A heel spur is not an independent disease; it develops with aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), manifested by the formation of exostosis (bone growth) in the area of its attachment to the tubercle of the heel bone. This occurs due to constant irritation of the periosteum. Exostosis, popularly called a spur, causes trauma to soft tissues when resting on the heel. This leads to pain that gets worse when walking. As a result, the gait is disrupted and the patient’s performance decreases.
Scheme of heel spur formation
Typically, a heel spur is formed against the background of flat feet due to a violation of the redistribution of load on the arches of the foot, damage to the tendon of the plantar aponeurosis. Also, the formation of exostosis can occur against the background of joint disease, as a consequence of injury with a violation of the arches of the foot, in diabetes mellitus.
As a conservative treatment for heel spurs, special insoles and heel pads are prescribed.
Wearing products to correct problems with heel spurs has a number of advantages:
Insoles are placed inside shoes; during everyday wear, they help maintain the arches of the feet in a physiological position and correct disorders that occur with heel spurs.
Factory products can be “adjusted” to fit your foot
You can purchase ready-made inserts at a shoe store, pharmacy, orthopedic salon, or online. Still, it is better to order them individually in a specialized workshop after consulting a specialist, taking appropriate measurements, and preliminary making casts of the foot. Wearing such insoles will help to best correct the abnormalities in the structure of the foot that the patient has.
Their price varies depending on the material from which they are made. There are insoles made of silicone, felt, leatherette, leather, gel, cork, and other bases. If you are overweight, it is better to choose products made from a denser substance.
The size of the insert must correspond to the size of the foot; the shape depends on the severity of the pathology.
Design of orthopedic insoles
The insole supports the physiological arches of the foot due to the instep support located inside. In addition, shock-absorbing inserts are provided at the points of pain, which relieve problem areas of the foot and reduce pain.
There are regular and corrective insoles that relieve the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, eliminating the tension of the plantar aponeurosis and, thus, eliminating the cause of the formation of heel spurs.
Heel pads for heel spurs can be used in the initial stages of the disease. They are placed under the heel. These devices are made from the same materials as the insoles. They raise the heel bone, thereby reducing the load on it while walking, reduce the tension of the plantar fascia, and relieve the joints of the foot. Heel pads are somewhat cheaper than insoles and are significantly shorter. They are less comfortable because they are smaller in size than shoes and require additional fastening to ensure better retention. Otherwise, the heel pads may slide and change their position. Most often, the reverse side of such devices is adhesive, which allows them to be securely fixed.
Heel pads for heel spurs have different types:
The sides provide better fixation
Sometimes a notch, indentation, or cutout is made in the heel area. This reduces trauma to soft tissues from the bone spike on the heels when walking.
Insoles and heel pads have their own service life and periodically require replacement. Deformed, worn-out products do not have a therapeutic effect. Devices made from natural materials (cork, felt, leather) wear out faster. Silicone products are more durable. They can be used for several years with proper care. Silicone insoles and heel pads should be washed daily with warm soapy water and dried.
It is strictly forbidden to dry orthopedic insoles on a radiator. Because of this, they may lose their original shape and become deformed. These products should dry on their own, naturally. Products made from natural materials should be wiped periodically with a damp cloth.
At night, it is necessary to use special orthopedic shoes for heel spurs so that there is no pain in the morning. The fact is that at night the plantar fascia relaxes and shortens. In the morning, when performing active movements, when the fascia stretches and lengthens, its small fibers rupture, which leads to pain. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to maintain tension on the plantar aponeurosis. This is possible using the following devices.
Night orthoses on the left and Strasbourg sock on the right
Braces are orthoses made of plastic, fixed with Velcro. They prevent the plantar fascia from relaxing during night sleep by securing the foot in a certain position. To achieve a noticeable effect, you need to use the braces for at least 2-3 months. These devices are very bulky, inconvenient and make it difficult for patients to comply with the required treatment periods.
The Strasbourg sock has the same effect.
