The mechanism of action of orthopedic insoles is to provide corrective support based on the anatomical structure of the foot and ankle, aiming to restore the body’s biomechanical alignment. Orthopedic insoles are not like ordinary shoe inserts for warmth or odor control that you make yourself. They are similar to wearing glasses after being diagnosed with nearsightedness, as they help your feet return to the proper position, reducing body pressure and preventing injuries.
Orthopedic insoles can help establish an optimal distribution of plantar pressure. Under the effect of gravity, when the foot comes into contact with the ground. There is normal distribution of plantar pressure. Prolonged abnormal alignment of the body can cause an uneven distribution of plantar pressure, leading to discomfort in the feet. Possible symptoms include foot pain, bunions, supination (outward rolling of the foot), and even conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and medial knee pain.
1. Provides proper support to the foot arch
Flat feet can lead to injuries such as shin splints, toe deformities, and Achilles tendonitis, increasing the risk of overuse injuries to the foot arch. Orthopedic insoles can provide external support to the foot arch, allowing even distribution of pressure on the forefoot and heel while standing and walking, effectively supporting the body’s weight.
High arches are characterized by increased rigidity of the foot, excessive flexion of the first metatarsal, and excessive rearfoot supination. Which can result in metatarsalgia and ankle sprains. Orthopedic insoles can provide external support to the medial side of the forefoot and the heel, reducing excessive localized pressure. Additionally, the special elastic material of the insoles can increase the rearfoot’s elasticity and enhance foot flexibility.
2. Disperses pressure on the forefoot
Bunion, a common symptom in the forefoot, is caused by excessive inward rotation of the first metatarsal around the tarsometatarsal joint, leading to subluxation and inflammation on the lateral side of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Orthopedic insoles can modify the pressure on both sides of the big toe, alter foot deformities and force distribution, allowing the big toe to be in its normal anatomical position, thereby reducing pain and deformity symptoms.
3. Improves rearfoot mechanics
Abnormalities in the calcaneus can disrupt the stability of the subtalar joint and can lead to ankle osteoarthritis.
4. Improves plantar skin and proprioception
The foot has two types of receptors, external receptors that perceive surface stimuli on the sole, such as pressure, touch, and temperature, and proprioceptors that mainly receive stimuli from deep tissues, including bones, muscles, joint capsules, ligaments, and plantar fascia.
Orthopedic insoles not only provide sensory stimulation to the foot skin and proprioception but also relieve ankle joint burdens, improve lower limb biomechanics, enhance body balance, and improve gait stability during walking.
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