Insert (orthopedics)
The insert (alternatively: foot insert or shoe insert, not footrest!) Is used for medical purposes. It is one of Orthopedics - shoemaker or orthotist made individually for each foot shapes.
First of all, a diagnosis must be made as to which malalignment is present ( splayfoot , buckle foot , flat foot , hollow foot , equinus foot ). Then an impression is taken of the feet ( plaster cast , again differentiated according to loaded, relieved, or blue cast for custom-made insoles).
Depending on the shape of the foot, a specific insert is used to achieve the desired purpose:
- Correction insoles (restoration of an original or desired state after relieving the plaster cast)
- Copy inserts (relief and even pressure distribution over the contact area, after a stressed plaster cast)
- Soft bedding ( cushioning and avoidance of pressure peaks, according to blue print )
Insoles differ greatly in terms of material, design and length. The materials used are (out of date :) aluminum , duralumin , wood , (currently :) carbon fiber reinforced plastic ("carbon"), stainless steel ("stainless steel"), thermoplastics , cork , foams , each (with the exception of stainless steel) with leather - or textile cover .
There are, among other things, rimless insoles , shell insoles , insoles with an outer edge on the heel or hallux valgus insoles or sensorimotor insoles for the respective treatment purpose . Depending on the corrective function, whether an increased supination or pronation of the forefoot or the heel is intended, a corresponding wedge is attached underneath for support.
The supply of insoles is generally divided into: conservative therapy (as passive support) or as sensorimotor or proprioceptive therapy (active therapy approach). The muscle tone regulation used in sensorimotor / proprioception is used to improve the static and axial misalignment that occurs in each case.
As alternative or adjuvant methods, foot gymnastics and barefoot running are available .