Homemade version of the Strasbourg sock
It is a cheap replacement for the previous method. Tension of the plantar aponeurosis is achieved through the raised position of the toe, carried out using Velcro running from the toes to the knee. You can make such a sock yourself at home. To do this, just take long knee socks, lower them, and create the necessary tension using Velcro, a strap or a belt. Wearing such a device does not create significant discomfort and is easily tolerated by patients. They feel slight discomfort only at the beginning of treatment. The softness of the sock and the absence of rigid fixation allows you to use it throughout the night. The simplicity and low cost of this method makes it most accessible to patients.
The treatment period with the Strasbourg sock is similar to that with brace therapy.
A heel spur is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia that results in a wedge-shaped spike on the tubercle of the heel bone. Pathological bone formation injures soft tissues when supporting the heel and causes intense pain. As a result, gait and the ability to move fully are impaired, and working capacity is reduced.
In the vast majority of cases, a heel spur develops against the background of flat feet due to disruption of the normal redistribution of load on the structures of the foot and damage to the tendons of the plantar aponeurosis.
Often, pathology occurs after injuries to the heel bone as a result of metabolic disorders and deterioration of blood flow in the lower extremities, and is also a consequence of chronic joint diseases. Orthopedic insoles for heel spurs are prescribed as a conservative treatment, in addition, they can be used to prevent the disease and repeated relapses of the pathological process.
Orthopedic insoles are special therapeutic and prophylactic devices that are inserts for everyday shoes with low heels. They act as a corset for the foot, maintaining its physiological position while walking. Insoles are made from natural and artificial materials: leather, felt, leatherette, silicone, gel. Devices can be purchased in shoe stores, pharmacies and the Internet. It is important to choose orthopedic insoles according to the size of the foot and its anatomical features, body weight, and severity of the disease. The most comfortable inserts are custom-made by an orthopedist in a specialized workshop.
Special shock-absorbing inserts inside the insoles help relieve the arch of the foot and dampen the shock wave when walking
The orthopedic insole exactly follows the shape of the foot. In the heel part there is an instep support that supports the heel bone in an elevated position. In the heel area, the insert has an insert made of soft shock-absorbing material, which reduces the pressure of the spur on soft tissues during walking and reduces the intensity of pain. In addition, the design of the insoles allows you to support the longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot, which promotes the healing of the plantar aponeurosis and improves shock absorption of the leg with flat feet of varying degrees of severity.
Orthopedic heel pads are a type of insoles that support the foot at the heel bone. The devices are made from balsa wood, genuine leather, silicone, medifoam (synthetic “breathable” material) and are sold in pharmacies and specialty stores, including on the Internet. There are several types of heel pads depending on the target orientation.
It is used for heel spurs, arthrosis of the joints of the lower extremities, after injuries to the heel bone. In the center of the device there is a rigid insert, which, when walking, promotes massage of the soft tissues of the heel and softens the marginal osteophyte. The heel pad improves shock absorption of the foot, reduces the impact load on the heel, joints of the lower extremities and spine. The product is produced in round and wedge-shaped shapes.
The device is made of medical silicone, has hard sides along the edges and a soft spring insert in the center of the product. Promotes the anatomically correct position of the foot in shoes and determines its physiological movement while walking. The shock-absorbing insert creates comfortable conditions for the heel, reduces pain when resting on the heel bone, improves local blood circulation and metabolic processes. Gel heel pad can be used for shoes with heels.
Heel pads with edges along the edges of the product reliably fix the foot in an anatomically correct position
Orthopedic insoles, like heel pads, are available in different sizes, depending on the length of the foot. To select the correct device, you need to measure your foot in centimeters. The insoles should fit snugly on the bottom of the shoes, and it is better to glue the heel pads in the heel area of the shoes using an adhesive retainer to prevent the product from slipping.
Wearing orthopedic devices is used for a number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and for the prevention of the development of diseases of the axial skeleton. If a heel spur occurs, especially against the background of flat feet, you cannot do without insoles or heel pads. The benefits of orthopedic products include:
What insoles and heel pads should be worn for heel spurs and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system can be advised by a specialist - a surgeon, orthopedist, or traumatologist.
