Have you ever asked yourself the question – Do I Need Shoe Inserts?
In this blog post and video, we’ll answer the 4 common questions about orthotic shoe inserts that we get asked here in the clinic at Midlands Physio.
You may be experiencing agonising knee, achilles, ankle or calf pain or back pain which keeps coming back without any apparent cause. The problem, surprisingly, might be caused by your feet!
Fortunately, there is a natural, drug-free pain relief solution that could be perfect for you – Orthotic shoe inserts.
You might have seen shoe inserts online, in your local supermarket, or at a shoe retailer, but you may be unsure whether they’re right for you.
In this 5-minute long video and blog post, we answer some of the commonly asked questions such as:
- What are orthotic shoe inserts?
- Who needs orthotic shoe inserts?
- What types of orthotic shoe inserts are available?
- Do I need orthotic shoe inserts?
1) What Are Orthotic Shoe Inserts?
Orthotic shoe inserts are a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position, and they can be used for a variety of reasons. By simply fitting into your shoes, they allow for more normalized weight distribution throughout your body, which can significantly reduce pain and discomfort while also helping to prevent injuries.
If your feet are currently in an incorrect position this can cause muscle imbalances and overuse of muscles such as the knee, hips or lower back muscles, which then take the responsibility of helping to properly align your body.
Using orthotic shoe inserts can provide numerous benefits, including being an easy-to-use and powerful tool for natural pain relief, as they address the root cause of pain and discomfort, helping you feel better and move more efficiently.
2) Who Needs Orthotic Shoe Inserts?
Many individuals have visited our clinics and benefited from our orthotic shoe inserts, including those who suffer from:
- Plantar Fasciitis or other foot conditions
- Heel pain
- Flat feet
- High foot arches
- Arthritis
- People who have suffered from previous injuries to their lower legs
- Jobs that involve lots of walking, or standing
- Patients with ankle, knee, hip, back or neck and shoulder pain (these could all be caused by foot imbalances)
If you have arthritis in your feet or notice that you walk with your feet turned out, our custom-made orthotic shoe inserts could be a powerful tool to help you address imbalances, ease muscle tightness, and provide pain relief.
3) What Types Of Orthotic Shoe Inserts Are Available?
Orthotic shoe inserts can be purchased “off the shelf” from various places such as your local supermarket, shoe retailer, or online, and these will be made in a handful of sizes.
The problem with such inserts is that they are generic and not customised to your specific foot structure, so they are unlikely to provide the correct support needed to fix imbalances and ease muscle pain.
In fact, buying off-the-shelf inserts may not help at all and could potentially make the condition worse. The alternative is to get custom-made orthotic shoe inserts, which we provide at Midlands Physio.
These orthotic shoe inserts are 100% custom-made and designed to fit your feet perfectly, ensuring that your foot position and weight distribution are correct. As a result, the muscles causing you pain are under less demand and become less overworked and tight.
And let’s answer the big question…
4) “Do I Need Shoe Inserts?”
One quick test which you can do at home is to squat down in front of a mirror with bare feet and observe how your body responds. If you notice that one, or both of your feet roll in, then this is an indication that you have issues with your foot, which is likely to have a knock-on effect on your ankles, knees, hip and lower back further up the body. It is also very likely that each foot will respond differently, and require different support.
Custom-made orthotic shoe inserts are recommended over generic, off-the-shelf inserts, as each foot may require different support.
To determine if your knee, back, or neck pain is caused by issues with your feet, the most effective way is to visit one of our clinics and undergo a gait scan that involves walking over a footplate to create a visual representation of how your weight is distributed through your foot. The scan uses the latest technology for the most accurate results.
During the scanning process, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort, and we can pinpoint any imbalances and provide you with a copy of the scan for your reference.
We are here to help if you are experiencing long-term aches and pains that are preventing you from enjoying activities like playing football with your grandchildren, taking your dogs for a walk, and enjoying your summer holidays without having to rely on painkillers, and if your tight muscles and stiff joints are making your everyday life a challenge.
Book a 30-minute Assessment
During the assessment, we will discuss your specific problems and determine the ideal approach to alleviate your pain quickly, naturally and without medication. If we conclude that your feet are a contributing factor, we may suggest orthotics.
Once we have completed the assessment and determined that orthotics are necessary, we will proceed with making the customised shoe inserts in our laboratory. Upon the arrival of your custom-made orthotics at our clinic, we will promptly contact you to schedule a 20-minute fitting session at a time that suits you best. In this fitting session, how to properly use and maintain your orthotics, as well as demonstrate how to interchange them between shoes. Additionally, we will also provide you with a complimentary care package.
Midlands Physio, operated by Physiotherapist John Pryce, proudly services the Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley, Stourbridge, Droitwich Spa, Cleobury Mortimer, Worcester and Bridgnorth and Telford communities.
Book online or call us on 01562 754 380 for more information.
Click here to obtain a free information pack about Orthotics.
