What kind of shoes are orthopedic insoles suitable for? Options for choosing orthopedic insoles. Choosing orthopedic insoles for children

Sometimes, in order to reduce pain in the limbs and relieve stress on the spine when walking, it is not necessary to buy orthopedic shoes. In some cases, doctors recommend using orthopedic insoles for the feet.

Products made from natural and synthetic materials can be placed in regular summer shoes, demi-season or winter boots.

Orthopedic shoe insoles act as an effective preventive measure that helps prevent flat feet. To obtain the maximum healing effect, it is recommended to combine wearing shoes with inserts with a course of manual therapy and physical therapy.

Purpose of orthopedic insoles

Orthopedic insoles work as a preventive measure, performing the following beneficial functions:

Maintaining the arch of the foot.
Provides shock absorption when walking.
Reducing the impact load on the joints and spine.
Prevention of clubfoot, flat feet, calluses and corns.
Reducing fatigue, heaviness and pain after a long walk.

Which orthopedic insoles to choose?

The benefits of wearing orthopedic insoles are noticeable if you choose the right one. If the patient has serious diseases of the musculoskeletal system, he should first consult with an orthopedic doctor.

Our stores offer a wide selection of orthopedic insoles and half-insoles. You can purchase models for longitudinal and transverse flat feet of I-IV degrees. There is a wide range of inserts for closed winter and autumn, open summer, sports and dress shoes of different sizes.

In orthopedics, it is customary to classify preventive orthopedic insoles depending on the type of design. Frame models are distinguished by a rigid plastic base. They reliably support the foot. Frameless products are made of soft material.

Insoles can be designed to cover the entire length, half or two-thirds of the foot. Some products are used to reduce the load on the heel.

Depending on the type of shoes in which the insoles are inserted, they are divided into:

Universal models for everyday shoes.
Inserts for dress shoes with heels up to 4 cm. Half-insoles and insoles with a rigid frame are used.
Models for sports shoes. Invested in sneakers and sneakers. Makes shoes more convenient and comfortable. The heel shock absorber reduces stress when walking, jumping and running. Usually equipped with a wear-resistant coating and odor protection.

For severe foot deformities and joint damage, it is recommended to order custom-designed insoles. Specialized orthopedic inserts for people with severe forms of musculoskeletal diseases have a complex design.

Insoles should be selected taking pathology into account. For example, “cut-down” half-insoles are well suited for treating flat feet and reducing the load on the spine. Heel pads help to avoid pain from heel spurs and restore the foot after injuries and surgeries. Forefoot pads prevent chafing and deformation of the feet.

Depending on the impact, insoles are:

Orthopedic, allowing to stop deformation of the foot, transverse and longitudinal arches.
Therapeutic and prophylactic, repeating the natural anatomical shapes of the foot. Prevents flat feet and supports the feet in the correct position.
Antibacterial. Contains natural leather, activated carbon, silver ions. Helps get rid of signs of fungal diseases, sweating and unpleasant odor.
Massage, affecting certain points of the foot when walking. Helps normalize blood circulation and reduce swelling.

How to wear orthopedic insoles?

How to wear orthotics in winter

It is important to wear orthotics correctly. In the cold season, thick-textured inserts are used for boots, low shoes and boots. Special insoles can be coated with natural wool to provide a warming and shock-absorbing effect, strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the foot.

How to wear orthotics in summer

In summer, orthopedic insoles are worn with ballet flats, shoes, sneakers, sandals and sneakers. The inserts should fit the curve of the leg and follow the arch of the foot.

The product is inserted as deeply as possible into the toe part of the shoe. The heel should fit snugly against the heel.

How long can you wear orthopedic insoles?

The duration of use of the inserts depends on the condition of the foot and age. People who have reached adulthood and have a high tendency to develop foot pathologies can wear orthopedic insoles constantly.

You can get professional advice on choosing high-quality orthopedic inserts from experienced consultants at the ORTEKA store.

To correct deviations and minimize discomfort during movements, special shoe inserts are used - heel pads. They help to properly distribute the load on the foot, relieving it, and eliminate pain when walking.

