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What are the best insoles for running on concrete?

If you’re a runner, running a significant amount of miles on concrete is a fact of life. While softer surfaces — grass, synthetic tracks and even treadmills — have less impact on our feet, we don’t always have access to these more ideal surfaces. In contrast, most of us can step right outside of our door to a concrete sidewalk, trail or road that we can easily run on.  While the jury is still out on exactly how much running on concrete increases your risk of injury, because it is such a hard surface, concrete undoubtedly increases the stress and shock on your feet, ankles, knees, hips and even your back. One way to counteract these forces is with insoles....

Apr 10, 2020

How custom molded insoles help with foot pain

Studies have shown that a majority of the population suffers from some form of foot pain, with more than a third reporting pain that could be described as moderate to severe. Foot pain can have a number of causes and contributors, including biomechanical issues, poor posture, weak muscles, obesity and improper footwear. If you’re looking to find relief from chronic foot pain, taking a proactive approach is very important.  One of the best ways to take charge of your foot pain is with custom molded insoles. This is another term for custom foot orthotics, which are inserts that fit into the bed of your shoes and are designed to provide increased cushioning and support. Custom molded insoles offer several advantages...

Apr 09, 2020

The importance of medial arch support for flat feet

The medial arch, or medial longitudinal arch, is simply the term for one of the three major arches in the foot, with the other two being the lateral longitudinal arch and the transverse arch. Together, the three arches form a triangle across the bottom of the foot that provides critical support while allowing for the full range of foot movement we need every day.  Running along the length of the inside of each foot, the medial arch is probably what you think of when you hear someone talk about the arches of the feet. And if you’ve been diagnosed with flat feet, or low arches, then it is primarily because of a flat medial arch. Having flat feet is common,...

Apr 08, 2020

How do you know if you need arch support? Three signs to watch for

The arches are a natural structure in our feet that help provide support while enabling forward-and-back and side-to-side motion. While most people have medium arches, it is still quite common to have either high or low arches. In fact, it is estimated that 26% of the population is estimated to have low arches, with arches possibly being even more common.  However, just because you have high or low arches doesn’t mean it’s painful or problematic. Many people can have arch abnormalities and other issues affecting the feet without knowing it. However, for other people, a wide range of problems including pain, injury and limited mobility can be traced back to needing increased arch support.  Indicators that you may need arch...

Apr 07, 2020

How custom orthotics can help with hip alignment correction

Your hips play a key role in connecting the upper body to the lower body. If you think about the mechanics involved with something as simple as walking down the street, it’s easy to see how much work the hips do and how much goes into keeping them aligned and stable.  In many ways, hip stability and alignment starts in the feet. While the hips need to be strong and flexible themselves, when we move, different mechanical systems in the lower body can also affect each other. This means that if you take a step that involves excessive foot rotation, it can pull on the ankles, the knees and even up to the hips and back.  So although there is...

Apr 06, 2020

Four signs you have ankle alignment issues that need correction

Lower body alignment is a crucial part of proper biomechanics. Our musculoskeletal system represents a highly interconnected kinetic chain, with each movement you make pushing or pulling on the next part of the chain. The ankles are one of the most important parts of this chain, connecting the feet to the lower legs.  By allowing the feet to rotate, flex and extend, the ankles make all of our basic movements possible, while also bearing a tremendous load with each step. If the ankles become misaligned, however, it can transfer excessive amounts of this load up to the legs or down to the feet. No one has perfect alignment in any part of their body, including the ankles, but there are...

Apr 05, 2020

Three benefits of wearing custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis

The stabbing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis can be enough to make you want to stay in bed all day. Unfortunately, that’s not an option for any of us, and staying immobile is not good for this injury either. Although plantar fasciitis is an injury that typically heals with time, it can be a long and difficult process.  What’s more, if underlying mechanical issues aren’t addressed, there’s a good chance that the injury can redevelop even after it improves. This is where custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis can be a big help. To give you a better understanding of how the right pair of custom orthotic insoles can be key to overcoming this injury on a long-term basis, we’re...

Apr 04, 2020

How do insoles for lower back pain work?

Lower back pain is so common because of the immense pressure this part of the body withstands. In addition to holding up the torso, the lower back still has to be flexible enough to accomplish a range of movements, including bending and twisting. It’s no wonder that people so frequently develop muscle strains and spinal issues like bulging and herniated discs in the lower back.  While there are many ways to treat lower back pain, many people searching for relief are surprised to be recommended for orthotic insoles. While they’re not a cure, the right pair of insoles for lower back pain can help address some of the underlying contributors. To help you better understand this connection, we’ve created the...

Mar 10, 2020

Insoles for flat feet — four types of runners they can help

Running with flat feet, a common term for low arches, can be so antithetical that many people diagnosed with this condition are told to avoid it entirely. However, this isn’t always the best advice, since many flat-footed runners are able to run many miles per week with minimal problems. What is true of running with flat feet is that it is related to issues like overpronation that can increase the likelihood of developing a host of injuries that can affect the lower body.  This is where specially designed insoles for flat feet can help. By giving lower arches the support they need, orthotic insoles can help address overpronation and other mechanical issues. This can help runners of all types enjoy...

Mar 09, 2020
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