We’ve all heard a million claims about insoles, such as that massaging insoles can help to improve your circulation for diabetes. The options for custom orthotics can feel overwhelming. This is why Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic strives to let you know more about various insole types and how they can help you. We offer a report to you for free upon request, The Orthotics Guide, to get you started. Coupled with the expertise of our staff, this guide can help to make sure you get everything you need out of your new orthotics. In the meantime, here’s a brief summary of various orthotic insoles (supportive medical devices for your feet) which you may choose from to help you with your specific needs:
- Insoles for flat feet or arch support insoles: Removable soles worn within the shoe (between the toes and the instep is the “sole” of the foot) where the foot arch is lower than usual. The foot arch is measured by a doctor as being between the heel and the front metatarsal using two separate boards to measure. It is then measured again with an alteration and calculations are performed using an index. In short, if you think you have a flatter arch than you should, come see Dr. Abbott.
- Heel inserts: An insert, not an insole, put in the heel of the shoe rather than in the insole area.
- Gel insoles: Have the characteristics of semi-solid material. This allows for a motion, like massaging, to occur as the fluid goes into some motion with the movement of your foot, thus assisting with circulation.