The benefits of heel pads

Orthopedic heel pads for shoes are a cut-down insole that is inserted into the back of the shoe. Insoles are made from various materials and vary in thickness. With the help of such devices, you can reduce the impact load on your feet, increasing their shock-absorbing ability.

Heel pads are used both in cases of existing diseases and for prevention, especially in the presence of risk factors. The mechanism of the device is extremely simple, and consists of raising the heel to ensure the anatomically correct position of the foot.

When wearing shoes with heel pads, the movements of the hip and knee joints are facilitated, pain when walking is reduced, and the spine is relieved. In addition, blood circulation in the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg improves, and comfort is created when moving.

Orthopedic heel pads are available in different thicknesses - from 3 to 12 mm, and consist of several parts:

closer to the rear edge there is a soft and elastic pad to create shock absorption and reduce the mechanical load on the foot;
Some products have a special cutout to prevent contact with the surface. In this case, the most painful place on the foot is in weight, and pain is not felt when walking;
There is an adhesive base on the bottom with which the heel pad is fixed in the shoe, preventing slipping.

Indications for the use of heel pads are:

heel and ankle injuries;
heel spur;
flat feet;
different lengths of the lower limbs;
hip dysplasia;
osteochondrosis;
deforming arthrosis;
complicated pregnancy.

According to their purpose, products are divided into shock-absorbing and corrective. Shock-absorbing inserts are used for heel spurs, as the springy pad in the center massages the foot and reduces the pressure of its own weight on the heel. Such inserts are also recommended for arthritis, arthrosis of the ankle joint, as well as for heel pain.

Corrective heel pads are prescribed to correct different leg lengths with functional curvature of the pelvis. This pathology is characterized by lower back pain radiating to the leg and an unsteady gait - wearing orthopedic devices in shoes helps to make the gait smooth and minimize discomfort.

Kinds

Just like orthotics, heel supports come in different sizes. However, the most important parameter is the material from which the product is made. Not only the cost, but also the efficiency of use and service life depend on its quality.

Based on the type of material, shoe inserts are divided into several types:

leather. The advantage of leather heel pads is durability, the disadvantage is their weak shock-absorbing property. Insoles with leather heel pads are recommended to be worn when the pelvis is distorted in order to correct the length of the legs;
gel. Soft and almost invisible, gel inserts are indispensable for wearing in open sandals. They are used mainly for preventive purposes, and for heel spurs at an early stage of its appearance;
silicone. The most popular and practical type of orthopedic inserts, maintenance-free and very durable. Silicone inserts have excellent shock-absorbing qualities, helping to cope with fatigue. Recommended for sports shoes and shoes with low heels;
cork The most reliable inserts are made from this material, which are effective for flat feet and prevent spinal diseases. Cork is a fairly rigid material, due to its structure it has good corrective properties. Cork heel pads are coated with a hypoallergenic composition to prevent skin irritation;
latex. Breathable latex inserts provide comfort to the leg, the foot does not get tired or sweat. The high shock-absorbing properties of this orthopedic device make it possible to successfully use latex heel pads for heel spurs.

The products of the Korean brand Comforma, which produces high-quality silicone products, are very popular. On sale you can find orthopedic inserts for every taste.

Selection rules and operating features

In order for an orthopedic device to bring the expected benefits, you must first consult with your doctor. Only a doctor can choose the design that is suitable for a specific defect or deformity. An orthopedic salon specialist will select the appropriate size. It is advisable to have with you a pair of shoes into which heel pads will be inserted - then you can try on the shoes together with the heel pad and evaluate the convenience.

You can buy heel pads at a pharmacy or online store, but it is preferable to do this in a special orthopedic salon.

It should be noted that heel inserts have undoubted advantages over insoles. They wear out less and last longer. To extend the service life of products, you must adhere to the following rules:

It is not recommended to wear heel inserts for more than 16 hours at a time, as the product may become deformed. In addition, it is harmful to the feet;
if there is damage to the skin - wounds, cuts or inflammation, wearing orthopedic inserts is strictly prohibited;
the adhesive retainer on the outside loses its properties over time, so it is necessary to periodically replace the adhesive film with a new one;
It is not recommended to transfer the product from one shoe to another, as this causes deformation. It is better to wear heel pads in the same model all the time.

