Orthopaedic insoles

Corrective shoe insoles, or orthopaedic insoles, are an excellent aid for reducing pain and improving function. Developmental or acquired anomalies of the foot and ankle cause both pain and impaired function. The anatomical structures of the foot are subject to considerable loads, both from body weight and from unsuitable footwear, or footwear we wear because of the demands of sport or work. Orthopaedic insoles prevent skin damage, reduce pain and correct anatomical structures, and they are needed in many diseases and conditions. Off-the-shelf shoes, work shoes and sports shoes often meet aesthetic needs, and partly the needs and specific demands of an occupation or sport, but neglect real needs. This is exactly what corrective/orthopaedic insoles are for: they help bridge the gap between needs and function. Before a corrective/orthopaedic insole is made, an examination by a specialist doctor, podoscopic analysis of the foot and gait, and impressions – both a plantogram and the shape of the foot in foam – are essential.

Podobaroscopic (foot pressure) analysis also allows a more detailed analysis of pressure and of how the foot, or its surface, responds to the demands placed on it. Analysing the wear or deformation of previous corrective/orthopaedic insoles and shoes allows even better correction, because long-term use shows us real needs and habits.