Shoe inserts are orthotic devices placed in the sole of the shoe to treat pain and other conditions. They can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. A podiatrist can evaluate if they are appropriate. They come in various forms and can be custom made. Patients should be careful and wear recommended shoes and see their doctor regularly.
The term “shoe inserts” refers to orthotic devices placed in the sole of the shoe. They are used to treat pain and a variety of other conditions caused by malformed feet, sports injuries, bad shoes, or poorly balanced walking. Shoe inserts are designed to cushion the foot and equalize pressure on the walking surface. They can be prescribed by a doctor and custom made or purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.
Any chronic foot pain is abnormal and can lead to leg, knee, and back problems if left untreated. A podiatrist can evaluate the patient’s feet and decide if orthotic inserts are appropriate. Symptoms a doctor might look into include bunions, flat feet, chronic heel or shin pain, and frequently sprained ankles. The doctor should look at the patient’s gait to see if the toes are pointed too far in or out, and may also check the inside of the patient’s shoes to see if unbalanced foot motion is indicated by uneven wear in the shoe.
Shoe inserts can absorb shock while walking or running, adjust to a malformed foot, or encourage a more balanced walk by supporting proper foot motion. They come in a variety of forms. Some shoe inserts are designed to cover the heel or ball of the foot only and can be used to absorb shock to those areas, to give extra support, or to make shoes fit better. Orthotic insoles cover the entire ball of the foot and give extra support to arches that are too flat or too high.
There are many different types of over the counter shoe inserts available, often with options of one or two sizes. Other orthotic insoles are prescribed by a doctor and custom made to the patient’s foot and condition. To do this, your doctor makes a plaster cast of your foot, then sends it to a lab with recommendations on the type of support the device should provide. From the first plaster cast another plaster impression of the sole of the foot is obtained. The orthotic device is then molded onto the plaster sole according to the doctor’s instructions.
A patient using prescription shoe inserts should be careful of their feet and wear only the types of shoes recommended by their doctor. He should see his doctor regularly to make sure the shoe inserts are working properly and adjust them if necessary. When purchasing new shoes, a patient should bring their own insoles to ensure that the shoes can accommodate them.
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