Alternative orthopedic devices

Wearing orthopedic heel supports helps many patients, but in case of severe pathologies it is better to use insoles. In addition, products need to be changed regularly depending on the condition of the feet.

In the complex treatment of heel spurs, not only heel pads and insoles can be used, but also night braces and a Strasbourg sock. The development of spurs on the heel is greatly facilitated by the deposition of salts at the tendon attachment points. When the leg is at rest, salts accumulate especially intensively. Therefore, during sleep, the foot is fixed with braces at night to prevent the pathological process.

Plastic devices called night braces stretch the foot, locking it in the correct position, at an angle of 90°. Braces, or orthoses, are a special corset for a limb that has a positive therapeutic effect.

In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend a custom-made orthosis. Such products are manufactured in orthopedic workshops taking into account the anatomical parameters of the patient. The material and type of retainer are chosen by the customer according to financial capabilities and preferences.

Children's orthoses are manufactured taking into account the needs of the growing body and in accordance with future age-related changes.

Night braces are worn for 2-3 months to achieve the desired result. If there is no effect, other methods are used. For example, the Strasbourg sock is less massive and costs less. The principle of the sock is the same as that of braces - stretching the toes and relaxing the foot during a night's rest.

The Strasbourg sock is a golf sock with a braid, which is attached at one end to the bow, and the other to the top of the golf in front. Using Velcro, the desired length of the tape is set, and the fingers are raised.

The advantage of the Strasbourg sock is that it is easy to get used to and comfortable to wear. The method is successfully used not only in the complex treatment of heel spurs, but also for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

Various methods are used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and prevent them - medications, massage, warming patches, ultrasound and laser. However, it is when walking, step by step, that pathologies such as flat feet and heel spurs slowly and imperceptibly develop. To prevent their further development and prevent complications, orthopedists strongly recommend the use of orthopedic correctors.

Customer Reviews

The use of orthopedic heel supports causes a lot of feedback, most of which are positive. Here are some of them:

Evgenia Kretova, Voronezh:
As I got older, I began to notice that my legs got very tired in the evening. After walking or standing for a long time, the lower back begins to hurt and the whole back ache. I thought it was a problem with the veins, due to age, and didn’t dare go to the doctor. But after I accidentally injured my foot, I had to see a traumatologist. The injury was cured, and at the same time the cause of the pain in the back and legs was found out - flat feet, plus hallux valgus. The doctor recommended putting heel pads in my shoes. With a fair amount of mistrust, I purchased the products from an orthopedic store, and I don’t regret it. I hardly feel tired, and my back pain has gone away. I highly recommend it to anyone who doubts.

Victoria Kuznetsova, Murmansk:
I didn’t immediately realize that I had a heel spur. At first my heel hurt from time to time, but then it became simply impossible to walk. The orthopedist at the clinic diagnosed me immediately, prescribed treatment and sent me to a local orthopedic salon for heel pads. I don’t even know what helped more – medications or comfortable shoes with purchased inserts. Now I put heel pads in every shoe, and I am very grateful to the doctor. I can finally walk normally!

Alexander Ivanovich, Kamyshin:
Due to sports activities, there were several injuries to the heel bone, which have been constantly reminding me for many years. I’m already retired and haven’t run for a long time, but my heel still hurts. The doctor said something about plantar fasciitis, which runners get. Prescribed tablets and special pads for shoes. I must say, a very convenient thing! And you can buy it inexpensively - the Internet is full of offers. The main thing is to know which ones to take. The doctor said that in my case it is better to take latex ones. I also tried silicone ones and liked them too.

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Clubfoot in children: how to treat, correct signs and massage

Clubfoot refers to persistent changes affecting the area of the foot and ankle. The origin of this disease has not yet been fully studied, but it has been established that 50% fewer cases of clubfoot are registered among girls than among boys.

