Insoles

Insoles

An insole is an orthopaedic device which fits under the foot and inside a shoe, to offer support to the wearer's foot. They are often made from materials such as EVA, Silicone, Rubber or Thermoplastic - they come in many different shapes, sizes and colours depending on the user's specific needs.

Insoles can have a significant impact on the way forces are distributed in the foot during standing, walking and running. Your child may benefit from using an insole to offer their foot additional support - with the aim of holding it in a more biomechanically efficient position while they are going about their daily activities. Their insoles will cater to their specific needs, and utilise biomechanical principles to improve their gait and comfort.

Insoles can be used to treat a wide variety of problems - helping with pain management, increasing support, correcting foot posture and redistributing the forces going through the foot.

What kind of issues can insoles help children with?

• Back, Hip and/or Knee pain

Pain in the back, hips and knees can often be caused by compensatory strain that comes from walking on feet that are out of alignment, because if the foot is out of line - this drives the rest of the body to follow suit. Insoles can realign the foot, protecting the body from unnecessary strain from the ground up.

• Lower limb injury

Insoles can provide extra cushioning and support to your child’s foot after a lower limb injury, re-distributing the pressures in the foot and cushioning every step- relieving pain and allowing the foot to heal.

• Excessive Pronation or Supination

Pronation (the foot rolling inwards) and Supination (the foot rolling outwards) are natural movements of the foot during the gait cycle, however - if your child has too much of either of these movements, it can cause strain on the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Insoles can counteract these forces and reduce the strain placed on the body.

• Foot and ankle deformity

Insoles can act as a cradle for the foot, redistributing areas of high pressure, cushioning it and supporting it to allow for a more comfortable walking experience for those with a foot or ankle deformity.

• Pain in a specific area of the foot

Many children experience localised pain in certain areas of their feet at some point in their childhood, these aches and pains can be mitigated through modifications and adjustments to their insole prescription to relieve pressure on painful areas of the foot.

• Leg length discrepancy

Certain leg length discrepancies can be mitigated through the use of an insole on one side, in most cases we can accommodate limb differences of up to 1.5 cm inside the shoe itself - if your child has a discrepancy longer than this, we can also split the raise between the inside and outside of the shoe - giving them the most cosmetic footwear options available on the market.

• Foot or ankle instability caused by hypermobility

If your child frequently trips and falls, this may be a sign of instability caused by hypermobility of the ankle or foot. Hypermobility can make it harder to be in command of your movements when walking, opening up your range of motion to above normal ranges, which in turn puts your anatomical structures under more stress. An insole can help protect your child by helping them to better control their feet and ankles by reducing unwanted movements.

• Sever's disease

If your child has the painful symptoms associated with Sever’s disease, they could benefit greatly from an insole to cushion their heels when walking.

• Flat feet

Your child might benefit from an insole if your child has flat feet - a condition that leaves the foot with no, or a lower than usual, arch on the inside edge of the soles of the feet. Flat feet can cause all sorts of aches and pains in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

If you are concerned that your child displays any of the above indications, or any other symptoms relating to the foot and ankle, and would like to learn more about organising an assessment appointment with one of our experienced Orthotists please do not hesitate to contact us on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@orthotics.co.uk.

Benefits of insoles

What types of insoles do Children’s Orthotics provide?

At Children’s Orthotics, we can provide a range of top quality ‘off the shelf’ insoles, or if your child needs more personalised support - we can provide custom made insoles which are totally bespoke to your child's anatomical and biomechanical needs.

What materials could my child’s insoles be made from?

Insoles can be made from many different types of materials, which can impact and improve the insoles function and comfort. Some examples of what your childs’ insoles may be made from include:

• EVA

EVA is a material with a closed cell structure - this means that sweat and water can’t soak in, making it a hygienic choice with great cushioning properties and a resistant nature.

• Carbon fibre

Carbon fibre is a flexible, yet tough material with some energy returning properties - perfect for when your child needs a little boost. Due to its strength,Carbon fibre insoles can also be used to reduce tiptoe walking in certain circumstances.

• 3D printed materials

Recent innovation in the field of 3D printing has led to some exciting developments in the orthotic industry, 3D printing allows for total customisation, repeatability and super durable devices.

• Silicones

Silicone has excellent anti-shear properties, making it a great choice for those children who are prone to blistering or at risk of complications from skin breakdown, such as diabetic children, it’s also fantastic for impact absorption.

• Gel

Much like silicone, gel insoles have fantastic energy absorbing properties - gel insoles tend to be a simple, yet very effective way to relieve certain presentations.

What will happen at my child’s assessment appointment?

At your child’s assessment appointment our orthotist will accurately assess your child’s condition to establish the correct orthotic insole for your child’s needs. This assessment will involve discussing your child’s symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Their walking will be observed and a full range of motion plus muscle power tests undertaken. The orthotist will then take this opportunity to take any casts or measurements they may need to order your child’s orthotic insoles.

What will happen at my childs Fitting appointment?

Once the insoles are ready, your child will be booked in for a fitting appointment. At this appointment the Orthotist will check that the insoles are a perfect fit for your child's feet, then they will fit the insoles into your child's shoes. Your orthotist will also advise you and your child of how best to wear-in their orthotics.

What kind of shoes should I bring to my child’s fitting appointment?

It is important that you bring appropriate shoes to the fitting appointment, the best type of shoes to bring are ones that your child wears often and finds comfortable. If in doubt you’re more than welcome to bring more than one pair so that the orthotist can advise which pair would be best to fit the insoles. In order to ensure the best possible longevity for your child’s insoles, please ensure that your child has adequate room in their footwear to accommodate for some growth.

Please note the insoles cannot be fitted into sandals, sliders or backless shoes.

How can I get my child booked in with Childrens.orthotics.co.uk

The first step towards getting your child’s treatment underway is to contact us at Children’s orthotics to get booked in for an assessment appointment. The best way to do this is to book online here, or to call us on 0330 088 3949 to speak to one of our friendly customer service advisors. Alternatively you can complete the form below, and one of our staff will contact you with information and pricings.