8 Common Pains Insoles Help Relieve
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.
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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.
5. Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common issue that can be caused by poor foot mechanics, overpronation, or misalignment of the lower body. Insoles can help relieve knee pain by correcting alignment issues and providing support to the feet and lower body. Insoles with features such as arch support, heel cups, and shock-absorbing materials can help improve foot mechanics, reduce strain on the knees, and alleviate pain and discomfort. By promoting proper alignment and reducing excessive pronation, insoles can help prevent knee pain and improve overall lower body function.
6. Ankle Pain: Reducing Overload on the Ankle Joint
Insoles can help redistribute pressure and reduce the overload on the ankle joint. By providing cushioning and support to the entire foot, insoles can help minimize the impact on the ankles, especially during activities that involve standing, walking, or running. This reduction in pressure can help alleviate ankle pain and discomfort, allowing for improved mobility and reduced strain on the affected joints.
7. Shin Splints
Shin splints, a common ailment among athletes and runners, result from overuse or improper biomechanics, causing intense pain along the shinbone. Insoles play a crucial role in alleviating shin splint discomfort by providing shock absorption, distributing pressure evenly, and supporting proper foot alignment. They cushion the impact of each stride, reducing strain on the shins and muscles. Additionally, insoles with arch support can correct overpronation or supination, addressing underlying issues contributing to shin splints. By enhancing foot stability and reducing excessive stress on the lower leg, insoles effectively mitigate shin splint pain, enabling individuals to pursue their activities with greater comfort and confidence.
8. Overpronation
Insoles are essential for addressing overpronation, a common biomechanical issue where the foot rolls excessively inward during movement. Specifically designed insoles provide crucial support by stabilizing the arch and correcting foot alignment. By offering firm support to the arch, insoles prevent the foot from collapsing excessively inward, thereby reducing strain on ligaments and muscles. Additionally, some insoles feature medial arch support and a reinforced heel cup to promote proper foot positioning. This correction of alignment not only mitigates overpronation but also enhances overall foot stability and reduces the risk of associated injuries, enabling individuals to move with greater comfort and efficiency.
Conclusion
Insoles are a valuable tool for relieving common foot and lower body pains by providing support, cushioning, and alignment to improve foot mechanics and reduce strain on the feet and lower body. By addressing issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, metatarsalgia, arch pain, knee and ankle pain, and shin splints, insoles can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall foot health.
While insoles don’t cure common foot problems and other injuries, they do help relieve some of the excruciating pain and distress associated with them. Insoles have a variety of uses for an array of problems, so whether you spend $300 – $400 for custom orthotics, or $50 – $150 on moldable do-it-yourself insoles, evidence proves that a small investment in insoles can provide comfort and support and pay off in the long run.
Consulting with a healthcare professional or pedorthist to determine the best type of insole for your specific needs will help you ensure you get the proper fit and function. With the right insoles, you can experience relief from common foot pains and improve your overall comfort and mobility and continue your active lifestyle.
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