Heel pain is one of the most common complaints among women, and it’s likely that you’ve suffered from this complaint yourself at some point in your life. Heel pain can range from mild to severe, but it almost always causes inflammation in the bottom of your foot due to the pressure on your plantar fascia. In some cases, this inflammation can be so painful that it makes walking difficult. Luckily, there are many types of shoe inserts that can relieve heel pain and make walking easier. This article will discuss when to use them and how to pick the right ones for you.
There are many different types of foot pain and heel pain and there can be many reasons why you have this pain in your heel. The fact that you are reading this right now, tells me that you are looking for information about shoe inserts for heel pain whys and how’s. I don’t know if you have searched Google, Yahoo or Bing but I know that you didn’t find the shoe inserts for heel pain whys and how’s page that you were looking for, so I decided to create it for you!
The why behind plantar fasciitis
If you have not heard of plantar fasciitis, you are not alone. Plantar fasciitis is a common type of foot pain caused by tissue in the bottom of your foot being continuously irritated. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, runs along the sole of your foot from your heel to your toes. It attaches to the bones at these points by way of tough connective tissues called ligaments. Plantar fasciitis is a common problem as feet have no muscles to take over when ligaments are injured or weakened. The condition is often exacerbated by high-heeled shoes and standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces. As the weight is shifted forward with each step, it can put undue pressure on the arch of your foot that can cause inflammation and pain.
Maintaining good posture while standing will help reduce this stress on your feet. Resting them during breaks will also help alleviate some of the strain on them so they don’t get too tired out later in the day. Some people find relief through an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Other treatment options include custom orthotics that make shoe shopping more complicated but offer more support than traditional ones do.
Why use orthotics
It’s important to get a diagnosis of your plantar fasciitis so you can choose the right type of orthotic. However, the three most common types are shoe inserts, an insert that is placed inside your shoe; replacement insoles, which replace your factory insoles; and footbeds, which are designed to fit under the arch of your foot. Orthotics should be made of materials like silicon or latex, as these will provide support but still allow feet to breathe. Inserts should be used while wearing shoes and last up to six months. Replacement insoles should be used in place of original manufacturer’s insole and are good for one year. Footbeds are usually thicker than other types and can last up to two years or more before needing replaced.
How to choose your orthotic shoe insert
If you are feeling foot pain due to fallen arches, overpronation, or weak ankles then you might be a good candidate for orthotic shoe inserts. There are many types of orthotics available so it is important to choose the right one. Make sure you talk with your podiatrist about the best option that will suit your needs as well as your feet’s natural biomechanics. For example, if you have weak ankles then a custom made molded ortho might be ideal whereas if you need help correcting overpronation then a rigid strapping may be better suited. Podiatrists use patient data from x-rays and pressure mapping to determine what type of insert would work best. Your own evaluation of your symptoms can also play a part in determining which insert is best for you. A special machine called a pedobarograph may also be used to measure the impact force on each step. As always, consult with your podiatrist before making any decisions.
How to put your orthotic in your shoes
There are many different brands of shoe inserts, but one popular type is called Orthaheel. It provides relief from plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain that can make you want to skip your daily walk. If you have recently undergone any surgical procedure or injury affecting the foot or lower leg, consult with your doctor before starting an exercise routine such as walking. If you do not have an Orthotic provider near you, I recommend:
- Visit a podiatrist office or doctor’s office that has orthotics on site. (You will need to ask them to remove the insole of your shoes.
- Ask your local running store if they offer custom orthotics as well. They may be able to measure your feet and send the measurements to a company who will create an orthotic for you based on their findings.
Conclusion
With advancements in technology, many people have started walking barefoot more. The only drawback is that our feet are not designed to walk without shoes, but shoe inserts for heel pain will help make it more comfortable to do so. I hope that this blog has helped you answer some of your questions about shoe inserts for heel pain and has given you information on how they can help you. If not, feel free to send me a message or comment below so I can see what I can do to help! I also wanted to mention that if you are considering any orthotic devices, be sure to consult with your doctor first. They may advise against the use of orthotics due to existing injuries or other conditions.
Some potential side effects of using an orthotic device include increased strain on joints, reduced blood flow and circulation, and premature wear and tear on tendons and ligaments caused by repetitive stress injuries. With the above being said please be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any orthotic devices such as the shoe inserts for heel pain mentioned above.
