Slimflex Orthotic Insoles
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Foot Orthotics and Insoles
Algeos offers an extensive range of Foot Orthotics and Insoles designed to provide optimal support, comfort and relief for a variety of foot conditions.
Our range includes, arch support insoles, diabetic insoles, semi-bespoke, cushioning insoles, professional foot orthotics and everyday foot insoles for plantar fasciitis. We also offer the UK's leading medical insoles brands including: Slimflex, Interpod, Podotech and Diaped. 60% of Algeos insole range is available through the NHS.
All of our products are fitted daily by high street Podiatrists, Physios, Chiropractors and other lower-limb realted healthcare professionals.
Foot Orthotic selection guide for healthcare professionals
Foot Orthotic Prescription
Foot orthotics are a cornerstone of conservative management for various foot-related conditions. Their prescription is rooted in biomechanical theory, kinematic analysis and tissue stress reduction. These principles ensure that the selected foot orthotics address patient-specific pathologies while optimising functional outcomes.
The main therapeutic objectives of foot orthotics include:
- Redistribution of Plantar Pressures: To alleviate high-pressure zones under the foot, reducing the risk of ulceration, pain, and tissue damage.
- Alignment Correction: Realigning the foot and lower limb to optimise gait mechanics and reduce compensatory movements.
- Neuromuscular Feedback: Enhancing proprioception and gait control by stimulating mechanoreceptors in the foot.
- Shock Absorption: Mitigating impact forces during dynamic activities such as running or jumping to reduce joint loading.
- Fatigue Reduction: By improving biomechanical efficiency, foot orthotics can decrease muscular effort and enhance endurance during physical activities.
Foot Orthotic Selection
1. Comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment
An in-depth patient assessment is the foundation for selecting an appropriate foot orthotic. This should include:
- Dynamic Gait Analysis: Evaluate the patient’s gait cycle using pressure mapping systems or video motion capture to identify asymmetries, overpronation, or excessive supination.
- Foot Morphology: Assess structural characteristics such as pes planus (flat feet), pes cavus (high arches), or hallux valgus (bunions).
- Functional Demands: Understand the patient’s activity profile, from sedentary lifestyles to high-performance sports - to tailor the foot orthotic design.
2. Material Science and Foot Orthotic Composition
The biomechanical properties of the materials used in foot orthotics significantly impact their clinical effectiveness. Key considerations include:
- Durometer (Hardness): Soft materials like EVA provide excellent cushioning but may lack the durability needed for high-demand use. Rigid materials such as polypropylene offer robust structural support for biomechanical correction.
- Elasticity and Memory: Memory foam enhances comfort by conforming to the foot’s shape but may not provide adequate corrective support.
- Moisture and Thermal Regulation: Advanced materials with moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties improve comfort and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
3. Design Parameters
Foot orthotic designs should be based on anatomical and biomechanical principles to achieve optimal outcomes:
- Arch Profiles: Ensure the medial arch support is appropriately contoured to prevent overpronation or accommodate high arches.
- Metatarsal Pads: Strategically elevate the transverse arch to alleviate forefoot pain, such as metatarsalgia.
- Heel Cup Geometry: Deep heel cups stabilise the subtalar joint and provide rearfoot control, reducing excessive eversion or inversion.
Advanced Implementation Strategies
1. Trial and Adaptation Period
Introduce a trial period where the patient’s response to the prescribed foot orthotic is closely monitored. Adjustments should be informed by:
- Subjective Feedback: Evaluate pain reduction, perceived comfort, and gait improvements reported by the patient.
- Objective Data: Use tools such as plantar pressure analysis or video gait assessments to confirm biomechanical improvements.
2. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care
Foot orthotic therapy often benefits from a multidisciplinary approach:
- Podiatrists: Focus on foot-specific conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bunions.
- Physiotherapists: Integrate foot orthotics into broader rehabilitation strategies to improve lower limb kinematics.
- Orthotists: Collaborate to design complex orthotic solutions for structural deformities.
3. Patient Education and Compliance
Educating patients about their prescribed foot orthotics is essential to ensure compliance. Key areas to address include:
- Biomechanical Benefits: Explain how the foot orthotic improves alignment and reduces stress on joints and soft tissues.
- Wearing Schedule: Gradual adaptation is recommended to prevent initial discomfort or irritation.
- Maintenance: Provide instructions on cleaning and replacing foot orthotics to ensure durability and hygiene.
The prescription of foot orthotics requires a blend of clinical expertise, biomechanical knowledge, and patient-specific considerations. By leveraging advanced materials, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare professionals can optimise patient outcomes, addressing both functional and quality-of-life concerns effectively.
Foot Orthotics explained and why you might need them - a patient's guide
"Orthotics are not a magic bullet; they are a tool that can help to optimize an individual's biomechanics, depending on their specific needs and conditions." Dr. Benno M. Nigg - Biomechanics of Sports Shoes 2010
What are Orthotics?
Foot Orthotics are special inserts for shoes. They help support the arch of the foot. They also help with foot alignment and make walking more comfortable. They can prevent or treat problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation (when feet roll outwards).
Foot care specialists such as Podiatrists can make orthotics to fit a person's foot shape and needs. They are also available in pre-made versions for common foot problems. By redistributing pressure and providing cushioning, they enhance overall foot function and improve comfort during daily activities.
