What are the Benefits of Wearing Insoles?

Insoles provide arch support. Your arches have a tough job. They're tasked with absorbing tons of downward pressure every single day. Over time all the stress and strain can become too much and the posterior tibial tendon gives way . The result: fallen arches. But it doesn't have to be. A good pair of insoles with robust arch support can prevent your arches from collapsing over time and ensure your feet can continue to function the way evolution intended.

Insoles prevent foot problems. Most people take their feet for granted until there’s a problem. Then it's often too late to reverse the damage and they need to figure out a way to live with the new, compromised reality. But why wait until chronic foot problems rear their ugly head to do something? Using insoles now, when your feet are still healthy, will go a long way toward ensuring they stay that way.

Insoles may prevent shin splints. Often times when people decide to turn over a new leaf and begin exercising they overdo it. Shin splints are a common result of this type of over-enthusiasm. Shin splints are tiny tears that develop in the bone and muscle tissue of the lower leg. They typically befall older folks and they can be very painful. Wearing insoles can help prevent shin splints. Or, if you already suffer from them, insoles can alleviate much of the pain and discomfort.

Insoles provide cascading benefits. In the words of the old spiritual song “the toe bone's connected to the foot bone, the foot bone's connected to the heel bone, the heel bone's connected to the ankle bone etc.” Why are we bringing this up? Because it points to the fact that the bones of the foot, leg and back are connected. As such, what's good for your feet (insoles) will also be good for you legs, hips, back and more.

Insoles are good for your shoes. Insoles are not just good for your physical self, they're also good for your shoes. They absorb massive amounts of pressure that would otherwise be brought to bear directly on your shoes. By putting themselves in between the relentless downward forces of you body and your expensive footwear, they enable your shoes to last longer than they otherwise would.

Insoles may reduce the need for painkillers. Conditions like fallen arches, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can be painful and debilitating. To deal with the pain many people resort to over the counter painkillers. The good news is that may not be necessary. The right insoles can alleviate much of the pain from those conditions and enable you to wean yourself off of NSAIDs or other types of painkillers.

Insoles help your feet loosen up. People who work on their feet often experience a tightening of the muscles in the ankle joint, arch, the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) and toes. This can turn even simple movements that you used to take for granted into painful ordeals. Metatarsalgia  in particular can be very painful and lead to swelling that causes even more pain and stiffness. By absorbing much of the pressure generated by walking, running and standing, insoles prevent your feet from stiffening up.

Insoles are simple and effective. Problems with the feet and the joints of the legs can require expensive surgeries and months of arduous physical therapy. But if you start wearing high-quality insoles now there is a good chance you will be able to prevent things like plantar fasciitis, ankle tendonitis, ruptured Achilles tendons, stress fractures of the foot and more. Insoles are a common sense solution that's often hiding in plain sight.

Insoles may prevent Morton’s Neuroma. Morton's Neuroma  is a painful condition that's the result of tissue accumulating around the nerve between the third and fourth toes. While the condition is not life-threatening it can produce significant discomfort or a burning sensation while you walk or run. Insoles, particularly padded insoles, can prevent neuroma from developing. Or, if you already have neuroma, they can alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Insoles enhance endurance. Fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and other conditions can be a drain on energy. After just a short time on your feet you are likely to tire of enduring the discomfort. Insoles can help. Good insoles can reduce pain and stiffness and help restore range of motion so that you walk more naturally and tire less easily. Getting back on your feet will pay cardiovascular dividends too, and help restore strength and stamina to your legs.

Insoles are affordable. It can cost thousands of dollars to surgically repair a torn Achilles. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or ankle tendonitis and do not have insurance that will cover physical therapy that therapy can cost up to $150 per session . On the other hand, for about the cost of a large pizza you can get some high-quality insoles that can prevent these foot problems from ever arising.