Possible causes of clubfoot in children
Classification
Symptoms and signs
Diagnosis of clubfoot
Congenital clubfoot in children
Acquired clubfoot
Conservative treatment methods
Surgical treatment
Massage for club feet in children
Prevention
Disability
How to choose orthopedic shoes for clubfoot?

Possible causes of clubfoot in children

Clubfoot in children is divided into two main groups: congenital and acquired. Depending on the group, the causes that provoke the development of the disease differ strikingly.

The causes of clubfoot must be established in order to understand the approach to treating diseases.

Classification

Clubfoot is classified based on how much the defect can be corrected using passive treatment techniques. There are four main forms:

easy – clubfoot can be eliminated without much effort due to the pliability of the components;
medium – the range of motion in the ankle joint is slightly limited, the doctor may feel a slight springy resistance when trying to make corrections;
severe – the range of movements is sharply limited, the possibility of manually correcting the pathology is completely absent;
extremely severe - the disease cannot be completely cured, it can only be slightly corrected.

In addition to the classification by degree, the Bohm classification is also used, which allows dividing the disease into 9 main groups, based on the nature of the pathology, the Zatsepinsky classification, dividing congenital clubfoot into two large groups, as well as the Ponsetti classification, dividing the pathology into five main groups depending on the success of treatment.

Basically, when making a diagnosis, the main classification by degree is used, but many orthopedists use additional classifications to better understand the origin of the pathology.

Symptoms and signs

The symptoms of clubfoot are usually quite obvious, so that even a person who has no medical knowledge can notice them. Thanks to this, even the child’s parents can notice the disease in the early stages and, naturally, consult a doctor in a timely manner.

The symptoms of clubfoot will be as follows:

the sole of the foot is located with a turn inward;
the inner edge of the foot will be slightly higher than the outer one (as the pathology progresses, the raising of the inner edge will be more and more obvious);
the foot will be bent in the sole area;
movements in the ankle joint will be significantly limited, which can be identified by assessing their active and passive volume;
changes in gait appear.

As the disease progresses, specific additional symptoms are added. For example, a child may experience engorgement of the skin of the foot on the outer side, which bears the maximum load, atrophy of the muscular structures of the ankle, and changes in mobility in the area of the knee joint.

Diagnosis of clubfoot

When diagnosing clubfoot, the doctor examines the child's feet. At the same time, attention is focused on several elements of clubfoot, the assessment of which allows us to fully establish the diagnosis:

varus is assessed, that is, the heel is turned inward;
eukinus, that is, an upward displacement of the heel structure along with the curvature of the foot and an increase in its arch;
supination - turning the inner edge of the foot upward;
adduction – bringing the forefoot area to the midline of the body.

The severity of these elements may vary.

Further diagnosis of pathology is not aimed at establishing a diagnosis, but at searching for the causes that provoked the disease. To diagnose the causes, the doctor can choose various methods at his discretion. The most commonly used are radiography and CT. If necessary, an ultrasound examination of the bones can be performed. Depending on the severity of clubfoot and concomitant pathologies, the doctor may recommend additional examinations by other specialists.

Congenital clubfoot in children

Congenital clubfoot is a fairly common defect that is diagnosed in 1 baby out of 1000. Most often, in the case of the congenital type of the disease, it can be suspected while the child is in the womb.

The causes of congenital clubfoot can be determined only in 20% of cases; in other cases, the disease is classified as idiopathic.

After the baby is born, the doctor may notice that his lower limbs look a little underdeveloped, and his lower leg muscles look disproportionately small and underdeveloped. Children suffering from clubfoot begin to walk later than their peers, and when the lesion develops on one side, they develop severe lameness.

With age and increased activity, the child begins to complain of rapid fatigue, as well as pain that develops in the legs during long walking.

Acquired clubfoot

The acquired type of clubfoot can be diagnosed much less frequently than congenital. At the same time, clubfoot often accompanies other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as scoliosis and flat feet.

This form of the disease can be encountered when the child is over three years of age. Clubfoot that develops in adolescence is rare, although the development of the foot occurs before the age of 14 and, naturally, before this age there is a significant risk of developing the disease.

