Individal orthopedic insoles are an integral part of  phsyiotherapy and treatment of disease. The use of insoles is indicated when pain and overuse of tendons, muscles or joints is the consequence of hindered foot biomechanics. By improving the way the foot moves, we can shorten the convalescence time and act on many problems which result from foot deformities, for example flat foot.  It is worth noting that the disturbances in foot function negatively effect the quality of gait and running stride, accelerating the development of degenerative changes not only in the foot itself, but also in the knee, hip and spine. The selection of insoles should always be preceeded by a podological exam (foot examination), taking into account the functional state of the foot and its effect on more proximal elements of the musculoskeletal system.

Exam elements:

  • Assessment of body segments relative to eachother
  • functional tests of the foot and lower limbs
  • manual examination – assessment of the mobility of individual foot segments
  • podoscopic examination – useful in assessing the arch of the foot and weight distribution on    the sole of the foot.

How do i prepare for the exam?

  • short pants
  • footwear for insoles – with removable factory insoles, laced or velcro fastening
  • imaging test results (X-ray, MRI, etc.)
  • Orthopedic conditions for which shoe insoles can be used:
  • longitudinal flat foot
  • hindfoot valgus
  • flat-valgus foot
  • transverse flat foot, metatarsalgia
  • forefoot pain
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • pathology of metatarsal sesamoids of the great toe
  • pes cavus
  • midfoot pain
  • heel pain
  • heel spurs (overloading of plantar fascia)
  • heel fat pad atrophy
  • ankle pain
  • multiple ankle sprains
  • shin splints

Functional diagnostics of foot defects and illnesses allows for optimal selection of insoles depending on the therapeutic goal desired.

Sports insoles, running insoles – why use them?

  • To improve biomechanics and to minimize overloading of the musculoskeletal system
  • to improve comfort of footwear, especially in sports involving a significant component of         pivoting foot movements (basketball, tennis, indoor soccer) – resulting in a decrease in shearing           forces between the foot and inside of the shoe.