Just like the foundation of a house, your feet are the foundation of your body and work in concert with bones, muscles and tendons to support your skeletal frame. When your feet are out of whack, it not only affects the alignment of your spine, it can cause a myriad of pains and injuries from plantar fasciitis and shin splints to overpronation and knee and ankle strain. Many people overlook the importance of foot care and suffer from chronic foot pain and other conditions. In fact, 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at one time or another in their lives. Furthermore, about 6% of U.S. population (19,860,259 million people) has foot injuries, bunions, flat feet or fallen arches each year (Foot Facts).

Insoles are one of the most popular, easiest and cost-effective remedies to foot pain. Insoles have proven over the years to ease many foot problems and to be a benefit to your overall foot health. Insoles can also improve the comfort of your everyday shoes, reduce the likelihood of suffering injuries while playing sports, and prevent the agonizing pain in the ball of your foot when wearing high heels. So, if you’re not wearing some kind of insole, custom or drop-in, you’re not reaping the benefits they provide. While insoles relieve many ailments, here are eight common pains they help alleviate.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and it affects about 10% of the U.S. population. (National Library of Medicine) This condition often causes heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of standing or walking. Planter fasciitis affects people with flat feet, high arches or those whose feet are mis-aligned. It’s most common for runners and people who are overweight and do not have the proper foot support.

Insoles can help relieve plantar fasciitis by providing arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia. By distributing pressure more evenly across the foot, insoles can help alleviate pain and improve comfort for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis.

2. Heel Pain

Heel pain can result from various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or overpronation. Insoles can help relieve heel pain by providing additional cushioning and support to the heel area. Insoles with heel cups or padding can help absorb shock and reduce pressure on the heel, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort. Additionally, insoles that provide arch support can help correct alignment issues that may contribute to heel pain, promoting better foot mechanics and reducing strain on the heel.

3. Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, particularly under the metatarsal heads. This condition can be exacerbated by high-impact activities or wearing improper footwear. Insoles can help relieve metatarsalgia by providing cushioning and support to the forefoot area. Insoles with metatarsal pads or cushioning under the ball of the foot can help redistribute pressure and reduce strain on the metatarsal heads, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot.

4. Arch Pain

Arch pain, also known as arch strain or plantar fascia strain, is a common complaint that can result from various factors such as overuse, flat feet, or high arches. Insoles can help relieve arch pain by providing support and alignment to the arch of the foot. Insoles with arch support can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve foot mechanics, thereby alleviating pain and promoting proper alignment of the foot. By providing additional cushioning and support to the arch area, insoles can help reduce discomfort and improve overall foot function.