Podiatry has advanced so much in recent years that the use of uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasing orthopedic shoes has gone into the background and there are alternatives that help us to treat foot anomalies such as podiatric insoles. The insoles, as Dr. Martinez Oller, specialist in Podiatry, tells us, are a much more comfortable option, especially for children, allowing their natural development.
What pathologies can be prevented by the use of insoles?
Insoles can have different objectives, from treating postural alterations, better distributing the pressures that reach the foot, reducing the risk of injury or increasing sports performance.
They can prevent problems such as plantar fasciitis, by reducing the abnormal tensions of the sole of the foot; stop osteoarthritis of the ankle, knee or hip by balancing the forces absorbed by the cartilage; insertional injuries such as trochanteritis due to hip rotations and many others.
In short, any injury that could be derived from inefficient postures maintained over time.
When is its use necessary?
Since we stand up, our system has to manage forces, therefore, and could be considered a good time any activity that requires standing, but logically when we do sports, where the forces can become the resultant of multiplying by 3 our weight, is where its use could be considered more necessary. Likewise, work activities where it is necessary to stand would also be convenient, since many hours are accumulated in incorrect positions that can end in dysfunction.
Can insoles be used to correct all types of pathologies in children?
Insoles in childhood can help children to grow in the correct conditions and to have a more correct posture as adults. They can make them more agile, because in many cases they have too lax ligaments that make their muscles work excessively and favor abnormal fatigue. In some cases, they can even help to increase self-esteem by making it easier to perform any physical activity.
How do children’s insoles adapt to the growth of children’s feet?
It can be done in different ways, but in our clinic we do it taking advantage of the benefits offered by technology. 3D technology is used to take the mold, thus increasing precision. In addition, the thermo-adaptable material is also 3D printed, so that modifications can be made on the foot itself as the patient assimilates the correction along with the growth of the same. This system makes it possible to extend the life of the treatment up to about two years.
What special care should we take into account for children’s feet to grow healthy?
We recommend walking barefoot whenever possible, since the proprioceptive information we get from the feet is vital to have a mature balance.
We also recommend sports activities that do not abuse repetitive movements, walking, running and playing in irregular areas to promote muscle activity in as many groups as possible.
Use shoes that are flexible, well supported and with a consistent heel counter in order to help correct heel posture.
Is it possible to avoid the use of insoles?
There are cases in which it is unavoidable and in many other cases it is necessary to put into context what situations we may encounter where the forces, due to their repetition and intensity, could favor deformations or degeneration.
If the sport activity is null, the work activity is sedentary and the weight is healthy, its use would not be so necessary.