Standard anatomical foot inserts are available in many sporting goods stores, supermarkets and drugstores. With advertising of the benefits and rest during the tread by cushioning the impact. What is the difference between this type of insoles and those made by a podiatrist?
Differences between templates
There are clear differences between the insoles that a podiatrist may make prior to a biomechanical study of the footprint and his physical examination of the foot. Custom-made insoles are unique and personalized for each patient depending on the type of footprint and problem to be treated. It is important to remember that feet are never the same. On the contrary, the insoles of sport stores or supermarkets have standard measurements, according to size and model, and are designed so that they can be applied to all people without anatomical alterations or asymmetries.
These standard insoles are not intended to correct, alleviate or compensate for foot pathologies. Those customized by a podiatrist, besides resting the foot, allow a redistribution of loads as well as correcting biomechanical alterations and other foot problems.
The price is a difference to be highlighted. While the supermarket ones can be found from 6 euros, those made to measure have a higher cost. This cost is explained by the fact that they are made to measure, after a study of the footprint and an examination by a foot professional or podiatrist.
For example, when a person has a vision problem, he or she has two options: to purchase inexpensive glasses at the pharmacy or, visit the ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination, explaining the problem and the necessary prescription. Based on this information, the optician can order glasses with the precise prescription, which logically has a much higher cost compared to pharmacy glasses.. Something similar happens with custom-made templates.
The materials used to make prefabricated (or supermarket) insoles are different from those made by the podiatrist. The custom-made ones are usually made of high quality thermoformable materials with specific properties for each case, for example, in diabetic patients.
In general, it can be stated that some patients respond very well with supermarket insoles, especially if they only require a little more comfort when fitting. Normally, these patients have a normal foot anatomy, without asymmetries or biomechanical problems.
The importance of customized templates
On the other hand, patients with different foot anatomy or asymmetries will need custom insoles. The use of custom insoles is especially important when the patient has a biomechanical problem, imbalances or simply requires a specific correction, for example to treat valgus foot or excessive pronation.
The time invested and higher cost of custom insoles is usually quickly recouped, with long-term improvement, better comfort and fewer visits to the specialist.
Article prepared by Clínica San Román
Date of publication: 23-01-2018
Date of revision: 3-02-2020
