When choosing the right type of insole for your feet, you are making an important proactive, preventive decision about your foot health. The great thing about insoles is that they can make virtually any shoe very comfortable and supportive, and their benefits extend far beyond the feet.
It’s easy to get confused with misinformation that is circulating on the internet, especially with retail entities trying to push their product while spreading falsehoods about competitors’ products. Let’s talk about some of the benefits and myths about insoles, and where you can go in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte for outstanding orthopedic foot care.
Benefits of Insoles for Your Shoes
With the right insole, you can enjoy the following:
- Maintaining neutral pronation of the feet (i.e., even distribution of pressure across your feet when you stand and walk, avoiding pressure points or rolling the foot inward or outward)
- Relieving foot and ankle pain due to bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendonitis, etc.
- Alleviating knee pain and lower back pain that arise from gait issues
- Providing maximum support for a specific activity, such as walking, running, cross-training, and even working long hours on your feet, by keeping the arches properly supported
- Improving sports performance by enhancing foot flexibility and propulsion, and facilitating proper gait and stride
- Preventing injury and the development of foot disorders, as insoles keep your feet in proper alignment while absorbing pressure and reducing foot strain
- Reducing the risk of falls by keeping you balanced
- Helping the shoes to last longer, as the right insoles will help reduce excessive wearing-down of footwear
- Facilitating proper posture
Myths About Insoles
There are many incorrect concepts about shoe insoles.
- Insoles are only for foot pain. False: While yes, insoles can relieve foot pain, they can also improve foot mechanics and help address pronation and posture issues.
- Insoles should be soft to be helpful. False: While super-soft insoles feel wonderful, they do not provide adequate support for heavier activities. Your foot doctor will give you more individualized insights about which insoles are best for your particular lifestyle.
- Insoles should feel comfortable right away. False: Insoles may have a breaking-in period as they slowly realign your feet into proper position. This is especially true of insoles that are customized to address the unique issues of the foot.
- Insoles are for athletic shoes only. False: Insoles can be custom-made for use in a variety of footwear, such as dress shoes and heels.
Foot and Ankle Care in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, FL
A foot and ankle specialist can recommend the right insole for you. If you are looking for comprehensive foot and ankle care with a personal touch, choose one of our highly skilled physicians at the Advanced Orthopedic Center. Dr. Steven Anthony is our board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, and in keeping your feet healthy.
Dr. Anthony listens attentively to each patient and typically exhausts all conservative treatment options before recommending surgery. Whatever your treatment, it is guaranteed to be tailored to your needs and preferences, which we highly respect.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anthony or with any of our excellent orthopedic physicians, call us today at (941) 629-6262 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online. We look forward to helping you get back in step!