Orthopedic products should be changed periodically, as over time the devices lose their shock-absorbing functions. Less wear-resistant insoles and heel pads made from natural materials such as balsa wood, felt or leather. Silicone products are more durable and, with proper care, can last for several years. In addition, such insoles or heel pads prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor when the feet sweat. Orthopedic devices should be washed regularly with warm water and soap and dried naturally.
Silicone heel pads with a soft insert in the center of the product can be used for high-heeled shoes
Doctors often recommend that patients suffering from heel spurs wear orthopedic devices. The use of insoles or heel supports for the treatment and prevention of the disease has received many positive reviews. Here are some of them.
Vasily Alexandrovich, 56 years old. I have been suffering from heel spurs for over 4 years. I underwent a course of therapy several times, prescribed pills and physical procedures. However, the disease returned again, and he had to walk with the help of a cane. The attending physician advised to wear orthopedic heel pads at all times. After another treatment and using shoe inserts, I felt good for several years, I moved freely and was able to return to work. I noticed that my legs were less tired and my spine in the lumbar region stopped hurting. I am pleased with the purchase and only regret that I did not use orthopedic heel supports earlier.
Orthopedic insoles are sometimes available in a universal size, which is adjusted to the parameters of the foot before using the product.
Olga Nikolaevna, 58 years old. Even as a child, I was diagnosed with level 1 flat feet. The disease did not bother me much during my life. After retirement, I began to notice periodic pain in my foot, especially when walking for a long time. Sometimes my heel hurt to such an extent that it felt as if it had been pierced by a nail. I went to the doctor, and after examination they discovered a bone growth on the heel bone. The doctor prescribed pills and wearing orthopedic insoles. After just a few days of treatment, I felt a significant improvement, and after 3 weeks I was able to walk freely without pain and discomfort in my legs. I wear insoles all the time, my feet have stopped swelling and I can easily endure physical activity that was previously beyond my strength.
Valentina, 43 years old. After a fracture of the calcaneus of the left foot, I began to notice pain when walking. Gradually the discomfort increased, and over time I could not even lean on my leg. A diagnosis of heel spur was made; treatment with medication did not bring significant relief. The doctor prescribed a course of shock wave therapy with constant wearing of silicone heel pads. I tried to make a device with my own hands from foam rubber, but such a product turned out to be unstable to wear and did not support the foot well when walking. The silicone heel support made it easier to move, improved the results of shock wave therapy and helped me return to everyday life without pain.
Orthopedic insoles and heel supports, when used regularly, help relieve the sore foot and reduce the damaging effect of heel spurs on the plantar fascia and soft tissues. Wearing the products normalizes local blood flow and prevents the appearance of pain in the heel bone area. It should be remembered that orthopedic inserts are additional devices in the treatment of the disease and should be used together with conservative and surgical methods of therapy. The use of insoles after the acute phase of the disease has subsided helps prevent relapses of the pathological process and reduces the impact load on the entire musculoskeletal system.
Incorrect foot position while walking is one of the main reasons for the development of heel spurs. Therefore, to correct the situation, it is necessary to correct the foot and give it a healthy shape. Therapeutic insoles for heel spurs play the role of an assistant that compensates for defects and relieves increased stress on the feet. The use of orthopedic accessories is relevant at any stage of development of this pathology. Even if heel fasciitis (spur) was discovered at the very beginning of its development or is characterized by an already advanced stage, it already makes sense to wear these small pads in shoes. Some people also use them as a preventive measure to protect themselves from flat feet and other foot pathologies.
Insoles for heel spurs are usually prescribed at later stages, when the deformity progresses and constantly increases. In the early stages, they make do with heel pads, which are placed only under the heel. Insoles are indispensable if heel fasciitis develops against the background of flat feet, which happens quite often. In this case, orthopedic pads help relieve the foot, relieve muscle tension, and give the leg the necessary shape. Insoles are used as part of complex treatment as a complement to other conservative methods. It is also necessary to take vitamins, physiotherapy, exercise and other doctor's recommendations. There is no point in using only insoles and counting on results - they alone will not save you from the problem.