Acquired clubfoot is characterized by a blurred clinical picture, which complicates the diagnostic process. The child’s parents are advised to pay attention to how the baby walks, as well as evaluate the position of his feet in order to notice the disease in time.

It is best to observe the child in the morning, and when the first doubts arise, go to an orthopedic doctor for advice.

Conservative treatment methods

Treatment of the disease is selected based on the severity of the disease and symptoms. It is important that the treatment is carried out by an orthopedic specialist who will not allow the child’s condition to worsen.

Conservative methods are successfully used in treatment in the early stages of the disease, helping to rid the child of clubfoot without surgical intervention. Conservative therapy is based on the following techniques:

massage techniques prescribed in long courses;
special gymnastic exercises that will have to be performed daily with the child;
the use of fixation devices such as plaster casts and splints, which will help mechanically correct the defect;
paraffin applications on the foot area;
the use of orthopedic equipment that allows you to give the foot the correct position, fixing it purely mechanically;
use of orthopedic shoes.

Surgical treatment

Surgeries for clubfoot in children are performed quite rarely. There are only two indications: either conservative treatment does not provide sufficient effect and does not correct the pathology, or the disease is so advanced that the use of conservative methods will not be effective.

During the operation, the surgeon performs plastic surgery, correcting the ligamentous and tendon apparatus of the damaged foot. It is important that the operation is considered appropriate only when the child is at least one year old. It is not carried out before this period, as it does not justify itself.

Massage for club feet in children

Massage is one of the main techniques used in the conservative treatment of clubfoot. It is important to remember that incorrect treatment of this type can only worsen the situation, so it is better to trust the procedure to professionals.

When doing a massage, it is important to determine which areas have increased tone in order to direct your impact on them. The child should not be allowed to experience discomfort during the procedure.

The following types of influences are used:

light finger pressure on certain points;
rubbing in a spiral direction;
stroking with a small amount of force;
light touches followed by rubbing the limb;
patting accompanied by stroking;
final stroking to soothe heated muscles.

Prevention

Prevention of clubfoot in children is based on two directions. If we talk about the congenital type of pathology, then it is important to promptly treat abnormalities that arise during a woman’s pregnancy. When preventing an acquired type of disease, it is necessary to monitor how the child walks in order to begin correcting deviations in a timely manner.

The following points can be included in prevention:

walking on a special mat with massage properties or large pebbles;
water procedures;
massage effect;
foot baths;
sports activities such as swimming, cycling, etc.

It is important to choose calcium-rich foods for your child to prevent calcium deficiency. Attention is also paid to the correct choice of shoes: shoes should always be 12 mm longer than the baby’s foot.

Disability

Clubfoot does not act as an absolute indication of disability. Especially when it comes to an acquired type of pathology.

With congenital clubfoot, a child may be given a disability if the disease is extremely severe. This means that the pathology cannot be corrected in any way.

The basis for recognizing a child as disabled is considered to be clubfoot, in which the child has not begun to walk by the age of 1.5 years. At an older age, the reason may be the child’s inability to care for himself due to clubfoot.

How to choose orthopedic shoes for clubfoot?

If a child is diagnosed with clubfoot, this means that he only needs to wear special shoes. Orthopedic shoes are sold in appropriate stores and have the following properties:

must have pronator insoles;
provides support for the ankle joint due to the high and rigid heel;
Provides correct fixation of the foot due to inserts and lacing.

Very young children should generally walk barefoot as much as possible while they are at home, using shoes of any type only for walks and trips to kindergarten. It is also important to remember that arch support insoles may not improve the patient’s condition, but only worsen clubfoot. Also, in orthopedic shoes, a complete absence of insoles is allowed, which is not considered a disadvantage.

The choice of shoes is best done under the supervision of a specialist. Orthopedic shoes should not only ensure the correct position of the foot, but also be comfortable for the child so that he can wear it without problems.

Children's clubfoot is a serious pathology of the musculoskeletal system, requiring careful attention from parents. With improper treatment or its absence, not only gait disturbances can develop, but also improper formation of the spinal column, which must be remembered.

