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July 27, 2010
Latest News
 An estimated 20-30% of the population suffers from
foot conditions such as flat feet or fallen arches. Below,
Dr. Daniel L. Wiernik, D.P.M of
Orlando Orthopaedic Center answers the more common questions he hears regarding
foot health and choosing the right insoles.
Q: What’s the
purpose of an insole? What should I know above all else when choosing an
insole?
A: Insoles
aid in controlling the way your foot functions. They can provide added support
and protection for your feet, as well as increase comfort by accommodating the
shape of your foot. When choosing an
insole, the most important thing to keep in mind is type of arch your foot has,
low or high. Above all, they should feel
very comfortable and supportive to you when you try them on.
Q: How can I tell if the insole I’m using is working? Is
it possible it might make me feel better but be causing damage?
A: You’ll
know your insole is a good match for you if you feel relief or improvement in
your condition. Your insole wouldn’t cause you damage without you
noticing. If your insole was causing
damage, you would feel your condition getting worse.
Q: What are the different types of insoles I should use for conditions
like flat feet, low arches, and high arches? Also, what’s the difference
between a full-length and a ¾ length insole?
A: Flat
feet to medium-arch conditions benefit from more rigid inserts that will help your
foot with control. I would recommend more flexible orthotics with more
cushion for high arches. A ¾ length
insole is used more commonly to help control your foot. Full length insoles have additional padding in
the forefoot and can be modified to help specific forefoot conditions.
Q: What are the most common foot injuries you see and
how do they occur?
A: Heel pain is one of the most common
injuries I see, sometimes called Heel Spur Syndrome. This is an overuse condition
commonly found in people who are becoming more active and may be carrying a
little too much weight and wearing non-supportive shoes.
Appropriate treatment
would be a lot of calf stretching and choosing a good walking athletic shoe
with arch support. If pain continues you may want to seek consultation for
X-rays to rule out underlying stress reactions.
To learn more, consult with your physician
during your appointment or call the front office at 407.254.2500. |