An orthopedic insole for a heel spur works gradually - a person wears it all day long and does not notice the impact. However, the result can be assessed almost immediately:
Wearing insoles for heel spurs is very simple: they are inserted into regular shoes or boots with low heels. It is very important to choose the right shoes so that they themselves are comfortable. It should be a spacious pair that does not squeeze the foot and toes. The operating features of these accessories depend on the material. The best option is silicone or gel. They are durable, practical, and easy to maintain. They retain their shape for a long time and have excellent shock absorption. Ideally, these should be custom-made products in a special workshop. In this case, you will receive an insole that perfectly suits you, the effect of which you will notice in the very first days.
An orthopedic insole for heel spurs gives the foot the necessary shape. In this case, the heel takes a slightly elevated position, which helps in correcting flat feet. Small protrusions are also provided in the arches of the feet. The effectiveness of use depends on many factors:
Even if the result is noticeable and fairly quick, you will have to wear the shoe inserts for quite a long time. It is possible that for the rest of my life. Therefore, it is advisable to immediately buy high-quality products or order an individual version.
Many domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of orthopedic insoles. Among Russian brands, OrtoDoc is a popular company, which offers a wide range of products for correcting various leg deformities. The products of this brand are relatively inexpensive. Products from the Russian company Talus, which offers solutions for many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, are also effective. Including for the treatment of heel spurs. Children's insoles from this manufacturer are especially popular. Universal models are produced by the German company Vimanova. The main feature of its products is the ability to adapt to the characteristics of each person’s foot. Products from Pedag are also in demand. This manufacturer offers a wide range of rigid insoles. A good choice for heel fasciitis that has been playing against the background of flat feet. Igli products are suitable for active and athletic people - these insoles provide excellent shock absorption and reduce stress on the joints. Formthotics products made of plastic material are also great for sports.
The price of orthotics for heel spurs varies greatly depending on the materials and manufacturer. The most inexpensive are felt options, which will cost only 200-400 rubles. However, they wear out very quickly. It is possible that after a month of active use you will have to buy new ones. Silicone and gel models are more expensive, for which you will be asked from 1 to 3 thousand rubles. But their service life with proper care can reach 1.5-2 years. Individual insoles to order will cost from 3 to 10 thousand rubles, depending on the complexity of the order, the material and the person performing the work.
Poor foot alignment is one of the main factors contributing to the development of foot spurs, and in most cases, heel spurs are treated with orthotics that are successful in preventing it. Excellent results in this disease, especially in the initial stages of development, can be obtained using inexpensive heel pads.
If the disease is advanced, it is necessary to use insoles that fully support the entire foot.
Let's consider both options for how to cure a heel spur:
They can be bought in almost any decent shoe store or pharmacy, as well as in online stores. They are generally quite cheap and can be effective in treating heel spurs, especially in the early stages of plantar fasciitis. Such pads have helped many people get rid of spurs. For more serious cases, it is better to use insoles for heel spurs.
The heel support for heel spurs ensures the anatomically correct position of the heel in the shoe , and also helps reduce the load on the heel and joints during movements.
The main feature is that the heel support for a heel spur raises the heel and also helps the heel take the correct position in the shoe in terms of anatomical features. Raising the heel slightly reduces the tension in the plantar fascia and this may be enough to overcome spurs on the feet.
And the correct position leads to a reduction in the load on the heel and joints when moving.
Also, heel pads can provide shock absorption, either through the use of soft materials or through a good shape where the heel fits. The cushioning effect on the foot makes the heel pads quite comfortable for everyday wear.
Sometimes they have a small cutout under the heel to further relieve the area where the spur is located, but there is still no consensus on whether this helps or not.
