Foot orthotics

Foot orthotics are instruments between a splint and an orthotic. orthopedic insoles. They are used to correct foot defects by improving the wearer's gait. They come in different categories and can be worn in a variety of ways. They are very useful for correcting a gait, treating a plantar disease or alleviating foot problems. pain. SmartFeet is one of the market leaders in foot orthotics, offering a range of products at affordable prices, with a focus on premium quality.

For which illnesses should an orthotic be used?

Foot orthotics are effective for many conditions, even those you might not expect. In addition to plantar diseasesthe orthosis can provide relief for diabetics. This disease affects nerves and arteries, causing lesions. Plantar orthoses help prevent the formation of wounds. 

However, they are optimized to treat specific plantar diseases, of which the following are the main ones:

• Calcaneal spur: the main symptom of this condition is the appearance of a bony point under the heel. This spur causes severe pain and is very disabling in everyday life. A plantar orthosis helps tocushion the shock of walking
• Hallux Valgus Hallux valgus: this disease deforms the big toe joint, usually resulting in a protrusion and, above all, unbearable pain. A foot orthosis will help relieve and limit the deformity.
• Hammer toe, claw toe or mallet toe: this condition causes deformity of the toes. In the case of hammer toes, the joint is subjected to friction. Claw toes are synonymous with the formation of corns on the joint, while mallet toes are characterized by a change in the shape of the nail. A orthosis corrects toe positionto limit friction and the formation of corns. In addition, pain is greatly reduced.
• Tendinopathy of the Achilles heel or Achilles tendon: this ailment often applies to athletes, but not only. Indeed, running can cause tendonitis, greatly handicapping walking through unbearable pain. However, other pathologies can also cause tendonitis, such as sunken feet. The use of foot orthotics limits the risk of tendonitis. tension in the heel area, providing relief for the sufferer.
• Hollow feet: Hollow feet, as the name implies, have an arched, very rigid shape, forming a significant hollow in the arch of the foot. This can lead to complicationssuch as corns or claw toes. When foot orthotics are fitted, the weight acting on the foot is distributed evenly over its entire surface. As a result, the corns are reduced, as is the toe. stress of the affected areas.

You can also use foot orthotics for other conditions. These include metatarsalgia or unequal leg length. SmartFeet will provide you with quality foot orthotics for a variety of conditions.

What's the difference between an orthosis and a splint?

A foot orthosis should not be confused with a splint. Although they have some points in common, they are both very different. different.

An orthosis compensates an absence or deficit. Its function is toassist a structure (in this case, the bones and joints of the foot) or a muscle. Like the plantar orthosis for tendonitis, orthoses help to stabilize a segment of the body while it rehabilitates or rests. 

Splints are used to support part of a limb. Instead of compensating, they simply maintain a joint. They are also used in the event of trauma, such as a fall or blow. As you can see, splints are only worn temporarily and does not restore the person using it. Orthoses, on the other hand, help with correction.

How do I use a foot orthosis?

A foot orthosis can take many forms. So there's no one-size-fits-all guide to wearing one. Nevertheless, they are no longer as disabling as they once were. In fact, the industry has developed a range of models that are more comfortable to wear. ergonomic that promise unrivalled comfort.

Of course, there's a certain amount of risk involved. adjustment periodduring which slight discomfort will be experienced. This is due to the adaptation of the foot and legs to a new gait. During this period, you should not engage in any sporting activity involving your feet. The adaptation phase lasts approximately two weeks. It's important to wear them gradually, first one hour a day, then two, followed by exercises, and so on.

After these two weeks, the discomfort associated with foot orthoses should have disappeared, or almost. Don't expect to see convincing results in the first few days. In general, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to see any noticeable improvement. progress in pain relief.

There are a number of habits you should adopt when wearing foot orthotics. Without them, your treatment will be less effective and your orthotics will not last.

You need to :

• Clean them frequently, without immersing them in water. To do this, use a soaked cloth and soap.
• Remove them at the end of the day and let them dry. This prevents the formation of bacteria.
• Clean your shoes before placing your insoles.
• Avoid leaving them near a source of heat. This could affect their effects and worsen your plantar situation.

As for comfort, they may give off a strong odor (especially if you don't ventilate them enough). It's not harmful to spray an anti-odour product on them.

The difference between a foot orthosis and an orthopedic insole

The orthopedic insoles and foot orthotics are often confused. You might think that an orthopedic insole is a foot orthosis and vice versa. The truth, however, is quite different. It's true that orthopedic insoles are plantar orthoses, but the reverse is not necessarily true. The term "foot orthosis" is not restricted to orthopedic insoles.

Any tool to compensate for an absence of the foot can be called a "plantar orthosis". This can refer to many devices other than orthotics. For example, half-soles are not orthopedic insoles, but are part of the orthosis category. The same applies to devices placed in the hollow of the foot, attached to the heel or big toe.

How to choose the right foot orthotics?

If you want to buy a night-time or daytime foot orthosis, it's because you have pain to alleviate or an illness to treat. treat/correct. The first step is to find the rightorigin of your ailments: diabetes can be the cause of foot sores and lesions. To do this, you need to adopt a pair ofheel orthosesto relieve the nerves. Once you've defined your illness or pain, you can choose your pair of orthotics. Don't hesitate to ask the advice of a health professional, such as a podiatrist, to choose a model suited to your condition. 

The choice of foot orthotics also depends on other factors, such as the condition for which they are needed, the shape and size of your feet, and your level of activity. They can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, plastic and silicone. Choose a material that is breathable and comfortable for you, and that meets your specific needs. If you have flat, hollow, narrow or wide feet, choose foot orthotics that match the shape of your feet for a better fit and effective support. If you're very active, choose insoles that offer extra support and impact protection. Foot orthotics for athletic shoes are often stiffer and offer better cushioning. 

Foot orthotics can be purchased in pharmacies, stores or on the Internet. And more, SmartFeet offers youa range of orthotics, from those to correct Hallux Valgus to those to relieve Morton's syndrome, plantar fasciitis. We also offer orthotics to protect the arch of the foot, correct claw toes and flat feet. Thanks to this premium range range, you'll find real relief for your ailments, no matter how powerful or diverse they may be. Please note that the purchase of foot orthotics may be partially reimbursed by health insurance and/or social security.