Who needs Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics can help many people. The insoles are especially useful for those with foot, leg, or lower back pain. Poor foot alignment or movement issues often cause this pain. People with flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, or overpronation can often feel better with orthotics.
Additionally, athletes and active individuals can benefit significantly from orthotics. They provide the necessary support during high-impact activities, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance. People who stand for long hours, like nurses, teachers, or retail workers can benefit by using these insoles.
Not everyone needs orthotics, which is important to note. Some individuals may have naturally well-aligned feet and do not experience any pain or discomfort. However, if you frequently experience foot pain or discomfort, it may be worth consulting a foot care specialist. They can check your foot shape and walking style to see if orthotic insoles are right for you.
How do I choose the correct insoles?
Consider factors such as your specific foot condition (see below), activity level, and personal comfort preferences. Custom-made orthotics, while often more expensive, can provide tailored support that addresses your unique needs. On the other hand, pre-made options can be a more affordable and convenient choice for those with common foot issues.
These insoles can be a valuable tool for improving foot health and overall well-being. By offering the right support and cushioning, they can reduce pain, improve comfort, and help foot function for many people.
What insoles do Podiatrists recommend in the UK?
UK NHS podiatrists often recommend Slimflex insoles for their affordability and effectiveness, alongside prefabricated orthotics options like those from Interpod or Diaped for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and neuropathic feet.
What foot problems can these insoles help with?
Insoles can help with a variety of foot problems, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Reducing strain on the plantar fascia to alleviate heel pain.
- Flat Feet: Providing arch support to improve foot alignment and prevent discomfort.
- Foot Stability: Correcting excessive inward foot rolling, reducing stress on the ankles and knees.
- Bunions: Offering cushioning and support to relieve pressure on an enlarged big toe joint.
- High Arches: Distributing weight more evenly to provide pain relief and pressure points.
- Heel Spurs: Cushioning the heel to reduce pain caused by bony growths.
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How do I know if I have flat feet?
You can determine if you have flat feet through a few simple methods:
- Wet Foot Test: Wet your foot and step onto a piece of paper. If you see a complete footprint with little or no curve on the inside, you may have flat feet.
- Arch Observation: Stand on tiptoes or examine your foot's arch while standing. If your arch flattens or disappears entirely, this could indicate flat feet.
- Symptoms: Common signs include foot pain, especially in the arch or heel, and shoes wearing out unevenly.
If you're unsure, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Below is list of foot problem symptoms and the potential causes that they may diagnose:
| Symptom | Possible Condition | Cure/Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Pain in the heel | Plantar Fasciitis | Use insoles, stretching exercises, ice therapy, supportive shoes |
| Pain in the ball of the foot | Metatarsalgia | Wear cushioned insoles, rest, avoid high heels, use metatarsal pads |
| Arch pain | Flat Feet, High Arches | Supportive orthotics, strengthening exercises, proper footwear |
| Pain on the outer edge of the foot | Overpronation, Supination | Foot Orthotics, shoes with good arch support, physical therapy |
| Big toe joint pain | Bunions | Wear wide-toe box shoes, use bunion pads, consider orthotics, surgery for severe cases |
| Tingling or numbness | Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome | Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, orthotics, possible surgery |
| Pain in the toes | Morton’s Neuroma | Use metatarsal pads, wear wide shoes, corticosteroid injections, possible surgery |
*This table presents foot pain symptoms, the possible conditions associated with them, and suggested cures or preventive measures.
How do high arches effect your feet?
High arches or cavus feet, can cause problems because your body weight is not spread evenly across your feet. This can cause:
- Increased Pressure: High arches concentrate pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, leading to pain, calluses, and discomfort.
- Posture and Balance: The lack of contact with the ground can reduce stability - making you more prone to ankle sprains.
- Foot Pain: You might feel pain in the arch, heel or ball of your foot. This often happens after standing or being active for a long time.
You can often manage these effects with supportive shoes or foot orthotics. These help spread pressure evenly on your foot.
Summary
Foot Orthotics or Orthotic Insoles are a practical solution for many people dealing with foot pain or discomfort. These specialised inserts are designed to fit inside your shoes, providing extra support where your feet need it most. For those with flat feet, orthotics can offer the arch support that’s lacking, helping to improve overall foot alignment and reduce the strain that flat feet can place on the rest of your body. This can be especially helpful in preventing or easing pain in the knees, hips, and lower back.
If you have high arches, these insoles can help by distributing your weight more evenly across your feet. High arches can cause too much pressure on the ball and heel of your foot, leading to pain and discomfort. With the right insoles, you can relieve some of that pressure and make walking or standing for long periods more comfortable.
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, is another condition that insoles can help manage. By providing the right amount of support and cushioning, these insoles can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of your foot, and help speed up recovery.
Orthotics are also useful for preventing and managing other foot issues like bunions, overpronation (where your foot rolls inward too much) and Morton’s neuroma (a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot).
Beyond specific medical conditions, these insoles are a great way to enhance overall comfort, especially for athletes, people who stand for long periods, or anyone looking for extra support in their daily footwear.
In short, Foot Orthotics can make a significant difference in how your feet feel, helping to alleviate pain, prevent injuries, and improve your overall foot health.
Further Reading
Preventing Foot Supination: A Guide
How to choose the correct Orthotic Insoles
Slimflex Orthotic Insoles Range Explained (2024)
Orthotic Insoles: A Guide to Relieving Sore Feet
Accessing Foot Orthotics from the NHS