition that has affected your lifestyle or posture? Tell your story

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