Treatment of clubfoot is not a quick matter, requiring patience and perseverance, but it brings good results if dealt with promptly and fully. To be successful, you must carefully follow all the recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon and be patient.

Useful articles:

Orthopedic insoles (foot orthotics) are special shoe inserts that help support the arch of the foot and correct irregularities that appear as a result of flat feet. They are able to change the physical activity of the foot during the most important movements, that is, during slow walking, which is most in demand in everyday life.

What are orthopedic insoles used for, besides foot correction:

improve blood circulation in the feet;
reduce the load on the joints of the ankles, knees and hips;
reduce leg fatigue;
increase stability when standing and walking;
prevent the development of pathologies in the musculoskeletal system.

In order for orthopedic insoles to perform their functions, they must be correctly selected taking into account the specific foot deformities of each patient. Also, insoles can be selected or made specifically for sports or long standing.

There is also a special type of orthopedic insoles - a device for supporting the longitudinal arch of the foot, which is most often called an arch support; these are one of the first orthopedic insert structures that began to be used for foot correction at the beginning of the last century. The products were supposed to “supinate” the foot (hence their name), that is, to keep the arch from sagging. Currently, the instep support is used as a structural element of insoles, which prevents them from moving forward or backward, and also partially supports the inner arch of the foot from collapsing when standing.

Nowadays, the structure of all orthopedic insoles is approximately the same:

instep support in the area of the internal arch;
recess under the heel;
lifting in the roll of the foot zone;
metatarsal pad in the transverse arch;
wedges of various heights in combinations selected individually for each patient to correct the biomechanics of the foot and make it correct.

How to choose orthopedic insoles correctly

Only a qualified orthopedic doctor can choose the right insoles, who assesses the shape of flat feet, its degree, the elasticity of the arches of the feet, as well as the general condition of the musculoskeletal system. This method is suitable for children under 6 years of age and the elderly (soft, “gentle” options are selected for them). For adults with established and severe foot pathology, it is recommended not to select, but to order individual orthopedic insoles.

Insoles of varying rigidity are divided into:

Soft insoles made of genuine leather, which is considered the most natural material - during use, the insole finally takes the shape of the foot and retains it for a long time. Rigid elements to support the correct position of the foot and the backing are made of synthetic materials.

Rigid orthopedic insoles are made of special plastics, steel or graphite. They are recommended for patients with significant weight (more than 100 kg) or with pronounced persistent deformities. The insoles securely fix the parts of the foot in the desired position, performing their corrective function.

Semi-rigid insoles - made of flexible plastic, covered on top with porous materials, for example, microporous rubber, genuine leather, polyethylene foam. The main task of semi-rigid orthoses is to control the height of the arch of the foot at the moment when the load is placed on it.

Silicone insoles are the most flexible orthoses that easily mold to the curves of the foot. At the same time, they have several obvious disadvantages: low elasticity, low wear resistance and relatively large weight, which makes the leg muscles quickly tired during long walking.

Insoles for different types of shoes have their own characteristic features, which is reflected in their size and shape, as well as for various foot problems:

Orthotics for dress shoes are smaller than orthotics for everyday wear.
Insoles for sports shoes are designed for increased load and increased sweating.
For people with diabetic foot syndrome (a severe late complication of diabetes), the insole must have additional three-layer protection, since the skin of the feet in such patients has reduced sensitivity.
Special orthopedic insoles for heel spurs reduce the likelihood of soft tissue injury; for gout and arthritis, they reduce pain and discomfort when moving.

Stages of manufacturing individual orthopedic insoles

The insoles manufacturing process goes through several mandatory stages:

Diagnosis of pathologies of foot biomechanics using various methods:

The foot print is the easiest to perform, but the least accurate.
Plaster cast of the foot.
Computer imaging of the foot is the most modern, advanced and accurate method. During the examination, the patient stands on a special platform, which transmits digital data to a computer monitor, immediately forming an image with the structural features of the feet and their defects. Determination of defects is carried out according to the coloring of areas of the feet, depending on the force of their pressure on the platform.