In fact, if you look closely, you will see that many people use heel pads, and there is a good selection of such products in stores. This way, you can try different options and choose the one that suits you best.
Pay attention to the “age” of such heel pads. Cheap ones often lose their flexibility, losing the shock absorption effect.
Silicone heel pads are the most convenient to use: with proper care, they can last quite a long time. These heel pads should be washed daily with warm water and soap.
Orthopedic insoles for heel spurs are used to wear in regular shoes with low heels. For the foot they act as a corset.
Insoles provide the same effects as liners, but provide additional support for the entire foot and provide more cushioning because... orthopedic insoles for spurs have the lining of both longitudinal arches. Spur insoles are made from different materials: felt, silicone, gel, and their price and degree of comfort depend on this.
Like heel pads, heel pads can be purchased in many stores, specialized pharmacies, incl. and on the Internet. They tend to be a little more expensive than heel pads, but not too much.
Keep in mind that in this article we were talking about ready-made heel pads and heel spur insoles that are inserted into shoes for heel spurs. These are standard solutions and thus may not be equally suitable for everyone.
If satisfactory treatment with these devices is not observed, you should consult a doctor or order custom orthotics for heel spurs from an orthopedist.
We also advise you to find out how to treat spurs on the legs with medications and folk remedies
And if you are worried about corns on your feet, then here you will learn many different remedies for corns.
One of the causes of heel spurs or plantar fasciitis is the deposition of calcium salts where the tendon attaches to the bone. This mainly occurs at rest, especially the fascia contracts when relaxing during sleep. During the night, the fascia fuses with shortening, and in the morning, during the first steps, repeated micro-tears of the plantar fascia occur and morning pain occurs.
Thus, if you immobilize your foot at night in a position where the fascia is stretched, then in the morning the pain will be less. Using braces (night cuts) can help prevent this process. Night cuts pull the toes and keep the foot in an elevated position.
Braces are plastic devices that are worn on the legs. Using a Velcro fastener, they are secured to the leg so that the ankle is locked in a stationary position. The immobile position ensures that the fascia is continually stretched throughout the night. This prevents relaxation and therefore contraction of the fascia. In most cases, morning pain goes away when getting out of bed.
This drawing is a simplified version of night braces. Basically, night braces are large, almost like a ski boot. And this often makes them uncomfortable to wear at night and some patients do not survive the treatment.
Typically, to treat heel spurs, night cuts need to be worn for approximately 2-3 months before you really see real results. In rare cases, patients feel relief after just a few days, but you should be prepared to treat for weeks or even months. If no relief occurs at all within 2 months, you should stop using this method.
The success rate of night cuts in combating heel spurs is somewhere between 25% and 50%.
Watch a video about the correct use of night braces:
It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it, so you need to know about fungus between the toes in advance.
And to remove all doubts about the presence of a fungal disease, find out everything about its signs and clinic.
Using a Strasbourg sock can help prevent the fascia from contracting as you relax while you sleep. The sock slightly pulls on the toes and keeps the foot elevated.
Basically, the Strasbourg Sock is a large sock worn at night, with a strip of Velcro running from the knee to the toes. From the toes, part of the fastener extends to the knees and pulls on the toes. Typically, treatment with socks is quite long (usually 2-3 months).
The main advantages of the Strasbourg Sock are as follows:
Video on how to treat heel spurs with the Strasbourg Sock:
Some people feel some discomfort from pulled toes, sometimes even a little numbness. Getting rid of it will likely just take some getting used to, but if the feeling persists or becomes truly uncomfortable, you should stop treatment.
In some cases, the Strasbourg Sock cannot be used to treat heel spurs, for example:
Based on the fact that the principle of operation of the Strasbourg Sock and braces is now familiar to you, and if it is not possible to purchase them, you can make a similar device yourself and provide treatment for spurs at home. To do this, use a long knee socks, the toe of which is tied to a strap.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that orthopedic insoles and heel supports for heel spurs only help eliminate the symptoms, but do not cure the disease!
