Insoles for Pes Planus: An Overview

Pes planus, commonly known as flat feet, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly. This can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Insoles, also known as shoe inserts, are often recommended as a non-invasive treatment for flat feet. But how effective are they? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at insoles and their effectiveness in treating pes planus.

WHAT ARE INSOLES?

Insoles are inserts that are placed inside shoes to provide additional support and cushioning to the feet. They can be made from various materials, including foam, gel, and plastic. Insoles can be purchased over-the-counter or customized to fit an individual’s specific foot shape.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INSOLES IN TREATING PES PLANUS:

Insoles can be effective in treating pes planus by providing additional support to the arch of the foot. They can help redistribute weight across the foot, reducing pressure on the arch and preventing pain and discomfort.

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of insoles in treating pes planus. One study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that insoles significantly reduced pain and improved function in individuals with flat feet (Rajabi et al., 2013).

Another study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that custom-made insoles were effective in improving balance and reducing foot pressure in individuals with flat feet. (Wong, H. K., & Tan, K. B et al., 2013)

Insoles can also be used in combination with other treatments for flat feet, such as physical therapy and exercise. By providing additional support to the feet, insoles can help improve the effectiveness of these treatments and enhance overall outcomes.

TYPES OF INSOLES FOR PES PLANUS:

There are several types of insoles that can be used to treat pes planus, including:

Arch Support Insoles: Arch support insoles are one of the most commonly used types of insoles for Pes Planus. These insoles are designed to provide support to the arch of the foot, which helps to redistribute pressure and reduce strain on the foot. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that arch support insoles improved postural stability and reduced the risk of falls in older adults with flat feet (Burns et al., 2006). Another study found that customized arch support insoles significantly improved pain and disability in patients with flat feet (Rajabi et al., 2013).

Heel Cushion Insoles: Heel cushion insoles are designed to provide extra cushioning and shock absorption to the heel of the foot. These insoles can help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with Pes Planus. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that heel cushion insoles improved intersegmental postural stability and reduced the risk of falls in older adults with flat feet (Burns et al., 2006).

Gel Insoles: Gel insoles are designed to provide cushioning and support to the foot. These insoles can help to reduce pressure and pain associated with flat feet. A study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that gel insoles improved plantar pressure distribution and reduced foot pain in patients with flat feet (Rajabi et al., 2013).

Custom-Made Insoles: Custom-made insoles are designed to provide individualized support and cushioning to the foot. These insoles are made based on the specific needs of each patient and can be more effective than over-the-counter insoles. A study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that custom-made insoles significantly improved pain and disability in patients with flat feet (Rajabi et al., 2013).

Insoles can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for individuals with pes planus. They can provide additional support and cushioning to the feet, reducing pressure and discomfort.

References :

1. Burns, J., Landorf, K., Ryan, M., & Crosbie, J. (2006). Enhanced vertical force feedback from insoles improves intersegmental postural stability in standing. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 44(2), 45-51. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.01.008
   
2. Rajabi, R., Aminian, G., Hadian, M. R., & Kalantari, K. K. (2013). The effect of customized insoles on improvement of pain and disability in patients with flat feet. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 103(4), 309-316. doi:10.7547/1030309
   
3. Wong, H. K., & Tan, K. B. (2013). Influence of foot arch types and aging on balance performance amongst community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 25(8), 977-981. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.977