Creation of an insole formulation based on the data obtained on the individual characteristics of the patient’s foot.
Making insoles.
Fitting.
Correction of the insole during use - changing the height of the wedges, the roll zone, the height of the metatarsal cushion.

How to use orthopedic insoles correctly

Before installing orthopedic structures in shoes, you need to remove your insoles from them. Orthoses should fit snugly to the sole of the shoe, they should not move; if necessary, they can be secured with adhesive tape.

When you first try on shoes with insoles, you need to actively walk or run to feel how correctly they are chosen. If unpleasant sensations or discomfort arise, the insoles need to be adjusted or changed.

Proper care of your insoles will ensure they have a long service life. To do this, you need to regularly wash them with special gentle products in warm water, and dry them in natural conditions, without exposure to high temperatures, otherwise they will become deformed and will no longer properly perform their supporting and corrective function.

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Reviews from our patients

Alexei

I am 40 years old. Pain in the lower back brought me to the Bobyr clinic. I endured it for a very long time, but then it became difficult to even walk, and I started to feel a shooting in my leg. On the day of my first visit to Mikhail Anatolyevich, I was so “twisted” that I couldn’t even move. As it turned out...

Flat feet, in which the arch of the foot drops and the foot becomes flat, is widespread in Armenia: although there are no official statistics yet, experts say that more than 85% of our people suffer from one form or another of flat feet. The correspondent talked with orthopedic mechanic Vigen Khachatryan about flat feet and whether it can be cured.

Why is flat feet dangerous?

Pain in the legs when walking for a long time is the least of the problems that can arise due to flat feet. In people without flat feet, the foot works as a shock absorber and dampens impulses from steps, preventing them from being transmitted to the spine; with flat feet, the impulses from steps are not absorbed by the arch of the foot due to its irregular structure and spread up the skeleton, creating unwanted loads on the spine, joints and base of the skull.

It is believed that the spine of people with flat feet wears out faster, the blood supply to the lower extremities may be disrupted, and the foot may become deformed.

What can you do about it?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment as such for flat feet yet. According to orthopedic mechanic Vigen Khachatryan, in childhood you can only prevent the occurrence and development of flat feet, or perform an operation that will bring the foot to the desired position. However, all this will not help adults - they can only correct the position of the foot with the help of special orthopedic insoles, which will help get rid of pain and regulate muscle tone when walking.

According to Vigen Khachatryan, the right insoles, made specifically for a specific person, relieve approximately 80% of pain with flat feet. However, it takes time to feel the effect of wearing insoles.

“The main problem with most people is that they are in too much of a hurry and want all the pain and problems to go away right away - after wearing insoles for a day. Unfortunately, this does not happen. The pain is decreasing gradually,” Vigen Khachatryan said in an interview with a NEWS.am Medicine correspondent.

He also noted that people with flat feet need to wear orthotics for life - for the same reason - flat feet cannot be cured.

Are there cases when nothing can help a patient with flat feet?

Armenians, according to Vigen Khachatryan, often turn to a doctor or orthopedist too late. Usually they endure until the problem begins to interfere with their daily life, and only then do they think that they can try to somehow sort out this problem. Sometimes it becomes very difficult for them to take even a few steps - only then do they turn to a specialist. Can insoles help even in such cases?

With the help of the right insoles, you can relieve the pain of any patient with flat feet, says Vigen Khachatryan. But, naturally, the sooner he turns to an orthopedist, the better he will be, because if the foot is always in the wrong position, flat feet will worsen over time, and the pain will intensify.

How often do you have to change your insoles?

People with flat feet have to wear orthopedic insoles all their lives, but, naturally, they need to be changed from time to time. How often do you have to change such insoles? According to the orthopedic mechanic, it all depends on the patient himself and how he wears these insoles.

“There are people who wear them for six months, and there are others who wear them for a year or longer. If you play football, they will naturally wear out faster. If you walk in them normally and don’t get them wet, you can wear them for quite a long time,” said Vigen Khachatryan.

By the way, orthopedic insoles are made in Armenia, however, as Vigen Khachatryan noted, they are made by specialists who studied abroad. At the same time, they use materials brought from Germany.

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