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Treatment of heel spurs, despite its apparent simplicity, is a rather complex process that requires the active involvement of the patients themselves in the process. After all, it is not so difficult to treat the symptoms of this disease as to then maintain remission for a long time. Patients require patience and willpower to prevent relapses. After all, in order to prevent the heel spur from appearing again, you need to unload the foot, which means you need to change your lifestyle - lose weight, give up high-heeled shoes, and so on.
Unloading the foot plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of heel spurs. It is achieved by wearing special devices - orthopedic insoles and orthopedic heel pads.
Orthopedic insoles for heel spurs are placed in low-heeled shoes. They serve as a kind of corset for the foot. Insoles are selected individually for each patient by his attending physician. When selecting, factors such as the person’s weight, anatomical features of the foot, and severity of the disease play an important role. They are made from various materials. It can be felt, silicone, gel and so on. Orthopedic insoles for supporting the foot in the heel area are soft and have a lining of the longitudinal arches of the foot. They spring the foot while walking and thereby cause the ligaments and muscles of the foot to work. And their work stimulates blood circulation in the foot.
Orthopedic insoles are sold in (specialized) pharmacies or can be purchased in online stores. You just need to measure your foot correctly and order the right insole size. Their prices vary. It depends on the material from which the insoles are made. On average, the price varies from 700 rubles to 1500 rubles.
In addition to insoles, there are other devices that support the foot - these are the so-called heel pads. They look like a regular insole, but with the top section cut off. They are made from gel, cork, artificial leather and many other materials. Heel pads for heel spurs allow the heel to be in the correct anatomical position and reduce the load on the foot and leg joints while walking. Modern heel pads are securely attached to shoes using an adhesive retainer with a protective coating (it prevents them from slipping).
Thus, heel spur insoles and heel pads have the following advantages:
The only disadvantage of these devices useful for heel spurs is their high cost and the need for frequent replacement. Therefore, you need to choose them correctly. For example, heel pads made of silicone are most convenient to use. They have an unlimited shelf life. If used correctly, they can last a very long time. This way, you won’t have to spend money on purchasing new heel pads.
How to properly care for them? First of all, you need to wash them every day with warm water and regular soap. They should be dried naturally (do not wipe). Silicone heel pads have another advantage that anyone will appreciate - they (with proper care) can prevent the appearance of unpleasant foot odor.
It is important to remember that orthopedic insoles and orthopedic heel supports do not have a therapeutic effect and are not able to rid a person of heel spurs. These useful devices can only relieve the sore foot and, thereby, reduce pain in it. Therefore, it is recommended to use insoles and heel supports in the complex treatment of heel spurs. They should be an important addition to any treatment method.
Orthopedic insoles are foot correctors for various diseases of the legs and joints. They are placed in shoes in order to support the foot in the correct position, depending on what kind of impairment there is. An orthopedic insole helps create a special frame that secures the sole.
Heel spur is one of the diseases in which the use of orthopedic insoles can partially relieve the stress on the heels. This will reduce pain in the heel.
Plantar fasciitis or heel spur is a disease in which aseptic inflammation of the plantar fascia occurs as a result of its microtears. Against the background of microtears, bone growths (osteophytes) can form.
The main symptom of the disease is pain in the heel, which intensifies with exercise. It is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.
To completely get rid of a heel spur, surgery is often required. And even in this case, no doctor will give the patient a guarantee that this unpleasant disease, which causes pain when walking, will not reappear.
When treating the disease, special attention should be paid to orthopedic insoles. They should be worn at the first symptoms at the beginning of treatment for heel spurs.
Orthopedic insoles are placed in shoes that:
They must be selected individually for each person, but not independently, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. Many factors will need to be taken into account:
The developmental features of the heel spur will also play an important role.
For example, if a spur on the heel appears as a result of flat feet, then orthopedic insoles will be required to correct not only the heel, but also the flat feet, depending on its direction - longitudinal or transverse.
Insoles, unlike heel pads, additionally support the entire foot and provide more complete shock absorption.
