Orthotic footbeds

25% of the bones in your body are in your feet - that’s 26 bones in each foot. How these bones move in relation to each other when walking or running has a major effect on comfort, balance, posture and long-term foot health.

What are they and how do they work?
Orthotic footbeds take the place of the normal foam footbeds or insoles that come with most outdoor footwear. Their main function is to increase comfort and reduce fatigue, although they are also very effective at preventing, correcting and alleviating many foot, ankle, knee, hip and even back problems. This is achieved by properly aligning and supporting the structure of the foot and ankle, as opposed to just putting something ‘nice and soft’ underneath the foot. By providing this improved alignment and support, the natural functioning of the foot can work as effectively as possible. If standard insoles are compared to car seats, then orthotics would be the equivalent of racing car seats – apparently not as comfortable, because they are not all soft and squashy, but ultimately far more comfortable, because they provide proper long-term support. Most walkers, runners, backpackers, trekkers, climbers, mountaineers, skiers, and anyone else who spends a lot of time on their feet will benefit from using orthotic footbeds.

What are their benefits?
• Greater comfort – the natural, ‘built-in’ shock-absorbing structures of the foot are enabled to work as effectively as possible. Bones move in relation to each other as efficiently as possible.
• Less fatigue – you can walk, run or climb further, for longer.
• Prevention, correction and alleviation of foot, ankle, knee, hip and even back problems - including excessive pronation (flat feet) or supernation, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.
• Improved balance – by creating a more stable platform for your feet.
• Improved footwear fit - by stabilising the foot within the boot or shoe.

What are their drawbacks?
• Cost – anywhere from £30 for off-the-shelf products, to over £150 for custom made devices.
• Comfort is not 'instant' - if you are unused to orthotics, they will at first feel very uncomfortable. It usually takes a couple of weeks, using them for an hour or so a day, to get used to using them.

How do I find out more?

[ www.yoursole.co.uk ] [ www.theorthoticgroup.com ]

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