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How the best insoles can help with runner's knee

Running is a great form of physical exercise, but it can put added stress on the joints — especially the knees. Knee pain is so commonly associated with running, that a complex of issues affecting muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding these joints are referred to as “runner’s knee.” Examples of conditions referred to as runners knee include patellofemoral malalignment and iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. There can be a number of underlying causes and contributors to runner’s knee, from being overweight or obese to genetics, but running form and biomechanics almost always play a role. Your entire musculoskeletal system is deeply interconnected to allow for smooth repetitive movement day after day and year after year. If something becomes unbalanced or misaligned,...

May 27, 2019

Three symptoms of high arches — and how orthotic shoe inserts can help

The feet are a highly complex system of bones, joints, muscles and connective tissue that all work together to make basic movement — standing, walking, running, jumping — possible. A fact that highlights the complexity of the human foot is that of the 206 bones in the human body, 52 of them, over 25%, are in the feet. The downside to this complexity is that it can be difficult to pinpoint the source if foot pain begins to develop. Conditions ranging from plantar fasciitis to stress fractures can cause foot pain, and sometimes the origin can be in the foot itself. For example, having high arches can alter the natural mechanics of the foot, leading to increased stiffness, soreness and...

May 26, 2019

When to consider custom shoe inserts for knee pain

Custom shoe orthotics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of solutions for knee pain, but there can be a connection. In our bodies, the musculoskeletal system is deeply interconnected and requires careful balance and alignment to function properly. For example, an underused muscle in the foot can become easily strained if someone begins spending more time on their feet or starts a new physical activity such as running. This in turn can lead someone to alter their stride while the seemingly minor injury heals. However, the change in stride can put increased pressure on other load-bearing parts of the lower body, particularly the hips and knees. This is how misalignment and soreness in...

May 25, 2019

Do you have to sacrifice quality for low-cost custom shoe inserts?

Foot pain and related issues can be severely disruptive to your quality of life, making it difficult to get through a day of work, play your favorite sport or generally stay active. People looking for relief will often first turn to ready-made orthotic insoles. These are the shoe inserts you can purchase over-the-counter at drug stores or sporting goods stores and are a popular first option due to their wide availability and relatively low cost. While they can be effective, especially if the quality is high, custom shoe inserts become a consideration for people looking for a better fit, more comfort, better support and increased durability. However, custom orthotics can be prohibitively expensivePrescription orthotics can cost anywhere from $500 to...

May 24, 2019

What are flat feet? Can custom shoe inserts help?

Flat feet is a term used for people who have low arches. When standing, a person with flat feet will generally make complete contact with the ground. People with normal to high arches will typically have some ground clearance between the heel and forefoot, creating the arch that gives this part of the foot its name. Also called collapsed arches, flat feet can have a range of causes — from developmental issues in adolescence to injury and age-related degeneration. While not a painful condition itself, having flat feet can throw off the natural mechanics off the feet, putting increased strain on the heels and forefeet. This in turn can lead to discomfort, especially during periods of standing, walking and running....

May 23, 2019

Do running shoes need insoles?

  Specialty running shoes are purpose-built to help runners go farther and faster while still staying comfortable and supported. The market for running shoes has exploded in recent years and there are now options for an extremely wide range of ability levels and foot mechanics. After investing in a pair of high-end running shoes that can involve having your stride and foot mechanics closely analyzed, some people still find themselves dealing with foot pain and other lower extremity pain. In this situation, many people begin to consider running shoe insoles for added support. However, it also makes sense to question whether a specially designed shoe needs an add-on device. Especially when they are so-often touted to support the same areas,...

May 22, 2019

Finding the best custom orthotic insoles

Custom orthotic insoles are a common solution to help people find increased comfort, support and pain relief from a wide range of foot problems. Issues like high or low arches, heel pain and misaligned foot mechanics can lead to chronic conditions, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. While some people are able to find relief with prefabricated orthotic insoles that can be bought at a store or ordered online, others require a more customized solution. However, due to the cost and time investment involved, it is very important that you find the best custom orthotic insoles for your needs if you decide to go this route. Three steps to finding the right custom orthotic insoles for you Custom orthotics provide...

May 21, 2019

How are custom shoe inserts made?

Our feet are responsible for carrying a tremendous load on a daily basis. Whether standing, walking or running, our feet have to execute precise movements while supporting and balancing the weight of our entire bodies. This is why the feet are prone to so many injuries and mechanical issues that can lead to foot pain and mobility problems. One solution that many people turn to are shoe inserts, including both prefabricated and custom-made options. While a prefabricated insert works great for many people, others require the exact fit and more durable construction of a custom orthotic insole. If you’re dealing with foot pain and wondering if a custom insert can offer you the relief you need for an active lifestyle,...

May 20, 2019

What is plantar fasciitis and can custom orthotic inserts help?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause debilitating foot pain that is commonly experienced as a stabbing sensation to the heel. This condition is common among athletes, particularly runners, although it can affect people of all ages and activity levels. This condition is named after the plantar fascia, which is a bundle of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. These tissue helps the feet absorb shock and carry out the full range of motion required for basic activities like standing, walking and running. The plantar fascia is often compared to a bowstring, and if it becomes overstretched, these tissue can become painfully inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis. How can custom orthotic inserts relieve plantar fasciitis pain?...

May 19, 2019
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