They come in different types and from different materials:
If you have a heel spur, you need to wear insoles that have a “cushion” in the heel area - a bulge. It helps lift the heel and give the foot a more comfortable position. The insoles also have a special insert that runs along the foot and has a shock-absorbing function.
You can buy them in pharmacies, in specialized orthopedic salons, or you can order them in an orthopedic workshop, taking into account the characteristics of your own foot. The pricing policy will depend on the cost of the material; the more expensive it is, the higher the price. Typically, the price of insoles ranges from 600 to 2000 rubles per piece.
For heel spurs, orthopedic heel supports are often prescribed. They help the foot take the correct anatomical position and transfer part of the load from the heel, which reduces pain when walking.
The heel pads are equipped with a special adhesive tape on the reverse side. It is this that helps secure the device inside the shoe. Thanks to the heel pads, the foot does not slip in the shoes, the heel is fixed in the correct position.
Heel pads elevate the heel, thereby reducing tension on the plantar fascia. As a result, microtraumas become much smaller and inflammation in the heel begins to subside.
Silicone heel pads are considered the most convenient to use. They serve as a soft shock absorber for the heel and, with proper care, last a long time. Silicone heel pads should be washed every day with warm water and soap.
If it is not possible to purchase insoles, you can make them yourself, but this is not the best option, especially when it comes to health.
Of course, it is best to order insoles from specialized orthopedic workshops, but if this is not possible, then at first hand-made insoles will do.
Instructions for making orthopedic insoles with your own hands.
Do-it-yourself heel inserts can initially help relieve tension from the foot and ease the load on the heels, but later you should definitely try to order or buy real professionally made insoles, because... they take into account all the anatomical features of the foot.
Your doctor should tell you how to choose the right insole to get rid of heel spurs. In order to get the desired effect during treatment, it is recommended to wear them even in the apartment, putting them in slippers with a back.
The modern rhythm of life often causes various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Wearing uncomfortable shoes, work associated with constant movement on the feet, stress, obesity - all this can trigger the occurrence of heel spurs (plantar/plantar fasciitis). There are many treatment methods for this formation, as well as preventative measures. To make life easier for the patient, the doctor may prescribe orthopedic insoles for heel spurs, or other means to correct the distribution of pressure on the sole of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis develops due to calcium metabolism disorders. A spur is a wedge-shaped growth of the heel bone, accompanied by an inflammatory process in the fascia, swelling, pain when walking and running. This formation can be caused by internal and external factors: diseases of the endocrine system, mechanical damage to the heel. Excess weight plays an important role in the development of heel spurs. The fascia takes on all the load when walking, and the degree of pressure on it depends on the person’s body weight.
The disease develops in 25% of people over 45 years of age, this is due to the fact that with age the elasticity and strength of the fascia decreases and any bone formations injure it, causing pain. Women are more susceptible to this disease due to the characteristics of the shoes they wear: the heel provokes the development of changes in the structure of the fascia.
One of the methods of conservative treatment is the use of various orthopedic products, which, in combination with other means, help get rid of discomfort and completely cure heel spurs over time.
Fixing the foot in the correct position and the massaging effect of insoles or heel pads installed in shoes with a heel spur improve blood circulation in the fascia, which is one of the main conditions for treatment. The main types of aids include:
What insoles are needed for heel spurs, what material they are made of, how effective they are - these are the most frequently asked questions of people with plantar fasciitis. These devices are made from natural materials, which provide not only a therapeutic effect, but also comfort, which is especially necessary for people with this disease. It can be leather, silicone, gel or felt. There are products made from balsa wood, but they are less effective, although they are the most budget-friendly. Silicone insoles for heel spurs are considered the most effective, due to their ability to follow the anatomical structure of the foot and provide maximum comfort when walking.
Based on their design, therapeutic insoles are divided into the following types:
You should choose insoles in specialized salons, where you can get advice from a competent orthopedist.
