The Truth About Orthotics

There are a lot of orthotic devices available in the market today. Examples are Sof Sole, Spenco, and Dr. Scholl’s shoe insoles. They all help to protect your feet during hard work. The misconception is that only athletes and sports buffs should wear shoe inserts. Anyone concerned with their foot health can wear these orthotic devices. Those with foot injuries may also be required to wear them.

What you don’t know is that every step you take, whether you are walking or running, has a great impact on your foot. The shock your foot gets every time it lands is absorbed by your heels and transferred to the bones and muscles. The cumulative effects of this stress could affect the health of your feet, ankles, and legs. Foot protection in the form of shoe insoles have been designed to limit the amount of force your feet receives.

Manufacturers of shoe insoles have come up with different types of materials, but they all want one thing. In the case of Sof Men’s Air Insoles, you get air cushion under your foot. The insole protects you from impacts on hard concrete. Some insoles contain gel instead of air. There are also those that are loaded with other features. The Sof Sole Hike CoolMax, for instance, has moisture-control ability. Athletes have sweaty feet. The moisture accumulation inside the shoes can lead to smelly feet or athlete’s foot. Insoles with moisture-control abilities can limit the growth of microorganisms inside your shoes. This is on top of their impact-absorption feature.

If you have shoe insoles, you probably have figured out that you need to replace them after some time. Replacing your orthotics is important for optimum comfort and protection. There are different indications that will tell you when you have to replace your orthotic insoles or inserts. One is when they don’t fit properly. Insoles that don’t fit well are inefficient and can cause discomfort. If your orthotics are causing you discomfort, you have to return them. If they are already old, they are probably worn out. See if the plastic shell has shown deterioration.

Quality orthotics can last for more than one year, and many can last for 5 long years. The lifespan of an orthotic insole depends on the material it’s made of and how often you use it. Hard plastic insoles are more durable than the soft ones, lasting for 3-5 years. Soft plastic or foam orthotics may only last for a year. As mentioned, your lifestyle affects the life of your orthotic insoles. Your shoe inserts can last for more than three years if you are an average walker. Athletes will have to replace their inserts every year.

You also need to see your orthopedist or podiatrist if you are suffering from foot pain and discomfort. If you have already replaced your insoles and you still experience discomfort, you probably bought the wrong ones. Pregnant women should see an orthopedist to get advice on fitting shoe insoles. Orthotic adjustments are necessary during and after pregnancy. Having the right size improve gait and reduce likelihood of slipping and falling.

It has been mentioned earlier that you should check your shoe inserts for any signs of wearing. Another thing that you should also consider is the areas where most of it has been worn out. Uneven wear means that a region on your foot is exerting more pressure. This may also be seen on the soles of your shoes. This means you need specific—not generic—orthotic devices.