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Also known as ‘plantar orthoses’, orthopaedic insoles are custom-made by chiropodists to modify the posture of the foot. Their purpose? To relieve the patient from certain pathological conditions.
Everything you need to know about orthopaedic insoles
Worn on a daily basis by millions of people, orthopedic insoles are one of the most commonly prescribed orthoses (or orthotic devices). “Orthotic insoles are used to correct functional disorders of the foot, such as excessive forward or backward pressing,” explains David Boudet, president of the Fédération nationale des podologues. By correcting posture, the main goal of orthotic insoles is to relieve patients from the pain they suffer on a daily basis.
A variety of pathologies
“Plantar fasciitis (1) and heel spurs (2), two very painful inflammations, are among the most common conditions requiring orthopaedic foot orthoses,” explains Dr Erik Bernard, a general practitioner who teaches at the Nantes School of Medicine.
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They are also often prescribed to athletes, especially walkers and runners, who suffer from knee tendonitis, patellar syndrome or windshield wiper syndrome (3). They are also worn by patients with deformities or diabetic patients with deformed feet. “In children, they can be prescribed when they suffer from Sever’s disease. This is a pathology associated with growth, which causes severe pain in the heel area, usually around the age of 9 years. In these cases, we also advise reducing sports activity.”
Finally, it may be possible to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus or back pain by wearing orthotic insoles.
A diagnostic evaluation by a podiatrist is required, followed by customized insoles.
Before prescribing insoles, podiatrists must first provide each patient with a diagnostic podiatric evaluation, as well as a total postural assessment, to determine whether or not they are needed.
“We take measurements and fingerprints so we can custom-make insoles,” explains David Boudet. The podiatrist then selects the type of insoles and materials according to the pathology. This choice, which is crucial, is an integral part of the treatment,” explains David Boudet. Each chiropractor is required to have his own manufacturing workshop because he must be able to modify the insoles and make adjustments if necessary. The time required to obtain the insoles is generally one to two weeks after the appointment.
Wear the insoles regularly to get results
To have a real effect on patients, Dr Bernard and David Boudet agree on one key point: orthopaedic insoles must be worn! There is no point in wearing them only once a week,” Erik Bernard emphasizes. Moreover, when they make a real difference, patients don’t forget to wear them!
(1) Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a strip of fibrous tissue under the foot. It causes pain when walking and when waking up.
(2) Heel spur is a painful bony growth that forms on the heel bone.
(3) Wiper syndrome is external knee pain that occurs when running, cycling or climbing down stairs.