They must be worn continuously to achieve the desired result. These devices also act to treat heel spurs, by distributing the load on the foot and forming the correct angle of fixation of the heel, and to prevent the occurrence of fasciitis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Another advantage of using orthotic insoles is that wearing them significantly shortens the treatment period for spurs. The only disadvantages include the relatively high price, since not all people with an average income can afford to purchase them.
A night orthosis for plantar fasciitis can only be prescribed by an orthopedic doctor. When choosing such products independently, the possibility of worsening the disease and worsening symptoms cannot be ruled out. Braces are joint fixators for unloading them and correcting the position during sleep. They are designed in such a way that they give the foot a shape in which the fascia is stretched as much as possible. This means that during 6-8 hours of sleep there will be no shortening and subsequent micro-tears due to spurs when waking up in the morning and walking.
Previously, orthoses were made of metal, which significantly increased their weight. Modern products are made of plastic, and the fixing pads (belts or Velcro) are made of fabric. The main disadvantage of braces is the need for long-term use (for several months). Doctors usually prescribe them for advanced heel spurs.
Orthopedic heel supports for heel spurs are prescribed only in the initial stages of its development. They lift the heel a little and give it the correct shape, and also provide some support. In addition, they have shock-absorbing properties, which allows you to distribute pressure evenly throughout the sole and relieve pain.
According to reviews, insoles help much faster and more effectively, but due to the high cost, many people prefer to use heel inserts first. The choice of products is carried out based on the individual characteristics of a person - his weight and height indicators. You can buy ready-made heel pads at the pharmacy, but doctors advise making these devices to order.
A silicone heel pad for heel spurs is considered more durable and effective, rather than a helium one. The latter wear out faster and require careful maintenance. In addition to their main properties, the advantages include relatively low cost. But despite all the obvious advantages, the main disadvantage cannot be ignored - their effectiveness is very low.
This is a budget option for night orthoses. It is made of fabric and provides tension to the fascia, preventing the occurrence of tears in collagen fibers. In addition, it also acts as a preventative measure. However, heel spur braces or insoles help faster and more effectively.
Usually it is not prescribed by doctors, it is purchased on the patient’s own initiative and often not for treatment, but to prevent the development of spurs on the heels, or for the initial symptoms of the disease.
First of all, it is necessary to purchase orthopedic devices in specialized salons at hospitals or stores that have a positive reputation. Often, the orthopedist indicates the main parameters of the product in the prescription, but sometimes you have to make a choice yourself. Before you buy braces, heel supports or insoles for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, you should pay attention to the following points:
When using heel pads or insoles for heel spurs, it is important to remember the basic principles of caring for them to prolong their life. Over time, the surface of these devices may become dirty; clean it with a brush or mild soap solution. It is prohibited to machine wash them, wash them under running water, expose them to direct sunlight or dry them on heating appliances to avoid losing their basic functions.
Night orthoses should be washed in warm water without using aggressive chemicals; the use of natural fabrics is allowed to clean stubborn stains. Drying should be natural, at room temperature in a ventilated area.
It is better to use products manufactured by specialized institutions, but there are circumstances in which making your own insoles or other devices is the only way out. The prices for such products are usually quite high; not everyone can afford to buy them in pharmacies at market prices, so if you decide to make your own insoles, you must follow certain recommendations:
The creation of orthoses is possible only if you have certain equipment, as well as qualifications to engage in such activities. Experts strongly do not recommend trying to make braces from scrap materials in order to avoid worsening the disease.
You should also not make orthopedic insoles for a child. Children are unstable in the subjective concept of comfort, so the ability to adjust the roller to the arch of the foot correctly is practically impossible. When creating spur inserts, you should use only natural materials.
Orthopedic insoles for heel spurs, as well as heel supports and orthoses, are prescribed by a doctor taking into account medical history. Independent selection of products can lead to irreversible consequences or cause subsequent surgery. Orthopedic products have an effect on the treatment of fascia only if they are used in conjunction with more traditional methods of therapy - ointments, medications, physical exercises.